2011 Jaguar XJ Supercharged: Sumptuous accommodations

Written by Steven Macoy
Thursday, 11 November 2010 14:01

The last time we had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of a full-size Jaguar, about six years ago, it emerged as the exquisite go-to car for a wedding weekend. After we produced a glowing review, a TV celebrity e-mailed us to reveal that after reading our article, she had decided to buy a Jaguar instead of a Mercedes-Benz.

Of course, Ford Motor Co. owned Jaguar in those days. The blue oval tried to let Jaguar be Jaguar while reducing the brand’s chronic electrical, mechanical and build-quality problems. Since then, Tata Motors of India has taken over, and the new owners are busy remaking the entire Jaguar line, which includes the midsize, entry-level XF and sporty XK.

Our test car was a 2011 XJ Supercharged, the bigger and costlier of Jaguar’s two four-door sedans. One thing is certain: Tata has done a lot of things right.

The XJ has the familiar, flowing lines of its mythic predecessors. The only thing missing is the leaping-cat hood ornament. If anything, its absence gives the XJ a cleaner, more understated look.

Our Indigo Blue XJ’s bottom line was $88,500. Major standard features included a 470-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine, panoramic glass roof, keyless entry and start, navigation system, satellite radio and blind-spot warning system.

It’s long and wide, but not particularly roomy. The trunk is a middling 15.2 cubic feet, and rear knee room and head room are at best adequate.

The accommodations, however, are sumptuous. The front seats are flawlessly designed, infinitely adjustable and always ready to give you a massage if you need one. Leather, suede and burl walnut are everywhere, meticulously cut, shaped and installed by master craftsmen.

Should you visit a Jaguar dealer, don’t be put off by the short list of standard features on the window-sticker; there’s a lot more hidden inside. For instance, the sticker doesn’t mention the satellite radio, seat heaters, driver’s information center, steering-wheel heater, adaptive cruise control and a host of other goodies.

At more than two tons’ curb weight, this Jaguar is actually comparatively light for its class, thanks to extensive use of aluminum frame components. As a consequence, it’s blindingly fast. But this isn’t one of those boats with too much power. Or maybe it is. Think Cigarette boat without the unholy racket.

More than 9 feet long and more than 6 feet wide, the XJ nevertheless was one of the most nimble cars we’ve ever driven, as well as one of the quietest.

Crash and reliability data aren’t available on this new model, introduced for the 2010 model year. Fuel economy is 15 mpg city, 21 highway, on premium fuel. We did a little better than 21 during highway trips.

The base 385-horsepower XJ costs $71,650, with the price ballooning to $114,150 for the 510-horsepower XJL Supersport. Major competitors, similarly priced, include the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S550, Porsche Panorama and Lexus LS. All of these models are available with all-wheel drive, a feature Jaguar doesn’t offer.

Steven Macoy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is a longtime car enthusiast and full-time editor who lives in Bethel, Conn.

Price: $88,500

Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, 470 horsepower, 424 lb.-ft. torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shift

Drive: Rear-wheel

Weight: 4,281 lb.

Suspension: Active, self-leveling with ride control, double-wishbone front, multi-link rear

Wheels: 20-inch Orona

Tires: 275/35ZR20

Seating capacity: 5

Luggage capacity: 15.2 cu. ft.

Fuel capacity: 21.7 gallons

Fuel economy: 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway

Fuel type: Premium unleaded

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