When Jaguar unveiled the completely redesigned XJ last summer, it was a huge deal. In pictures, the new flagship sedan is stunning to the point of causing paralysis, both in the curves of its sheetmetal and sculpted ends as well as the retro-y modern interior. And to finally check it out in person? Let’s just say the cat does not disappoint.
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A choice of three engines is available, all displacing 5.0 liters through the use of eight pistons. The first, used in the base XJ, puts out 390 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. A step above that nets a supercharged 470-horsepower motor with 424 lb.-ft. of torque. And topping the range is the also supercharged 510-horsepower and pounds/feet of torque monster. All three are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, leather is stitched to almost every surface, and particularly on the seats, it feels good. The vents have a very ’60s-by-way-of-2050 look to them, and the party trick Jaguar Drive Select hockey puck is on board too.
The only caveat, and it’s a point of contention in other people’s minds as well, is the roof pillars surrounding the rear windshield, available in any color as long as that’s black. From above, the concept is apparent: the pillars blend in with the glass, making the windshield almost float. But that’s only appealing to people working on roofs and passengers on airplanes. For the rest of us, it’s weird. The simple solution is ordering the XJ in black, and trust me, it looks good in black.
