Watch the Jaguar XJR race a Human JET in the desert

Martin Brundle drives the 2016 Jaguar XJR in a desert race in Dubai against the ‘Human Jet’ Yves Rossy to demonstrate the XJR’s abilities.

The Jaguar XJR may not be the best-selling car in Jaguar’s range (actually, it could well be the worse-selling), but it’s still an appealing car.

Despite the XJ now being six years old – and due to be replaced before too long – Jaguar has managed to keep it appealing with tweaks over the years, and although there are still gripes – mainly around stuff like the Infotainment and a lack of headroom – it remains, in many ways, our favourite luxury car. Particularly from the driver’s seat.

And the arrival of the XJR in 2013 finally gave the big cat proper muscle – and the ability to use its muscle, something the supercharged XJ SuperSport never really managed – with a more fulsome 542bhp at its disposal and improvements to the DSC, gearbox and suspension to make it a better drive.

Now, nearly three years after the XJR’s arrival, Jaguar has spent a few bob on a promo film, roping in Martin Brundle to drive in a drag race in the Dubai desert against a man with a jet pack, Yves Rossy.

According to Jaguar, the race in desert shows the XJR’s aluminium construction helps it be agile and aerodynamic, and the new All-Surface Progress Control helps massively with traction in the sandy conditions.

Martin Brundle said:

This was the most unique race I have ever taken part in. I have never seen anything like the Jetman wing, full of technology and innovation, and Yves is an extremely brave man. It turns out he is also a very fierce competitor!

The Jaguar XJR gave him some stiff competition. The smooth, effortless drive was exceptional and it also handled superbly when I had to avoid sand that had blown onto the road. But as for who won – you’ll just have to watch the film…

Best you do what Martin commands.

Jaguar XJR Photos

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Jaguar XJR vs Human Jet Video