2008 Jaguar XJ-Series

The improved 2008 Jaguar XJ is the flagship of this renowned British automaker's sedan line and has more aggressive styling to match its high performance and advanced construction.

The XJ broke new ground when it went on sale as a 2004 model because it had aircraft-style monocoque construction with a body structure manufactured from aluminum alloy, known for low weight and high strength.

Such construction makes the rear-wheel-drive XJ a lighter-weight, fun-to-drive alternative to heavier German rivals such as the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Weights range from 3,726 pounds for the base XJ8 to 4,001 pounds for the Super V-8.

Such construction makes the rear-wheel-drive XJ a lighter-weight, fun-to-drive alternative to heavier German rivals such as the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Weights range from 3,726 pounds for the base XJ8 to 4,001 pounds for the Super V-8.

A lighter car is more fun to drive because it goes, stops, steers and handles more adroitly, besides providing better fuel economy. The 7-Series and S-Class are hundreds of pounds heavier. But, while nimble, the Jaguar still feels like more of a posh, comfortable, secure cruiser than those harder-edged high-performance German sedans.

The extended-wheelbase versions of the XJ also are the longest models in the foreign premium sedan class -- about half an inch longer than the S-Class and 1.4 inches longer than the 7-Series. Still, the XJ is compact enough to fit in average-size garages and tight spaces of parking garages.

Relatively few American luxury-car buyers seem to appreciate the advantages of the $63,585-$94,085 XJ's advanced construction: Sales of 2007 XJ sedans fell to 4,474 cars last year from 5,027 in 2006. The new XK sports car even slightly outsold the XJ, with sales last year of 4,487 cars. A full-line automaker's sports cars aren't supposed to outsell its less sporty models.

The new XJ models from Ford-owned Jaguar might increase XJ sales. Models are the XJ8, XJ8L, Vanden Plas, hot rod XJR and top-line Super V-8. All get front and rear cosmetic changes for a sportier, more muscular stance without losing this sedan's distinctive, elegant Jaguar styling.

A new front bumper has upper/ lower mesh radiator grilles with chromed detailing, lower body sills and two fender "power vents" behind the front wheels that match those on Jaguar's XK. A reworked rear end has a reshaped bumper, subtle trunk lid spoiler and revised dual exhaust outlets.

New, larger wheels are standard on all models, with 19-inch ones on most XJs, and 20-inch wheels on the XJR and Super V-8, which I tested.

A revised interior has a new seat design for more support and comfort. Heated front seats are standard, with optional air-cooling available. There's also more rear leg and foot room, thanks to redesigned front seatbacks.

All solidly built XJs are loaded with comfort, convenience and safety items. They can be had with a 300 horsepower V-8 or supercharged 400-horsepower V-8 with a mountain of torque. The supercharged engine is in the hot rod XJR and Super V-8, which rides smoother because it doesn't have the XJR's stiffer sport suspension.

The Super V-8 isn't inexpensive at $94,085, but it has such items as a standard four-zone climate control system and rear DVD multimedia entertainment system with nifty twin display screens in the back of each front-seat headrest. It also has a power rear bench seat and even a gorgeous, heated wood/leather steering wheel.

Rather superfluous Super V-8 items include small picnic tables that pop out from the back of the front seats and deep-pile lambswool footwell rugs, which can get slopped up during Chicago area winter driving.

The Super V-8 has limo-style rear-seat room because it's a long-wheelbase XJ, as are the XJ8L and Vanden Plas. Its wheelbase (distance between axles) is 124.4 inches, up from 119.4 for standard-wheelbase XJs.

However, the center of the back seat is too hard for comfort and is best left to the large fold-down armrest, which contains cupholders and audio system controls.

Jaguar V-8s are impressively smooth and quiet. The base 300-horsepower engine provides fast acceleration, but the supercharged 400-horsepower version of this V-8 with its 413 pound-feet of torque is something else again.

Both engines are backed by a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, with a manual shift feature.

The 0-60 mph time with the base engine is 6.3 seconds, and just 5 seconds with the 400-horsepower V-8. Acceleration into fast traffic and passing on freeways or highways seems effortless. So does moving from a stop sign or pulling away from careless tailgaters.

Estimated fuel economy of the base engine is 16 mpg in the city and 25 on highways. It's 15 and 22 with the supercharged V-8. Premium fuel is recommended.

Steering is quick, with the right amount of power assist, and the XJ has a tight turning circle of 39.5 feet. The advanced suspension provides a superior ride, especially with long-wheelbase models, and allows little body lean and good grip in curves. Stopping power is strong, although the Super V-8's brake pedal is a bit touchy in town.

The whisper-quiet, sumptuous interior of XJs -- and especially the Super V-8 -- has easily read gauges and seats that provide good side and thigh support. The cover for the front console cupholders can get in the way, though, and front/rear door pockets are only moderately sized.

There are lots of control buttons, but they're easily reached and well-marked. However, I could do without the navigation system absorbing and complicating some audio and climate control functions.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening and swings up smoothly on struts. The inside of the lid is lined for a nice finished look and has an indented area to facilitate closing it. The hood also has struts instead of a hood prop; its lined interior and plastic engine cover keep noise levels down.

As with all Jaguars ever built, the XJ is unique, with its own style and presence.

2008 JAGUAR XJ

PRICES: $63,585-$94,085

LIKES: Aggressive styling touches. Revised interior. Fast. Supple ride. Limo-style rear seat.

DISLIKES: Sensitive brake pedal. Marginal manual-shift feature.