Acceleration

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
7	7	8	7.3

Off the line, non-supercharged models feel as quick as the Super V8. Super V8s are noticeably stronger over 40 mph, despite an occasional delay in throttle response. All are fast enough for most any need. An XJ8 did 6.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission is a smooth operator, but it can be somewhat slow to downshift unless in sport mode. No XJRs have been made available for us to test.

Fuel Economy

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
4	4	4	3.3

In Consumer Guide testing, XJ8s averaged 15-18.3 mpg, XJ8 L 18.4 in mostly highway driving. In tests that included more highway miles, Vanden Plas models averaged 19.7-20.1 mpg. Test Super V8s averaged 19.3-20.6 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required.

Ride Quality

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
8	8	8	8.2

Any XJ has a fine balance of impact absorption and highway comfort, though they're not quite as settled as other European rivals over washboard surfaces. Some test models felt jittery at highway speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
7	7	7	6.9

Weight-saving aluminum-intensive body construction and a stiff chassis help these big cats feel nimble. Good grip in turns with little cornering lean. Steering is 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. Braking is strong and sure.

Quietness

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
8	8	8	8.4

The supercharged engine whirs faintly in rapid acceleration. Otherwise, the cabin is impressively free of mechanical noise, but our testers did notice some wind rush and road rumble at highway speeds.

Controls

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
5	5	4	5.8

Typical premium large car: lots of buttons that operate lots of controls. Most are clearly marked and conveniently placed. The 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 are obscured by the gear lever. Rear-entertainment-system controls are not intuitive, and DVDs load via an inconvenient trunk-mounted changer and only with the ignition engaged.

Details

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
8	8	8	8.4

Pleasing cabin materials on XJ8. Vanden Plas and Super V8 have upgraded wood and leather. No XJ's decor matches the class-leading Audi A8 or Mercedes-Benz S-Class for pure luxury ambiance, however. In one test XJ, the front and rear obstacle detection system was overly sensitive. It would activate with a shrill beep when idling in traffic or when a pedestrian would walk in front of the car. The system can be disabled, though.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
7	7	7	8.8

The seats are firm, comfortable, and supportive. Headroom and legroom are tight for the very large, but the power-adjustable steering column and pedals help most adults find an agreeable driving position. Visibility to the rear is compromised by a tall trunklid.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
7	8	8	7.9

Regular-length models have adequate leg room, though toe space is tight. Extended-length models' leg room is better, though not outstanding when compared to benchmark rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Toe space in extended models is unrestricted unless the front seats are set fully back. Nicely bolstered cushions. Super V8's seatbacks adjust for angle and lumbar support, an unexpected comfort plus.

Cargo Room

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
4	4	4	4.1

Plenty of usable trunk space. The lid opens wide on nonintruding hinges and has assisted soft-touch close. A large glovebox and padded map pockets are nice touches, but the center console compartment is tiny.

Value within Class

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
6	4	3	5.5

Jaguar'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 key rivals.

Total Score

XJ8	Vanden Plas	Super V8	Class Average
71	70	69	74.6

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		67
Average Score		74
High Score		87