Jaguar XJR: Review
Looking for a more sophisticated take on the XFR-S lunacy? Step up!
With the successful arrival of the F-Type, together with its XKR-S and limited edition XKR-S GT models, Jaguar is seemingly growing in confidence with every new car it brings to market. That confidence is being reflected in its sales too, up 22 per cent on last year so far in the UK and 29 per cent globally. Make no mistake, Jaguar is on a roll.
Firm XJR doesn't do the limo thing well in town
The one problem being however, some 25 years since the R-badge first made an appearance on an XJ, others have joined the party in the form of Audi's new RS7 and the forthcoming Mercedes S63 AMG. Neither are exactly slouches when it comes to performance or pushovers when it comes to their overall packages. When it comes to rivals, you'd be hard-pressed to find two more talented ones. And that's before the likes of BMW's M5 and the Maserati Quattroporte are even mentioned.
Not quite an M5 to drive, but still impressive
Despite the addictive soundtrack, first impressions of the XJR around town aren't that great. The ride on the standard 20-inch 'Farallon' lightweight forged alloy wheels never really settles, which is hardly what you expect on an XJ even at this level. Added to that are the bespoke Pirelli tyres (265/30s on the front, 295/30 on the rear) which are extremely noise sensitive to road surface changes.
Thankfully though it does improve with more speed, where the new suspension tuning undertaken by Jaguar's engineers becomes more obvious. With a set-up that's a not-inconsiderable 30 per cent stiffer than the standard XJ plus steering hydraulics and calibration tuned for a sportier feel, the XJR needs that extra pace to show its talents.
550hp and a great noise from supercharged V8
Interestingly too, in Dynamic mode and on the confines of a race circuit, the XJR performs better than you would ever imagine. There's a good level of feedback through the steering wheel and driver's seat, even if it never lets you forget its true size. Having said that, you can still tempt the XJR into some entertaining slides if there's enough space to do so.
No complaints about the familiar XJ cabin
A quarter of a century on from the R badge's first appearance, Jaguar's performance flagships still don't enjoy quite the same level of recognition as AMG or BMW's M cars. However, this is definitely a step in the right direction as a sporting halo for the XJ range. Come on Jaguar, all we need now is an F-Type R...
JAGUAR XJR
Engine: 5,000cc, V8, supercharged
Transmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 550@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 502@2,500-5,500rpm
0-62mph: 4.4sec
Top speed: 174mph
Weight: 1870kg
MPG: 24.4 (Combined)
CO2: 270g/km
Price: £92,370 (before options)
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king red?
I have driven the predecessor to this car both on the road and on the track at Thruxton, thanks to Jaguar's truly excellent track experience days.
It is a wonderful car. This model looks set to be better still subject to the ride not being spoiled. With that one caveat, buy with confidence.
I'm a bit disappointed by the ride. Jaguar's thing up until very recently has been the ability to offer a smooth ride with the sporty handling. It's not really good enou...
Oh, who'm I kidding? I want one. Badly. If I win even a reasonable amount on the lottery, then this is sharing the daily duties with my current one. That way I can tailor my car to my mood.
As for the ride issues being pointed out in the review, they really should sort that out. You don't expect a choppy ride on a jag.
My choice would still be the supersport.
good to here there sales are building, but i drive the M3 into west london every day and i've not seen one f-type yet, whats happening to the sales for that? still tripping over new 911's and boxsters on the way to work.
I'm a bit disappointed by the ride. Jaguar's thing up until very recently has been the ability to offer a smooth ride with the sporty handling. It's not really good enou...
A car review is always going to be a subjective piece, and ultimately the car will be judged against the reviewers expectations. It's likely (and indeed perfectly reasonable), that some reviewers still imagine Jags to be big and wafty...the whole mantra of Grace, Space and Pace, which everyone seems to love to band around on PH, would fit with this.
In the modern market place, I'm afraid buyers just don't like big wafty cars anymore. Look at the number of Audi's you see driving round with the S-Line kit on 19s and the lack of any non M-Sport BMWs in the country. The perception of 'sportyness' is now much more important than ride comfort. Not to say a Jag doesn't ride well anymore when compared to its competition, but to judge it on the vehicles of yesteryear is perhaps somewhat harsh...
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