New XJ or XFR?
Discussion
Need to go the 4 door route next year so XKR will be chopped in. Difficult decision whether to go for new XJ or the XFR. Can't believe the permance figures of the XJ 3L Diesel and am very tempted as in the real world I would need the performance the XFR has.The draw however of that 5 Litre SC engine in the XF is very tempting ( the premium for that engine on the XJ is ridiculous IMO). Downside is the front end of the XF just doesn't do it for me but understand a facelift may be on the way? Does anyone have any info on the XF facelift and when it will be available?
Has anyone driven the new XJ yet? It looks a pretty big car externally??
Has anyone driven the new XJ yet? It looks a pretty big car externally??
I too was amazed at the price of the XJ Supersport given the remarkably similar performance to the XFR (similar weight).
Must admit the looks of the new XJ and interior beat the XF however not sure that alone is worth the premium if the additional space isn't a factor. Imagine the depreciation on a 5.0 Supersports
Must admit the looks of the new XJ and interior beat the XF however not sure that alone is worth the premium if the additional space isn't a factor. Imagine the depreciation on a 5.0 Supersports
Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Monday 21st June 11:44
I am driving the XJ Supersport and XFR back to back at Elvington on Wednesday. I have already driven the XFR and other XF models. The R is awesome and the diesel models are all very good.
Not sure about a facelift, their is a new body styling kit with LED lights and XFR front bumper etc that can be fitted to Diesel S. My guess is that this will become standard in the next model update as daytime lights will soon become mandatory.
Will let you know how they perform after Thursday,
Paul
Not sure about a facelift, their is a new body styling kit with LED lights and XFR front bumper etc that can be fitted to Diesel S. My guess is that this will become standard in the next model update as daytime lights will soon become mandatory.
Will let you know how they perform after Thursday,
Paul
pb1695 said:
I am driving the XJ Supersport and XFR back to back at Elvington on Wednesday. I have already driven the XFR and other XF models. The R is awesome and the diesel models are all very good.
Not sure about a facelift, their is a new body styling kit with LED lights and XFR front bumper etc that can be fitted to Diesel S. My guess is that this will become standard in the next model update as daytime lights will soon become mandatory.
Will let you know how they perform after Thursday,
Paul
Thanks look forward to hearing your thoughtsNot sure about a facelift, their is a new body styling kit with LED lights and XFR front bumper etc that can be fitted to Diesel S. My guess is that this will become standard in the next model update as daytime lights will soon become mandatory.
Will let you know how they perform after Thursday,
Paul
The XJ is a very big car - do you need that much space?
I did consider an XJ before opting for an XFR. I concluded that I'd enjoy the performance more than the space and don't regret my choice.
But I do love the XJ interior, having recently sat in one, and it definitiely feels like the next model up.
From the reports it also looks like the XJ really handles - similar to the XF in that respect.
I agree that the XJ supersport will depreciate massively, just like any other big power saloon.
The XJ feels more special right now but I wonder how it will feel in 12 months time?
From reading elsewhere I don't think there is an XF facelift due any time soon.
A nice dilemma for you!
I did consider an XJ before opting for an XFR. I concluded that I'd enjoy the performance more than the space and don't regret my choice.
But I do love the XJ interior, having recently sat in one, and it definitiely feels like the next model up.
From the reports it also looks like the XJ really handles - similar to the XF in that respect.
I agree that the XJ supersport will depreciate massively, just like any other big power saloon.
The XJ feels more special right now but I wonder how it will feel in 12 months time?
From reading elsewhere I don't think there is an XF facelift due any time soon.
A nice dilemma for you!
Tricky. Fir me the XFR is such a comfortable place to be, has awesome power and makes me smile each time I have driven one. However, I agree it just doesn't look sexy enough. If they stick the XJ lights on it will help it's desiresbility factor no end IMHO. For me though it isn't a car I would buy. Once you climb in a new XJ, you'll see immediately the interior immediately dates that of the XF. It is s lovely place to be, exudes a huge amount of class and just looks awesome. It is a BIG mota! It is however very quick in both the n/a petrol and diesel, but IMHO Jags should have petrol engines, it completes the package. I agree the XJ SS is silly money. Go for the XJ it's a proper Jag.
silverspeed said:
Need to go the 4 door route next year so XKR will be chopped in. Difficult decision whether to go for new XJ or the XFR. Can't believe the permance figures of the XJ 3L Diesel and am very tempted as in the real world I would need the performance the XFR has.The draw however of that 5 Litre SC engine in the XF is very tempting ( the premium for that engine on the XJ is ridiculous IMO). Downside is the front end of the XF just doesn't do it for me but understand a facelift may be on the way? Does anyone have any info on the XF facelift and when it will be available?
