The new Jaguar XJ - we look in detail at what's on offer
So the hype is over and the teases have ended. What’s left is the reality. And is the reality that is the New Jaguar XJ worthy of the tease and hype that preceded the launch? Good question.
The Launch
Despite our moans about some of the teases that went on in the run-up to the launch of the XJ, we can’t dispute that they worked for Jaguar. The interest was pretty much unprecedented, and one or two big car web sites crashed during the day of the launch because of huge numbers of visitors looking for information on the new XJ. We didn’t crash (thankfully) but our traffic doubled on the day, and thousands of you watched the launch live on Cars UK.
Jay Leno hosted the XJ launch
The launch itself was hosted by Jay Leno, who was witty and urbane – and a great choice to launch the new XJ – but he must have had Jaguar Execs wincing when he recounted tales of Jaguar’s woes in the past. It’s something they’d rather forget.
We also had Jaguar boss Mike O’Driscoll giving the audience a quick outline of the car before the reveal. But why on earth does the man at the head of Jaguar have to talk like a pseudo American? Sorry Mike, but the word is Aluminium not ‘Aloominum’, and Status is pronounced ‘Staytus’ not ‘Staddus’. It might have made the odd Yank feel more comfortable, but it grated horribly for the rest of us. We know Jaguar is a world company – and America is a vital market – but Americans don’t buy Jaguars because they think the boss speaks ‘American’.
The Press Launch
This was more detailed – as you would expect – and took place on Friday morning. Ian Callum – Chief Designer – talked eloquently and knowledgeably about the design process and detail of the new XJ. He talked about the ‘Raptor’ nose and the ‘Cat’s Claws’ rear lights. He spoke about the likeness of the detail on the front outer wing mimicking the lines of the Jaguar MK II (don’t mention the S-Type!).
Ian also talked about the XJ being a ‘Happy’ car. He claims he can tell if the design team enjoyed building a car just by looking at it. And he thinks the new XJ is a happy car. Quelle Surprise! But it is clear, once you get past some of the inevitable hyperbole, that the team at Jaguar really are chuffed with what they’ve achieved. And, we think, they have every right to be.
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Neville de Sousa says
Firstly let me say that I have never owned a motor car with a foreign badge.
I have bought a total of 8 new XJ jaguars. I change them every 3 or 4 years and have driven nothing else since the late 80’s. I eagerly awaited the new XJ and was invited to Coventry design centre pre-launch to view it.
I regret to say that I did not like it at all.
I therefore decided to wait until I saw it on the road before considering purchasing one.
To date, I have only seen two! Although I admit that I probably have seen more but did not recognise them due to their similarity with the XF.
Anyway, Having looked at the car again in our local dealership and having visited Bentley and had a great factory tour before driving one back to Northampton. I have decided to hang on to my current XJ 350 model and drive it till it drops. It is a stunningly good looking car and like all previous XJ’s that I have owned, it fits like a glove.Which is more than can be said for the Bentley.
The problem with the current Jaguars is that they look like AUDI designs. Change the grill on the front of an XF and you can’t tell the difference, the feline grace has gone.
I am sad that I cannot continue my 20 odd year love affair with Jaguar because it is costing me a fortune to bring my current car back to ‘as new’ show room condition!
amy says
disgusted delayed again till 1st week of may due to ipod and phone glitches
George Andrews says
In the last part of this review of the new XJ you said you expected Jaguar to be sending you a car for a proper road test in a few months. It’s six months now and no sign of it. I haven’t been able to find an actual road test anywhere on the XJ.
When will you be getting the XJ to test so we know what it’s really like. What’s the delay. Do Jaguar have problems getting the new XJ built.
CarsUK says
We haven’t really had a straight answer from Jaguar. We were told Nov/Dec at first. But that hasn’t happened for anyone. It now looks as if Jaguar were a bit ambitious with the launch date (which was first customer cars by Christmas except the Supersport which would be March). We now expect press cars next month (March) and first customer cars as well.
There have been rumours flying around that Jaguar have had problems with some of the gizmos on the XJ. That could account for the delay, as the last thing Jaguar needs with the XJ is any hint of unreliability. That would drag out all the old cliches about Jaguar reliability (which isn’t the case any more – they’re very well put together). Frustrating as it is that the new XJ hasn’t hit the roads yet we’d rather see it delayed a bit and be bang on the money, than rushed out and be plagued by problems.
Butano says
Awesome, I am looking for the feedback sound from Maserati Quattroport GTS. Ohm, they have to back to start their hard homework.
Paul says
I think the opinions are going to be VERY divided. It obviouselly looks like totaly something else, but I for one really like the new look. Of course I need to be confirmed on this with the real, in flesh’n’bones appearance, which will happen when?
Derek Hardcastle says
It’ sacralige. This is not a Jaguar, it’s simply an effort to look modern by Jaguar and it fails completely. From the brick sh*t house front to the bulbous rear it’s an abomonation. Jaguars should be graceful and sleek. This is bloated and pretentious. I will not be changing my XJR for this monstrosity.
Trevor says
I remember when the first XJ came out and what a stir it cause. When I saw the first picture of the new XJ here last week I wasn’t impressed. To me it wasn’t a Jaguar and I couldn’t see how they could do it. But now I’ve gone through all the detail here I’ve changed my mind completely. I think it’s a work of art. It just takes time to fall in love with it.
Big Rob says
sign me up – i dont care what it costs. this is one xj that will shake the germans to their foundations. love the back end.
SAM128 says
Awesome XJ!!
Joel says
Dont like the arse much. But I’d happily live in one! That interior is stunning.
PeterHeater says
This new XJ is a worldbeater. Classy doesn’t cover it. I was impressed with the XF especially when I drove it, but this new XJ is in a different class altogether.
Frank says
This is a truly stunning Jaguar. First impressions were good but the more I look at it the better it gets. And the interior is absolutely to die for. Pleeease let it drive as good as it looks. If it does I’ll say Goodnight Vienna to the S Class and get a new XJ in a heartbeat.