Jaguar XJ 3.0 litre V6 Supercharged

Simon Skinner test drives the new Jaguar XJ

One thing is clear, this Jaguar represents the first ‘major’ redesign of the legendary XJ series, the shape of which has been synonymous with the brand; perhaps even as much as the classic 911 shape has been to Porsche over the last few decades. Considering this, it was with some excitement that the keys were received at the SBT offices with the promise of a week’s luxury motoring ahead.

Straight away, the car felt instantly as Jaguars have always done: smooth, sleek and with a drive that is akin at times to floating. Not the kind of floating that you might have experienced with an older, top of the range Jaguar but a newer, more defined drive that offers an experience better suited for those who like corners and the odd rumble of an imperfect road. Of course, there are a host of options to consider in this respect; it would be difficult not to find a setting that suits the individual.

It’s fair to say that this is the sort of car in which one is more likely to be driven, and not one that one would find themselves at the wheel too often. It comes as no surprise that this car is the choice of many a politician and let’s face it, they are along the lines of customer at which this car is aimed and certainly the kind of customer who can afford it. With it’s [optional] rear screens, bluetooth headphones and retractable desk which pops neatly in and out of the front seats, this is the kind of drive in which you could easily and comfortably get a lot of work done; and the kind of smoothness which will prevent your writing being jogged as you travel.

Back behind the drivers seat though, one feels that some compromise has been made with rear visibility somewhat in favour of the ‘eyes’ in the centre console. Whilst this technology is extremely clever and brilliantly effective, it takes some getting used to and an unusual amount of trust in the engineering to put your hands (or your eyes) fully into the ability of the car. Personally, I’d still like to be able to see the blind spots easily. Just to check. The response of the beastly engine is palpable and a dream in full auto but especially using the flappy paddles. It’s my first experience of automatically controlled high/low beam headlights and I have to profess to the fact that I now believe that Jaguar Land Rover now have their own set of magicians working within their walls.

Still, I’m sure this kind of thing will become more and more commonplace in cars as time moves on and rear screens will become less and less of a requirement. I know that I would happily take the chance to get used to it, given the opportunity to keep hold of this 3.0 litre V6 Supercharged petrol powered beauty for longer!