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Ultimate Jaguar XJ vs Porsche Panamera

Which luxury sports saloon is better – Jaguar’s new XJ Supersport or Porsche’s Panamera? Our testers give their verdict on another England vs Germany clash

Ultimate XJ vs Panamera

Photos: Pete Gibson July 2010

Enthusiasts would argue that Jaguar invented the concept of the sports saloon. The 1955 MkI introduced the handling prowess and performance normally associated with the firm’s sports cars to a four-door audience.

So it’s appropriate that the new XJ is billed as a sports limousine. After years of retro-inspired evolution, the latest incarnation of the flagship saloon has followed the lead of the superb XF and been reinvented as a thoroughly modern, driver-focused and sharp-witted saloon car.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Jaguar XJ

 

As a result of this sporty edge, it could be at its best in range-topping 5.0-litre Supersport trim, with a 503bhp supercharged V8 engine and £88,000 price tag. Our short-wheelbase model will need to be on top form if it’s to beat the car filling its rear view mirror, though.

The Porsche Panamera provides the space, opulence and refinement of a traditional luxury limousine, but adds the performance and handling for which the manufacturer is famous.

The 395bhp 4S tested here is nearly a match for the Jag on price, and while it’s not as powerful as its British rival, it does have four-wheel drive. Will that help to propel the Panamera to victory?

For an alternative review of the latest Jaguar XJ visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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8 Comments

I would lke to see jag being rivaled against an aston martin rapide...

By koupekid on 7 July, 2010, 5:39pm

Panamera

The panamera should win over the Jag. The XJ wins over the Panamera is bulls**t

By Panamera_4ever on 8 July, 2010, 1:06pm

Seen One

I have finally seen an XJ on the road! Sadly, it looked as bad as I had feared. I had hoped that the pictures lied, and that 'in the metal' it would be OK. Pity - I so wanted to like it.

By pajbse on 8 July, 2010, 9:30pm

Gorgeous XJ

Beauty is obviously in the eye of the beholder. I've seen and been in the new XJ and it really is beautiful. A worthy winner.

By Steve100 on 8 July, 2010, 10:04pm

Biased perhaps?

Panamera_4ever... You are not slightly biased, are you? To be fair when you purchased your Panamera the XJ was not available. So I would think you've not driven it. Maybe you should?

As for other posters I agree beauty is in the eye of the beholder and whilst the new XJ is a leap (pardon the pun) forward in design and quality over the previous incarnation I actually don't like it, well I don't like the rear end; the lights and fake floating roof line, are a let down. But it will find plenty of homes due to the quality and opulence and the now re prestigious Jaguar badge, and rightly so.

By Focus_your_mind on 12 July, 2010, 1:32pm

XJ every time

The Panaamera is quite simply the most disgusting car i have ever had the misfortune to lay my eyes on, surely these are going to be only bought by 911 fans who need the family space. Saying that Porsche have only managed one good looking car in the last 30 years in the Carrera GT so its not surprising really.

I have also seen the new XJ and cant understand why anyone would buy any of the German limos. It looks classy and aggressive all in one well proportioned package.

By AndyG on 20 July, 2010, 12:24pm

4 Wheel Drive Porsche? It it their new tractor?

This should not be compared with the Jaguar - you are comparing apples and pears again!!!

Why dont you compare it with the superb new Aston Martin Rapide - there it would not even come 4th!

Here the comparison would be between a Porsche butchers knife and a Aston Martin rapier!

By vandenplas4litre on 21 July, 2010, 1:37pm

Yet Another 'British' Car 'Win'.

The Jag is over 8,000 pounds costlier and in spite of having an over 100 BHP advantage in power, it is barely quicker (a tenth of a second to 60mph). C'mon...

By Neogy on 17 February, 2011, 11:39am

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Full Car Reviews

Jaguar XJ Supersport SWB

1st Jaguar XJ Supersport SWB

Exclusive, charismatic and fast, the XJ is a thoroughly modern Jaguar sports saloon
Porsche Panamera 4S

2nd Porsche Panamera 4S

Four-seater blends firm’s sports car know-how with luxury limo refinement
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

AS with other Panamera models we’ve tested, the 4S has a wide array of talents. It’s great to drive, practical, luxurious and adaptable, while the range of dynamic adjustment options means you can play with the gearbox, suspension and throttle settings at will – transforming it from a relaxed cruiser into a focused sports car. A superb cabin and top-notch quality are also plus points, but the new XJ Supersport is faster, more stylish and provides superior refinement. In addition, its supercharged engine is really smooth, yet delivers devastating performance. While the Jaguar can’t match the ultimate body control of the Porsche, it’s still amazingly agile and engaging to drive. We think the XJ is at its best in Supersport guise, and that’s enough to see it take the top step on the podium in this test. The characterful and charismatic flagship claims its first scalp.

1. Jag XJ
Further evidence that Jaguar is once again producing cars that are desirable, beautifully built and attractive. With its blend of power and refinement, the flagship XJ Supersport will appeal to those who want engaging handling and scintillating performance without sacrificing refinement, class or comfort.

2. Porsche Panamera
It’s hard not to be impressed by the 4S’s array of talents. With folding rear seats and a hatchback body, it’s more practical than the Jag. But the 4WD drivetrain is clumsy at low speed and we prefer the purity of lesser rear-wheel-drive versions. The Panamera is a gifted machine, but comes second.

 
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