DRIVEN: Has The Jaguar XJ Arrived OR Are The 7, S, A8, Panamera Still The Leaders Of The Pack?

Very rarely do you find a glowing automotive review.

That's because auto writers tend to be the most picky individuals on the planet. Why? Because that's what we're paid to do. We're paid to drive an Audi R8 and after getting out of its awesomeness, we get out and say "Yeah, that fifth to sixth gear shift at 130 was awesome but don't you think its buttons are a bit, chintzy?"

Keeping this in mind, we want to know: is The Detroit News blowing up the 2011 Jaguar XJ OR is it a properly good car that should have the competition -- 7-Series, S-Class, A8, Panamera -- on its toes?

The 2011 Jaguar XJ's horn should sound like trumpets. The kind played when a king arrives or some other sort of royalty pops in for a visit.

Da-da-da-daaaaahhh! Sir XJ has arrived. (Of course, it would be knighted.)

The all-new sedan will now hoist the banner for the British brand owned by an Indian company that once denoted affluence, performance and countless repairs. Its once-rusted reputation now belongs in old repair manuals. The transformed brand has introduced a nearly flawless vehicle that wraps its passengers in a cocoon of luxury...

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Occarnut - 9/10/2010 6:58:03 AM

+2 Boost

While I have not looked at sales figures for the XJ the thing that I have noticed is that I have only seen two or maybe three of them on the road so far..and here in Orange County where any new car seems to be suddenly all over the place, like the Panamera is now, or the new 5 series..it is odd that I am not seeing the new XJ more. I have nothing against it..just odd that it is not the new "it" car.

JRobUSC - 9/10/2010 9:24:18 AM

+2 Boost

I haven't seen anything but glowing reviews of the car so far. About the only things people have griped about are the "fake" gauges (apparently no one minds this on the S-class but has a problem with it on the Jag for some reason), the GUI is glitchy/too slow, and the ride is stiffer than everyone elses. But overall the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive for the car, and the performance is unimpeachable. Kudos to Jag.

Yonder7 - 9/10/2010 9:35:41 AM

+4 Boost

It is weird..however the car is a winner...It is one of the best designs in the road right now.
In Fact In Design I will give a first place.
1 Jaguar XJ
2 MB S Class
3 Audi A8
4 BMW 7 Series
6 Equs
7 LS460

Now Remeber that is my personal opinion , not the rule and we are talking only about exterior....Interior is a different story.

Yonder7 - 9/10/2010 9:37:40 AM

+3 Boost

I dissmis Panamera, Rapide, A7, CLS or Grand Coupe couse for me that is another catergoy..

LACMAN - 9/10/2010 9:59:08 AM

+4 Boost

Other than the Rapide and Panamera, I would take this vehicle over all the above mentioned.

TauronB2G - 9/10/2010 10:45:45 AM

+3 Boost

I like the new Jag except for the gauges and that gearshift thing. Otherwise its really really nice in dark colors. There is a black Supercharged on the floor in my local dealership. Its noce but its loooong. Made me wonder if it would fit in the garage.

T

garysandiego - 9/10/2010 3:13:48 PM

+2 Boost

I also have noticed the lack of new XJs on the road. (But not surprizing here in San Diego as we lost our Jaguar dealer!) I have been up to LA to do a couple of test drives of the Supercharged version. I am sure it will be well received by any BMW or Audi driver, if they deign to give it a test drive. However, as a present Jag owner ('06 XJ Super V8), I sort of doubt current Jag owners will be anxious to ditch their present XJs to get this new car for two reasons. First, the ride at low speeds is harsh, comparatively speaking. We are not used to being bounced around when we hit pot holes or jiggled when crossing over frost heaves. While this feels similar to what I experience in my friend's BMWs and Audis, it's not what I expect from a big Jag. Second, the black light and rear side quater windows provide next to no rear visibility. Looking over your shoulder to check your blind spot is a futile gesture. (And I am not exaggerating here.) The new car does have a blind spot detector in the side mirrors, but it makes me nervous to think that I will have to rely on that alone before changing lanes.
Most times the first folks to buy a new iteration of a car are those satisfied existing customers of the mark. I love my Super V8, and I should have been first in line to get a new XJ Supersport. I won't be. I am going to wait for the refresh in 3 (?) years, in hopes that Jaguar installs a selectable ride feature, a la BMW, so I can keep my comfortable in town driving experience.