The big XJ marked a break from traditional Jaguar sedan styling. Their flagship sedan is a thoroughly modern luxury car that manages to be both sporty and relaxing.
Powered by a muscular supercharged 340-hp V6, acceleration comes easy, although the supercharged V6 isn't quite as silky-smooth as the V8 it replaced. Athletic handling gives the car agility and grace, yet the XJ also delivers a smooth, supple, and well controlled ride. These traits make the biggest Jaguar feel smaller around the corners than the big luxury liner that it really is.
Exceptionally plush details and luxury features furnish the quiet, tasteful interior. Only four adults fit comfortably, though, and head room is a little stingy, making the cabin feel snug for larger people.
Where the XJ falls down is in the details. Compared to high-tech infotainment systems from Audi and BMW, even the updated system in the XJ feels antiquated. The rotary dial gear selector is easy enough to use, but lacks some desired features to prevent the car from accidentally rolling away when parked, should the driver not select Park as needed. The sleek coupe-like profile crimps window size, which impairs driver visibility. The trunk is quite small for a large car.