Are The Germans Making BETTER Jaguars Now Than Jaguar Itself?

OK,

I figured this will start some rants and raves, but here are a few comments. Build quality has so dramatically improved that a great interior can be found in many cars. I am 6'7", so what I drive is unfortunately decided solely by headroom, or more accurately which vehicle has the widest sunroof. I have been in a wide range of cars, I currently drive a dull but well built LS430...I've been in 750s, S Class, A8, and while the a8 has an amazing interior, it should for $85k. The one real surprise, SOLELY ON INITIAL QUALITY AND MATERIALS, is the Caddy XTS. Yes I know, front wheel drive, v6, polarizing and erratic styling, but quality of leather, quality of materials, just impressive. And I sat in a base model, no options whatsoever. And go look at a 4 year old used CTS, they hold up!

And please, before you yap on about how great certain cars drive, most of the high end dynamics are never able to be tested....and I'm the guy who went to the 'Ring for vacation last year, so I like to drive hard, but for day to day, somewhere between my comfortable but dull couch LS and an s63 that you are afraid to put in gear, there are a hell of a lot of options.

So, in conclusion, we are building some good cars, great cars, and that is what it takes...

Happy Labor Day! Now go sit in a XTS, I'm not selling you on a car, but I am requesting you measure build quality, tactile response and value.

Happy Labor Day!

Agreed on the Caddy. From an exterior design point though - I would have to pick the A7.

As for style, against a Jaguar XK8, I'd pick the similar Aston Martin DB9 or a lightly used Ferrari 456M GTA. Have to say, in response to klipprand, the Audi A7 is rather attractive.

I love the A7 and CLS looks, but that's not in my price range (unless I were to divest of a few cars and bikes). I'm actually shopping for a VW CC to replace my modified GTI, which replaced a modified twin-turbo A6.
The VW CC does not have as much "Jag Flair" as the others ... in light colours from certain back angles the shape doesn't work. But in a dark colour its OK from most angles, IMHO. And I think its the best deal ... buying used (looking at a 2010). The $40k price (in Canada) for a new one loaded up (4-cyl) after taxes is a bit much. But in the mid-20s for a 2-year old car, you get a lot of "Jag Flair" for the money :)

If you haven't owned a Jaguar it's hard to criticize fairly. My first car was a pre-Ford takeover XJ-6 sedan and I have to say it was one of the most pleasant rides I can remember. Lucas electronics aside if it hadn't spend more time at the garage than in front of my driveway I'd still own one. Quality has reportedly improved over time but now that Tata owns the brand I'd have to sit in a new one to see if anything has changed. What I remember the most about my Jaguar was its luxurious interior and supple but controlled ride. I've driven MBs, Audis and BMWs in the meanwhile and while they were all nice in their own way none matched my Jaguar.

Aesthetic aside and at the risk of sounding like a smart-ass, haven't all of the English brands improved since they've been taken over by foreign car mfrs over the last 10+ years? Bentley, Rolls, Morris, even Aston? For all the knocking we Americans put on French cars and Italian cars in terms of quality, it's actually the British cars that went out of business due their poor quality (France still has their Citroens, Peugeot and Renault and Italy still have their Fiats).

Great question. Got my eyes on an Audi S7 as a worth successor to my old retired, much loved Jag XJR.
Not every angle of the A/S7 is up to Jag at its best. But neither has any Jaguar been since the fattened/Forded up sedan. Space, Grace & Pace? After a lifetime of family Jags , I think the torch has been passed. Sorry, Mr. Lyons.