Jaguar XJR
Good points: Drive train, exterior, seats, spectator reactions.
Needs improvement: Visibility, handling, gauges, cost, brake feel.
Anyone who drives this 390 horsepower Jaguar is going to think of that overused phrase, steel fist in a velvet glove. But this Jaguar is no ordinary glove. This one is color coordinated, with a soft lining, and leather trim. And, the steel has been replaced by aluminum. In other words, this may be a fast Jaguar, but it is foremost an elegant looking Jaguar that can melt the heart of lady folk and make stern men envious. Of course, all this comes at a price of $81,000 (US) nicely adorned with GPS, and 20-inch state-coach like wheels.
Mom's view
How do I love thee, let me count the ways. I know the Lexus LS is a better deal with more features and more room. I know the BMW 7 Series is better handling. I know the Infiniti Q45 has more gizmos. I know the Audi S8L has all wheel drive and more backseat room. And, I don't care. I want the Jaguar XJ and if it has the supercharged 4.2-liter engine just that much the better. You can tease me with a Mercedes and tempt me with a Porsche, but nothing says I love you better than a Jaguar leaper in your driveway and the keys in your purse. I believe I have made myself clear.
Okay, back to reality. Safety-wise all XJRs come standard with four-piston Brembo brakes, ABS, BrakeAssist and electronic stability, traction control, side-impact and head curtain airbags, front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and we had the optional rear-obstacle-detection system which worked exceptional well. The best I have ever used. The brakes are nearly as good as those in a BMW, but have a softer feel and sometimes feel grabby just before the car stops. Sort of like a Hyrid which uses the halting energy to regenerate its batteries or a Mercedes with the new anticipation braking option. I even found the steering feel soft, almost Lexus like. This removes this girl from the canyon runner category and places it firmly in grand touring territory, thankfully. I mean I don't even feel it is right for Jaguar to bring out a station wagon, which they apparently are going to do, because of the elegancy this new model exudes. If cornering is your forte go to the Jaguar S with the same engine and sharper reactions. Interestingly, this smaller Jaguar weighs slightly more and has a larger trunk and costs significantly less. To me, the S is also a good looking car, but the elegance is missing.