Acceleration

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
7	7	8	7.3

No XJR made available for testing. Off the line, non-supercharged models feel as quick as supercharged versions. But Super V8s noticeably stronger over 40 mph, despite occasional delay in throttle response. All are fast enough for most any need: Test XJ8 did 6.5 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission a smooth operator, but somewhat slow to downshift unless in sport mode.

Fuel Economy

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
4	4	4	3.9

In 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, Super V8 14.9. Premium-grade fuel required.

Ride Quality

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
9	9	8	8.4

Among world's smoothest-riding sedans. Fine balance of impact absorption, highway comfort, though not as settled as European rivals over washboard surfaces. Super V8s have more road feel, but are never jittery or harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

Weight-saving aluminum-intensive body construction, stiff chassis help these big cats feel nimble. Good grip in turns, little cornering lean. Steering somewhat light but linear, with good road feel, great straightline tracking, though one test XJ8 required frequent directional corrections at highway speed. Extended-length models add little weight and handle nearly the same as regular-length models. Brakes strong, sure.

Quietness

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
9	9	9	8.5

Supercharged engine whirs faintly in rapid acceleration. Otherwise, cabin impressively hushed, free of mechanical noise, wind rush, road rumble.

Controls

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
7	7	6	7.4

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. Vanden Plas and Super V8 have upgraded wood and leather, but still trail class leaders for upscale ambience.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
7	7	7	8.9

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	Super V8	Class Average
8	9	9	8

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. Super V8's seatbacks adjust for angle, lumbar support.

Cargo Room

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
5	5	5	5.2

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	Super V8	Class Average
6	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. The basic XJ8 versions are the best value within this lineup. Though most XJ models tend to undercut many competitors on price, they don't match the resale values of Lexus and Mercedes-Benz rivals.

Total Score

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
69	68	66	70.1

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		61
Average Score		70
High Score		87