Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6 Diesel Long-Wheelbase Review

Jaguar XJ 2016

Anyone who is in the business of Jaguar car leasing will gladly tell you that Jaguars are well-known for their graceful lines – and the Jaguar XJ, with its lithe, modern-day style, backs that up.

Jaguar XJ Front

The robust, brawny lower section of the Jaguar XJ is juxtaposed with the slender and beautiful quality of the car’s roofline, which takes encouragement from the 1968 Jaguar XJ saloon. The front of the Jaguar XJ is very authoritative with a big grill and an emphatic face.

Jaguar XJ Back

At the back, the Jaguar XJ has a wholesome, chiselled shape, with a welcome lack of gratuitous ornamentation. The sheet metal of the rear panel keeps its pure form, with a single leaping Jaguar motif making a solid, assured statement. The LED light clusters drape tastefully over the rear wings. It’s all tremendously attractive.

Jaguar XJ Cabin

Step inside the Jaguar XJ long-wheelbase car, driven for this test, and you will see cabin luxury possibilities which include reclining seats with a massage function, and fold-out corporate-style tables. The entertainment system has two touchscreens, and a specially-tuned rear suspension arrangement boosts rear seat ride comfort, too.

Jaguar XJ Space

The whole impression is one of personal space – a feeling heightened by the form of the leather-enveloped instrument panel sitting low across the Jaguar XJ. At the sides of the XJ’s cabin, a wood veneer swishes forward from the doors to meet at the front of the Jaguar, underscoring the Jaguar XJ’s heady, lively character. This rectilinear, contemporary use of wood helps to produce a genuinely welcoming cabin atmosphere.

Jaguar XJ Drama

Behind the Jaguar XJ’s wheel, you are met by the rotary control of the JaguarDrive selector, which, on engine start-up, ascends into your palm. Then animations become visible in the instrument cluster and on the touchscreen. But the oddest thing is that there is no tangible instrument display. Instead, a screen, which uses pleasingly detailed virtual instruments, delivers all of the functions performed by long-established dials. It creates a genuine sense of drama, but more significantly it works really well.

Jaguar XJ Power

Under the hood, the Jaguar XJ profits from a formidable and resourceful 3.0-litre V6 power unit, linked up to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The engine, supported by dual turbochargers, thrusts the XJ from zero to 62mph in 6.2 secs, then on to a maximum speed of 155mph. The Jag feels every bit as quick behind the wheel as it advocates it is on paper; it is a splendid sensation – evocative of taking off in an airliner.

Jaguar XJ – Refined

But, as anyone who is into prestige car leasing, will explain; it certainly isn’t all about clout. On the move in the big cat, the low amount of tyre-roar and wind whistle means you can chinwag with your passengers without raising your voice. Even when you sink your right foot into the Jaguar XJ’s deep carpet there’s not much more than a low rumble from the twin tail pipes. indeed, it is very hard to tell it apart from a petrol-propelled XJ, once it is munching the motorway miles.

Jaguar XJ Verdict

Undeniably, the Jaguar XJ makes every journey an outstanding one, both for you and your fellow travellers, but this level of classiness doesn’t come bargain-basement. You will have to fork-out over £60,000 for the Luxury 3.0 V6 Diesel long-wheelbase version of the Jaguar XJ, and you will need to have almost bottomless pockets if you want to buy the £72,080 XJ Portfolio long-wheelbase model. Leasing a Jaguar XJ makes far more sense if you want power, luxury and sophistication in your life!

PROS ‘N’ CONS

• Gorgeous √
• Commanding √
• Sophisticated √
• Pricey To Buy X

FAST FACTS

• Max speed: 155 mph
• 0-62 mph: 6.2 seconds
• Combined mpg: 49.6
• Engine: 2993cc, 24 valve V6 twin turbo diesel
• Max. power (PS): 300
• CO2 149 g/km
• Price: £61,690