Discussion
AmitG said:
On the other hand, the X308 is approaching classic status, and has a certain old-school charm that the X350 doesn't.
The X308 is in a class of one. It's a Bristol for people who can't afford a Bristol, or who got kicked out of the showroom.
For every Jaguar model ever made there is someone who thinks that model was the last true Jaguar, but I think there is a good case for the X308 being that car.
The thing about Bristols is a nice way of describing the X308. Indeed, the X350 feels much more modern and a there is a definite Germanic influence in it's design. No doubt the E65 7 Series, the D3 A8 and W220 S Class were studied closely by Jaguar when making the X350. It's proportions are a little more in keeping with the natural competition of the 7/A8/S. In fact, it's a fairly titanic thing but I put that down to crash regulations forcing a taller, fatter bonnet to give more clearance for the engine, and taller, straighter sides for crash protection. You also sit higher inside the car, more on it than in it. The X308 is in a class of one. It's a Bristol for people who can't afford a Bristol, or who got kicked out of the showroom.
For every Jaguar model ever made there is someone who thinks that model was the last true Jaguar, but I think there is a good case for the X308 being that car.
In that sense, the X308 is unlike any other large saloon. You slide into the seat and you're braced in by the door and centre console with the wheel down low and a long view of the bonnet. You're also very low, for a saloon car. Nothing contemporary drives like the X308, even it's natural showroom competitor, the E39 5 series, feels more staid and less sporty. But you pay a price for sitting that low and far back in the car; rear leg room is nothing to shout about though that isn't a concern for me. Every passenger I've had in the back tends to smile and talk about how posh it feels inside. The handling of the car is very good too; it's surprisingly agile and accurate when cornering and the controls have a wonderful feel. It feels considerable sportier than the X350, if that matters. To me, that feeling of sporty fun in a smart and classically styled packaged is a big part of the Jaguar experience.
I will probably buy an X350 in a few years time, once I'm done with my X308, but only because they're newer and I expect this will make it easier to find a good one.
Chap at work (JLR) who knows these cars inside out reckons the X350 is the sweet spot for XJs, coming with the benefits of the X351 (weight and practicality) but with better ride.
Despite this I ran an X308 XJR fore best part of a year and loved it, and would consider an X351, but I couldn't countenance an X350, purely because if I parked it next to a 308 it would look disappointingly dumpy.
Not sure any of that helps, I guess I am saying go with whatever your heart tells you, the X308 XJR is awesome, an X350 is reckoned (by at least one man who should know) to be high point in XJ history.
Despite this I ran an X308 XJR fore best part of a year and loved it, and would consider an X351, but I couldn't countenance an X350, purely because if I parked it next to a 308 it would look disappointingly dumpy.
Not sure any of that helps, I guess I am saying go with whatever your heart tells you, the X308 XJR is awesome, an X350 is reckoned (by at least one man who should know) to be high point in XJ history.
Output Flange said:
Baryonyx said:
I should also note that the facelift on the X350 (the X358) was a good move, because from some angles the X350 looks a bit like an outsize X Type, which the X358 addressed.
The X358 looks like an X350 that got left unattended at Ripspeed. I had a Sovereign X350 but the grille was black instead of chrome which I think made quite a difference.
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