This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $34,000 Saab 9-5 to the $130,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

A redesigned XJ is on track for a late-2002 U.S. debut as a 2003 model. Developed as project "X350," it replaces the current "X300", the 1995 makeover of Jaguar's last all-new senior sedan, the 1987 "XJ40".

X350 uses a stretched and heavily modified version of the midsize S-Type/Lincoln LS platform, including a domed roof that should improve head room. The new XJs will be somewhat longer and wider than current models, with 4-inch longer wheelbases for extra legroom in both standard and long versions. Despite these gains, weight will reportedly drop by up to 500 pounds via a high-tech unibody made of bonded and riveted aluminum a la Audi A8. Styling is modernized around classic XJ themes.

Insiders disagree on engine sizes and outputs, but normal and supercharged V8s should be available from day one. The latter is said to produce 400 horsepower, while the former will be either the current 4.0-liter or a 4.3-liter enlargement with about 300 hp regardless. Also strongly rumored is a smaller new base-model engine made practical by the reduced weight. Sources say this would be either a 3.5-liter version of Jaguar's V8 or a V6 of 3.0 or 3.3 liters based on the S-Type/LS engine. The transmission in all cases should be a 5-speed automatic similar to today's XJ unit, though manual shift is an outside possibility for sportier models.

Among new features are a computer-controlled suspension with air springs instead of conventional steel coils, and a more sophisticated traction/antiskid system. The next XJs should also adopt Jaguar's Advanced Restraint Technology System (ARTS) from 2001 XK models. This uses ultrasound occupant-position and crash-impact sensors to trigger dual-stage dashboard and front side airbags. Curtain side airbags are a likely option, perhaps standard on some models. Ditto a radar-based "smart" cruise control similar to Mercedes' Distronic. Also expect an S-Type-style voice-recognition option for controlling climate, audio and navigation functions as well as Internet and e-mail access.

Such wizardry underlines the X350's twin missions of showcasing Jaguar technology while matching or exceeding rivals for luxury, performance, refinement and roadability. The new XJs will be timely. Despite a robust luxury market for most of 2000, Jaguar's big-sedan sales eased 6.3 percent for the calendar 12 months.