2005 Jaguar XJ Series: Road Test
2005 Jaguar XJ Series ▼
- MSRP: $61,330 - $90,330
- Invoice: $55,811 - $82,201
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Our road test for the 2005 Jaguar XJ Series includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Jaguar XJ Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Jaguar XJ Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Jaguar XJ Series help you decide if a 2005 Jaguar XJ Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
Off the line, nonsupercharged models feel as quick as supercharged versions. But XJR and Super V8 noticeably stronger over 40 mph, despite occasional delay in throttle response. All are fast enough for most any need: Test XJ8 ran 6.5 sec 0-60 mph, test XJR 5.6. Transmission a smooth operator, but somewhat slow to downshift unless in Sport mode.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
In a mix of city/highway driving, Test XJ8s averaged 15-18.3 mpg, XJ8 L 18.4. In tests that included mostly highway miles, Vanden Plas averaged 19.7 mpg, XJR 18.8, Super V8 20.6. All models require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8.2 |
Among world's smoothest-riding sedans. Fine balance of impact absorption, highway comfort, though not as settled as European rivals over washboard surfaces. XJR and Super V8 have more road feel, but are never jittery or harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
Weight-saving aluminum-intensive body construction, stiff chassis help this big cat feel nimble. Good grip in turns, little cornering lean. Steering somewhat light, but linear, with good road feel and great straightline tracking. Extended-length models add little weight and handle nearly the same as regular-length models. Brakes strong, but some testers judged those on nonsupercharged test models a bit mushy, grabby.
QUIETNESS
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Supercharged engine whirs faintly in rapid acceleration. Otherwise, cabin free of mechanical noise, wind rush, road rumble at all but very high speed.
CONTROLS
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
Typical premium large car: lots of buttons, controls. Most are clearly marked, conveniently placed. Navigation system absorbs some audio and climate functions, complicating their use. Standard steering-wheel-mounted redundant audio controls help. J-shaped shift gate's manual-mode markings obscured by gear lever. Rear-entertainment-system controls not intuitive to some testers, and DVDs load via inconvenient trunk-mounted changer and only with ignition engaged. Pleasing cabin materials on XJ8 and XJR. Vanden Plas and Super V8 have upgraded wood and leather, but still not best in class.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.7 |
Firm, comfortable, highly supportive seats. Head and leg room tight for the very large, but power-adjustable steering column and pedals help most adults find agreeable driving position. Visibility to rear compromised by tall trunklid.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8.3 |
Regular-length models have adequate leg room, though toe space tight. Extended-length models' leg room is expansive; toe space unrestricted unless front seat fully back. Nicely bolstered cushions. Standard on Super V8, optional on Vanden Plas are seatbacks that adjust for angle, lumbar support.
CARGO ROOM
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Plenty of usable trunk space. Lid opens wide on nonintruding hinges and has assisted soft-touch close. Large glovebox, padded map pockets highlight interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5.7 |
Ford owns Jaguar, and the British marque's special character feels watered down in the XJ. Still, this is a solid enough luxury sedan, and it tends to undercut most rivals on price. The XJ8 versions are the best value within the XJ lineup. While the XJR is fun to drive, it isn't as satisfying as its high-performance competition. XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, and Super V8 add limousinelike rear-seat room without penalizing performance.
Total Score
| XJ8 | Vanden Plas | XJR | Super V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 67 | 65 | 63 | 68.2 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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