Jaguar XJR: Spotted

Because big V8 Jag saloons are just cool, aren't they?

It's fair to say that the XJ is not the focus of Jaguar's attention the moment; it's not even the focus of Jaguar's saloon attention, come to think of it. The XE and XF are, predictably enough given their relative freshness, where the four-door PR investment is being made. Despite being recently facelifted, the XJ is an old design now and probably due for replacement soon - there's not much point promoting that with the other saloons, plus the F-Type and F-Pace, to push.

Still got it

However that doesn't stop it being, to our eyes at least, really rather appealing. And very cool. While not a new design anymore, there's still an edge to the XJ design - particularly as an XJR - that makes it look fresh. Don't forget too just how radical this car was back in 2009, replacing the deeply traditional X350 XJ. Eight years on that looks like a wise decision.

And in the same way as the styling had aged well, the XJ's driver focus has lost none of its appeal either. Rivals may have more grip and be ultimately more capable, but for a rich and rewarding driving experience from a big saloon the Jag is still king. The 550hp supercharged V8 might contribute to that as well...

Furthermore, as we all know, big Jaguars do like to depreciate. This car, for sale at £52,990, will of course continue to fall, but what a deal it looks if you can take the hit. It's covered just 8,000 miles in a year, comes with all the equipment you might expect of a flagship Jag and has dropped from a £90,000 start price. £90K!

And look at the spec. Perhaps it's not a traditional colour combo for an XJ, though grey with red leather works really, really well. It's sporty and luxurious, contemporary but classy as well; exactly what you would want from a large Jaguar saloon. For us it works better than white or black, though British Racing Green could be another matter...

Let's get rid of the tints, shall we?

Charming though this XJ is, it's hard to imagine the next car being as traditional in its outlook as this model. Electrification and automation continue their inexorable onward march, and where better for Jaguar to show its technologies off than in a range-topping saloon? While another XJR probably will happen, it will surely be a very different car to the V8 thugs we've enjoyed since the 1990s - try one while you can, basically!

What else might you buy? Well you're looking at an older S63 for the same money - though it does look rather nice in red - and there's no way an Audi S8 is going to be as entertaining to drive. Oh sure, many may not have fun as number one priority for their luxurious saloon; those of us who do, however, can surely find plenty to still admire about the big, bad Jag. Lovely.

JAGUAR XJR
Engine: 5,000cc, supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 550@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 502@3,500rpm
MPG: 25.4
CO2: 264g/km
Recorded mileage: 8,000
Year registered: 2016
Price new: £92,655
Price now: £52,990

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anonymous-user

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55 months