Jaguar XJ Supersport SWB

You have to hand it to Jaguar. In a sector where some manufacturers are afraid to get bold with styling, the new XJ stands out from the crowd.

The traditional lines of the old car are long gone, as designer Ian Callum set out to create a Jaguar for the 21st century. And the streamlined profile, bold grille, slim lights and taut waistline give the XJ plenty of visual appeal. At the rear, the boomerang tail-lights and gloss black C-pillars are an acquired taste, but overall this is the most extreme expression yet of Jaguar’s new image.

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

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The cabin is just as impressive as the exterior. Tall drivers would benefit from a fraction more reach adjustment on the deep- dished steering wheel, but this aside, the snug seating position is hard to fault. All the controls are logically laid out and the dashboard design is attractive, but straightforward.

The classic eyeball air vents hint at Jaguars of old, while the wood and leather provide a typically British feel – although there’s nothing retro about the rest of the XJ’s interior. From the touchscreen sat-nav to the digital instrument dials and Ice Blue mood lighting, the Jag feels utterly modern.  

In the rear, the sloping roofline pinches headroom and, in short-wheelbase guise at least, the XJ has fractionally less legroom than the Porsche. However, thanks to the high-quality materials and stylish design, it still feels very special.

On the move the good news continues. While the Panamera is cumbersome at low speeds, the Jaguar is silky smooth. The light controls, delicate throttle response and impressive V8 engine mean it feels like a truly luxurious machine. But don’t be fooled by this placid personality, because the XJ has an agility that belies its huge dimensions.

As we found out when we tested the diesel version (Issue 1,104), the new XJ has a sporty character even in entry-level guise. The Supersport takes this a step further, and the well weighted and responsive steering means it’s keen to turn in to bends.

It doesn’t have the body control of the Porsche, but the British saloon corners with composure. There’s plenty of feedback, too, while the brakes are firm under foot and generate excellent stopping power. However, it’s power of a different kind that really separates the Supersport from its rival.

The supercharged 5.0-litre V8 develops 503bhp and 625Nm of torque. Peak power is generated at 4,000rpm, while maximum torque arrives at 2,000rpm.

With these sorts of numbers, it’s no surprise that the XJ serves up hugely impressive, effortless acceleration. Despite its aluminium construction, it is 32kg heavier than the four-wheel-drive Porsche, but the power advantage meant the Jaguar sprinted from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds – three-tenths quicker than the Panamera.

This feat is even more remarkable when you consider that the Porsche comes with the twin-clutch PDK gearbox, which includes a faultless launch control system.

The Jag’s conventional six-speed auto gives you the option to control shifts manually via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, and what really stands out is the Supersport’s amazing in-gear responses. At the test track, it was faster than the Panamera in every ratio and the transmission shifts gears without fuss.

Effective stability control ensures traction isn’t an issue, but turn it off and the massive power, agility and delicacy mean the Jaguar can power slide and corner as spectacularly as an American muscle car.

In spite of this, the XJ never forgets its graceful refinement. Ride comfort isn’t helped by the large 20-inch alloy wheels, yet the taut suspension set-up is better suited to the Supersport than diesel versions of the saloon.

All of this talent doesn’t come cheap – the flagship XJ has a price tag of £88,000. But standard equipment includes a rear parking camera, metallic paint and privacy glass, which are all optional on the Porsche.

Exclusive, comfortable, fast and charismatic, the hot XJ is a thoroughly modern Jaguar sports saloon – and provides further evidence that the British brand is now building cars that are every bit as desirable as models from its illustrious past.

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Chart position: 1
WHY: A radical step forward, the new XJ is massively desirable – and in Supersport trim offers scintillating performance.