What is it?
This is the long-wheelbase version of Jaguar’s acclaimed diesel XJ saloon.
The stretched XJ is one of the few cars in which rear seat passengers will never need to ask those in the front, “Can you move your seat forward just a bit?” And none of the others weighs less than 1700kg and produces a real-life 214g/km of CO2.
What's it like?
As reported here before, the combination of the 2.7-litre diesel unit and six-speed auto gearbox is a winning one. From a driver’s point of view, the longer 3159mm wheelbase simply improves the car’s linear stability, as well as eliminating some of the pitching over speedbumps. The main drawback is the increased difficulty parking in parking what is now a 5.2m long car – it’s more than 120mm longer than an Audi Q7 and doesn’t fit in most parking bays.
Comfort is superlative throughout. The air conditioning is particularly responsive to thermostat changes, without blowing literally ‘hot and cold’ as it tries to hover around the desired temperature.
A couple of minor flaws marred the test experience. The parking sensors are unnecessarily sensitive and chime almost continually while driving this big car through town, because there’s always something within range. The Alpine sound system is also a little disappointing with distortion and rattles when playing CDs that throw up no problems on units from lesser brands.
Should I buy one?
If you want carry passengers in comfort, front and rear, or you have an environmental conscience and wish to be driven in comfort then it’s hard to think of a better car.
