If general consensus has anything to do with it, Jag's fortunes are due to turn an about face. These cars, say those I've spoken to, are much improved over previous offerings. I don't have a heck of a lot of experience with older Jags, but I was impressed by the new XK and, more recently, the XJ8.
The XJ is a luxury cruiser, meant to go head to head with more ubiquitous S-Class and 7 Series offerings. It's powerful, it's spacious, it's oh-so-luxurious. The Vanden Plas package adds an array of niceties like rich walnut wood trim and lambswool footwell rugs-don't call them floormats! Additionally, it's based on the long-wheelbase iteration of the XJ chassis, so if you can trick someone into driving for you, go ahead and kick your shoes off (to truly savor that lambswool on those delicate footsies), stretch out and pretend to be a superstar. Even if you actually aren't.
Others have complained about Jag's navigation interface. It's pretty snarky, with touchscreen capability, but apparently there are those either frustrated by the programming layout or they feel it's too dangerous to deal with a touchscreen while driving. I can't understand why people get so worked up about nav interfaces and remain decidedly indifferent.
Possibly the best thing about this car is the fact that it doesn't bear a roundel or three-pointed star. Right now Jaguar is a bit of a black sheep-or shall we say it's the market sleeper? I'd buy one simply for the fact that you don't see them on an everyday basis like the Bimmer or the Benz. -Karl Funke
From The Hip
Pro: Cozy interior, roomy back seat
Con: Your Benz-driving neighbor might look down his nose at you
Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine
4.2-liter V8, dohc, four valves per cylinder
Transmission
Six-speed automatic
Performance
Peak Power: 300 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Peak Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.3 sec.
Top Speed: 121 mph (limited)
Fuel Economy: 18 city/27 hwy