Has anyone driven the new XJ yet? It looks a pretty big car externally??
You ahve a XKR? What year... Is it a car you are going to miss?Has anyone driven the new XJ yet? It looks a pretty big car externally??
XKR is 2009. Elderly parents and grand kids equal requirement for another 4 door car. XKR is fabulous and will be sorry to see it go but will hopefully have another one some day.
Its a really tough decision XF or XJ. The 3L Diesel XJ will be totally different to my XK and save a few £ in running costs yet the XFR would possibly be similar to my XKR with added advantage of four doors and useable rear seats.
Fortunate to be in a position to make this decision but doesn't make it any easier.Dealer has arranged to get both cars in for me to drive back to back in July so that should crystalise my thoughts.
Its a really tough decision XF or XJ. The 3L Diesel XJ will be totally different to my XK and save a few £ in running costs yet the XFR would possibly be similar to my XKR with added advantage of four doors and useable rear seats.
Fortunate to be in a position to make this decision but doesn't make it any easier.Dealer has arranged to get both cars in for me to drive back to back in July so that should crystalise my thoughts.
I have driven the diesel XJ and thought it was a deeply impressive vehicle. It handles great and is comfortable and cossetting. Power delivery for a diesel is also great, passing made extremely easy. But would I buy one, I don't know. I am not sure that the general quality is quite up to BMW, Mercedes or VW levels. The interior space is also disappointing (I am quite tall so need it). I am also underwhelmed with the ride. I made a point of driving it down the M42 which is possibly the worst m-way surface in the UK. The chassis tramped noisily over every ridge. The S class never had this problem. I was told that the XJ wheels were stock 19s. But the car looks outstanding and is different in a good way. I need to drive another example to decide.
silverspeed said:
XKR is 2009. Elderly parents and grand kids equal requirement for another 4 door car. XKR is fabulous and will be sorry to see it go but will hopefully have another one some day.
Its a really tough decision XF or XJ. The 3L Diesel XJ will be totally different to my XK and save a few £ in running costs yet the XFR would possibly be similar to my XKR with added advantage of four doors and useable rear seats.
Fortunate to be in a position to make this decision but doesn't make it any easier.Dealer has arranged to get both cars in for me to drive back to back in July so that should crystalise my thoughts.
Can I ask what sort of MPG you were getting on the XKR?Its a really tough decision XF or XJ. The 3L Diesel XJ will be totally different to my XK and save a few £ in running costs yet the XFR would possibly be similar to my XKR with added advantage of four doors and useable rear seats.
Fortunate to be in a position to make this decision but doesn't make it any easier.Dealer has arranged to get both cars in for me to drive back to back in July so that should crystalise my thoughts.
Lostprophet said:
silverspeed said:
XKR is 2009. Elderly parents and grand kids equal requirement for another 4 door car. XKR is fabulous and will be sorry to see it go but will hopefully have another one some day.
Its a really tough decision XF or XJ. The 3L Diesel XJ will be totally different to my XK and save a few £ in running costs yet the XFR would possibly be similar to my XKR with added advantage of four doors and useable rear seats.
Fortunate to be in a position to make this decision but doesn't make it any easier.Dealer has arranged to get both cars in for me to drive back to back in July so that should crystalise my thoughts.
Can I ask what sort of MPG you were getting on the XKR?Its a really tough decision XF or XJ. The 3L Diesel XJ will be totally different to my XK and save a few £ in running costs yet the XFR would possibly be similar to my XKR with added advantage of four doors and useable rear seats.
