Autocar - First for car news and reviews

Autocar has driven every Jaguar XJ that will go on sale in the UK - and you can also watch an exclusive video review of the best-selling 3.0 V6 model.

To read the first drive reviews follow the links below.

Jaguar XJ first drive reviews:

Jaguar XJ 3.0D V6 Portfolio LWB

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Saw one of these in action back in December last year, lovely car, can't wait to go and look at one once they are out.

Hi, I've never seen an uglier Jaguar. It's nickname should be "Maseraudi". The front end looks like a Maserati Quattroporte, from the sides, looks like an Audi A6 and the rear lights taken from the current Lancia Delta or Citroen C4 sedan 4 door sold in Spain. The dash has nothing from the Jaguar tradition. It's a pitty, because they have done a great job with the XF. Regards, FGU

The panel gaps at the front still scream.......

I've got to admit, despite the horrible rear, this car is deeply impressive. If you look at the way it handles at 02:15 in the video, it's clearly got a chassis to rival the 7-Series.

The boot needs sorting out, but I can't help but be attracted to the thing since it offers a bit more space than its sibling XF, but weighs at worst only 1kg more.

The presenter in this Autocar film is also very good. Another fine video from them, and on that front - apart from a few of Chris Harris's EVO vids - Autocar probably offers the best content of all the websites.

ok after this audi a8 is the best the interior is the worst of the four (a8,7serie,S class)

inthebin:

The panel gaps at the front still scream.......

 

I have noticed the same on new 7 Series as well.  Must be something to do with new pedestrian impact laws dictating the front grille has to be within the 'soft' front bumper.  Otherwise a stunning car that is very different and exactly what Jag needed.

Maybe the Prime Minister will get one as the new company chariot!

JS15278:

ok after this audi a8 is the best the interior is the worst of the four (a8,7serie,S class)

Does this mean you like it?...........

VirginPower:

it's clearly got a chassis to rival the 7-Series.

 

I hope not.  The 7 rides like a skateboard.  Jags handle and ride well, not one or the other as per the german recipe.

I'm still not sure about the half baked looks, particularly the rear which is just too reminiscent of the Morris Marina Coupe for comfort.

I realise it took some months for the E65 7-Series to look distinctive, if not attractive, but manufacturers in this segment have finally gotten over themselves: look at the new 5-Series, look at any recent Audi or the new Benz. Just as everyone's packed away the party frocks along comes a Jaguar that does away with the staid looks that everyone is now using.

It'll sell to the Chinese I'm sure.

ThwartedEfforts:

I'm still not sure about the half baked looks, particularly the rear which is just too reminiscent of the Morris Marina Coupe for comfort.

I realise it took some months for the E65 7-Series to look distinctive, if not attractive, but manufacturers in this segment have finally gotten over themselves: look at the new 5-Series, look at any recent Audi or the new Benz. Just as everyone's packed away the party frocks along comes a Jaguar that does away with the staid looks that everyone is now using.

It'll sell to the Chinese I'm sure.

I didn't like any off the cars you mentioned when any of them first appeared. All eventally grew on me and I now find the staid looks of the most recent cars a retrograde step. I must confess I find the looks of this new XJ somewhat challanging but bear in mind  Jaguar have been hammered in the past for overly conservitive design. If I can grow to like a Bangle BM (which I now do) there's a good chance I'll grow to love the looks of this new XJ. As for the car its self, from what I've read the Jag's interior, dynamics, comfort, class and refinement are going to make this a class leader.

This is not a Jaguar, this is a Citroen that has been involved in a head-on collision with a Peterbilt truck. Jaguar made their name by producing some of the world's most elegant and enduring automotive shapes. This XJ is an absolute eyesore and William Lyons would be utterly horrified if he saw it.

I would love to own a Jaguar but the deja vu XK is noisy, uncomfortable, expensive and not particularly quick. And the XF is just a re-badged Mondeo that looks, at best, like a bland Volvo/Lexus mongrel. The most elegant saloon on the market today (both inside and out) is the Merc CLS - which was informally codenamed the Jag Fighter by Mercedes themselves. Mercedes did their homework about what Jag drivers want and got it absolutely spot on.

Goodbye Jaguar, you provided a great deal of pleasure for many people for many years. But you have completely lost your way and the brand has now been irrevocably damaged. I have no doubt that this incompetant, unimaginative management will finally succeed where the militant unions and their workforce failed.