2005 Jaguar XJ-Series Review

The posh Jaguar XJ Super V-8 is the top version of the automaker's three special 2005 long-wheelbase sedans and is generally competitive with Rolls-Royce and Bentley sedans.


On the other hand, although British to the core like a Rolls or Bentley, the "Super V-8" designation seems right out of the flamboyant 1950s American auto scene. That's when powerful V-8 engines began appearing in large numbers and made domestic cars more desirable.


The Super V-8 is aimed at the American luxury car market, where Jaguar says "bigger is considered better" -- also the case in the 1950s.


The long-wheelbase Jaguars are expected to account for fully 70 percent of XJ sales in America. The latest long-wheelbase XJ is the longest Jaguar ever produced. It's even longer than its main rivals -- the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series extended-wheelbase models.


A little history: There have been long-wheelbase versions of XJ models throughout its life, starting with a stretched version of the original XJ in 1972. The Series 2 arrived in 1973, with long-wheelbase versions from the start of production. By 1974, the original shorter wheelbase models were discontinued.


The $89,330 Super V-8 has a supercharged 4.2-liter 390-horsepower V-8 that gives it sizzling performance (0-60 mph in about 5 seconds) partly because it doesn't weigh much more than standard wheelbase XJ models.


I drove the Super V-8 and other long-wheelbase Jaguar XJ sedans at a media preview last August that involved driving the cars on 175 miles of challenging roads north of San Francisco. I also recently tested the Super V-8 in the Chicago area to see how it did during area driving.


The upshot was that the Super V-8 almost felt overqualified here, with performance that couldn't be used as much in such a congested area. The rural northern California roads allowed fast cornering on curving roads and occasional 100-mph cruising on long straightaways.


However, the Super V-8's supple suspension soaked up bad Chicago area road imperfections and the brakes helped keep the car from fender-bender accidents, although the pedal is rather soft.


The quick steering helped when maneuvering in heavy traffic, and the extra length didn't get in the way. Anti-skid and traction control systems will be especially helpful here in winter. The car's fast off-the-line performance got it across busy intersections in a hurry.


The supportive driver's seat kept me comfortable during long, tiring stop-and-go expressway trips. The car easily cruised at only 1,800 rpm at 70 mph on tollways, and 70-80 mph acceleration was swift. A six-speed automatic transmission helps allow good response at all speeds.


Estimated fuel economy is good for such a big, powerful, equipment-loaded car: 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. This type of car normally has a "gas guzzler" tax, but not the Super V-8.


No matter if on challenging California roads or in the Chicago area, occupants of the Super V-8 can appreciate its long list of Rolls-style features.


Those items include a lush leather-and-wood interior with rear picnic trays and lamb's wool rugs. The Super V-8 also has special brakes, huge 19-inch custom wheels and radar-based adaptive cruise control to maintain a set following distance -- a feature I seldom used because traffic was too heavy.


There also are an electrically adjustable rear seat and a DVD rear multimedia entertainment system with twin display screens at the back of the front headrests.


A chrome grille shell with a bright mesh insert helps visually distinguish the Super V-8, which has the same slick styling of all XJ sedans.


Jaguar introduced roomier XJ sedans with advanced, lighter aircraft-style aluminum construction for 2004 on a 119-inch wheelbase (distance between axles). The base 2005 $60,830 XJ8 and hot rod $75,330 XJR continue on that wheelbase.


Besides the Super V-8, the other two long-wheelbase XJ sedans are the $62,830 XJ8L and $70,330 Vanden Plas. They're also quite luxurious, although the base standard-wheelbase XJ has plenty of comfort and convenience items.


Clever styling allows the "stretched" versions of the XJ to look as sleek as the shorter-wheelbase XJ sedan, with no unusual proportions, although they are 205.3 inches long, compared with 200.4 inches for the regular-wheelbase models.


The longer wheelbases and lengths give the stretched XJ sedans almost limousine-like rear-seat space. Jaguar's typically large front console makes the front-seat area tighter than it should be, although power-adjustable steering wheel and pedals allow tall people a comfortable driving position.


Gauges can be easily read, and most controls are clearly marked and nicely positioned-- as are the front console cupholders.


Standard safety items include front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags.


The trunk is rather shallow, but is long and has lots of usable space.


Jaguar may be best known for its sexy sports cars, but the XJ Super V-8 shows it hasn't lost its touch when it comes to fast, luxurious sedans.

2005 JAGUAR XJ SUPER V-8

Price
$89,330

Likes
Ultimate Jaguar sedan. Torrid acceleration. Smooth and luxurious.

Dislikes
Unorthodox J-gate shifter. Large front console. Overqualified for area driving?