Fortunate to be in a position to make this decision but doesn't make it any easier.Dealer has arranged to get both cars in for me to drive back to back in July so that should crystalise my thoughts.
ocsine said:
I have driven the diesel XJ and thought it was a deeply impressive vehicle. It handles great and is comfortable and cossetting. Power delivery for a diesel is also great, passing made extremely easy. But would I buy one, I don't know. I am not sure that the general quality is quite up to BMW, Mercedes or VW levels. The interior space is also disappointing (I am quite tall so need it). I am also underwhelmed with the ride. I made a point of driving it down the M42 which is possibly the worst m-way surface in the UK. The chassis tramped noisily over every ridge. The S class never had this problem. I was told that the XJ wheels were stock 19s. But the car looks outstanding and is different in a good way. I need to drive another example to decide.
Have read about the ride elsewhere being a bit 'fussy'. The one thing I love about my XK is the ride - just perfect. Not too worried about interior space as long as there are two rear doors and two rear seats I'm sorted!swapped my 911 for an XFR couple of weeks ago. completely different experiences and so far, love the XFR. in fact never driven anything as refined but with so much 'go'. i went the XFR route for same reasons; space in the rear seats. although not '911 tramline' good, havent been disappointed at all with the ride of the jag. Have to wait till the next Ring trip to make more comparisons but so far so good.
I completed the Elvington Jaguar day today, unfortunately they did not have an XJ Supersport however they did have the 5.0 Portfolio with 20" wheels.
First off in the XJ. The way this car looks in the flesh is simply stunning - classy, modern, progressive and gently aggressive (their is a better word for it I am sure but I cannot think of it at the moment). The interior is in a different league to the german rivals, being very high in quality but with a "fun" factor. The circular vents, digital screens and rising gearselector all add a sense of theatre and occasion.
On the circuit, which was more like a road surface, the handling was well executed. Crisp turn in, good balance and enough roll to let you sense the cornering but not too much too upset the balance. The car feels very light, which it is for it's size, and never felt out of shape. The car I drove was a LWB and the driver I was with said he believed this had a better cornering feel than the SWB. Throttle response was crisp and linear and the performance of the V8 more than adequate.
The XKR (one of my favourite cars), was sublime. I have not driven one for a few months now and was just blown away. The take off speed was impressive, the car feels lithe and picks up rapidly from any speed. We hit 165 on the main runway, this was effortless and I am sure the Speed Pack which is de limited is capable of more than the quoted 174.
The XKR feels more fidgety than the XJ and XFR due to being lighter however you always sense the car is working with you. The brakes did not fade once during many laps of "spirited" driving and the steering, whilst light, gives great feedback and in well modulated.
The XFR being a little heavier roll's a little more but always feels controlled and assured. On the track it was, as you would expect, a halfway house between the XKR and XJ. Quick (very), responsive, controlled and very comfortable. The engine sounds fantastic, nice V8 rumble and plenty of popping on the overrun.
Overall I was extremely impressed with the XJ. I cannot wait to drive the Supersport. Having seen the car in the flesh would not hesitate to buy one, even in Portfolio spec without the Supercharger.
In terms of making a choice, if you can squeeze the kids into the back of the XKR, it would be my first choice. If the seats were a bit more supportive it would be perfect (i believe the XFR seats will be offered when the next update happens early next year). If you can get away with it, opt for the sport pack, great looks and not limited! This car is better than a V8 Vantage, DB9 and DBS - just does not look as cohesive.
Although I really enjoyed the XFR, I would pick the XJ even though their is quite a price difference. The interior is extremely special and in Metallic Black with London tan seat, Carbon trim and ebony dash it looks exquisite. I would even suggest the 5.0 non supercharged would be as good as the XFR.
The XFR is a fantastic car, better than a M5 IMO. The interior is great but feels second rate after the XJ. Also I understand it will receive a minor facelift next year (LED lights, front end of XJ and interior update) so i would wait until after then if I was buying one (unless a good disount was available).
Great cars, great day and very well organised, Jaguar really are getting there act together and deserve to be successful.
Paul
First off in the XJ. The way this car looks in the flesh is simply stunning - classy, modern, progressive and gently aggressive (their is a better word for it I am sure but I cannot think of it at the moment). The interior is in a different league to the german rivals, being very high in quality but with a "fun" factor. The circular vents, digital screens and rising gearselector all add a sense of theatre and occasion.
On the circuit, which was more like a road surface, the handling was well executed. Crisp turn in, good balance and enough roll to let you sense the cornering but not too much too upset the balance. The car feels very light, which it is for it's size, and never felt out of shape. The car I drove was a LWB and the driver I was with said he believed this had a better cornering feel than the SWB. Throttle response was crisp and linear and the performance of the V8 more than adequate.
The XKR (one of my favourite cars), was sublime. I have not driven one for a few months now and was just blown away. The take off speed was impressive, the car feels lithe and picks up rapidly from any speed. We hit 165 on the main runway, this was effortless and I am sure the Speed Pack which is de limited is capable of more than the quoted 174.
The XKR feels more fidgety than the XJ and XFR due to being lighter however you always sense the car is working with you. The brakes did not fade once during many laps of "spirited" driving and the steering, whilst light, gives great feedback and in well modulated.
The XFR being a little heavier roll's a little more but always feels controlled and assured. On the track it was, as you would expect, a halfway house between the XKR and XJ. Quick (very), responsive, controlled and very comfortable. The engine sounds fantastic, nice V8 rumble and plenty of popping on the overrun.
Overall I was extremely impressed with the XJ. I cannot wait to drive the Supersport. Having seen the car in the flesh would not hesitate to buy one, even in Portfolio spec without the Supercharger.
In terms of making a choice, if you can squeeze the kids into the back of the XKR, it would be my first choice. If the seats were a bit more supportive it would be perfect (i believe the XFR seats will be offered when the next update happens early next year). If you can get away with it, opt for the sport pack, great looks and not limited! This car is better than a V8 Vantage, DB9 and DBS - just does not look as cohesive.
Although I really enjoyed the XFR, I would pick the XJ even though their is quite a price difference. The interior is extremely special and in Metallic Black with London tan seat, Carbon trim and ebony dash it looks exquisite. I would even suggest the 5.0 non supercharged would be as good as the XFR.
The XFR is a fantastic car, better than a M5 IMO. The interior is great but feels second rate after the XJ. Also I understand it will receive a minor facelift next year (LED lights, front end of XJ and interior update) so i would wait until after then if I was buying one (unless a good disount was available).
Great cars, great day and very well organised, Jaguar really are getting there act together and deserve to be successful.
Paul
Thanks for a great write up on what sounds like a fantastic day.
My heart is going towards XFR as I know this will feel more like my XKR BUT I think the XJ is the better long term option especially if it drives that well. Did you manage to drive a Diesel option as the performance is not that far away from the 5L petrol?
Great feedback thanks again
My heart is going towards XFR as I know this will feel more like my XKR BUT I think the XJ is the better long term option especially if it drives that well. Did you manage to drive a Diesel option as the performance is not that far away from the 5L petrol?
Great feedback thanks again
I only drove the XF S Diesel as no XJ's were there.
It is a quick car - 0-62 in 5.9, top speed 155 and a great mid range shove. Other than on start up it does not feel diesel like at all - very smooth and turbine like. I am sure in the XJ the installation will be just as good. As their is little weight difference between the XF and XJ the performance should be pretty much the same. The sound of the V8 is glorious though and worth the extra drop in fuel consumption / depreciaition!
Good luck with choosing, if I thought memebers would accept the XJ on our Supercar Fleet I would order one today!
Paul
It is a quick car - 0-62 in 5.9, top speed 155 and a great mid range shove. Other than on start up it does not feel diesel like at all - very smooth and turbine like. I am sure in the XJ the installation will be just as good. As their is little weight difference between the XF and XJ the performance should be pretty much the same. The sound of the V8 is glorious though and worth the extra drop in fuel consumption / depreciaition!
Good luck with choosing, if I thought memebers would accept the XJ on our Supercar Fleet I would order one today!
Paul
silverspeed said:
Thanks Paul. The 5L XJ sounded good did it. That might just swing it for me. I was told London Tan looked a bit naff ? I was hoping it was more like a classy Camel colour not a sh!t brown colour. Can you confirm ?
I have driven the 3.0D and 5.0 back to back. The diesel is lovely, but think you'll be bored with the cars characteristics after a while. Like I said earlier the petrol is the way to go with this car. Jumping in and starting up you want to hear the tick over of a smooth Jag V8, not a clackety-clack oil burner. Diesels should be for rep mobiles and 4x4's, not luxury Jags. The 5.0 has plenty of power you wouldn't be disappointed in any way in that department The Super Sport on paper seems just excessive having driven the n/a 5ltr. . Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff