Jaguar XJ 3.0D Portfolio

The diesel XJ lost out to the Mercedes when it debuted last year. On that occasion, the contest took place on French soil, at the British car’s official launch, so does it make home advantage count this time around?

It doesn’t matter where you see a Jaguar XJ for the first time, because its in-your-face styling is sure to leave an impression regardless. The thrusting chrome grille, narrow headlamps and swooping roofline combine to give the big saloon a sleek and purposeful profile.
 
We’re still not convinced by its rear end, though. Panels on the C-pillars are supposed to create the impression of a wraparound rear screen, but the illusion doesn’t work. Still, the Jaguar remains a highly distinctive luxury car choice, and climbing into the sporty front seats does nothing to change that impression.

The interior is welcoming and cosseting. There’s a full leather dash, while narrow side windows and charming retro design cues – like the eyeball air vents – mix with modern touches such as Jaguar’s rotary gear selector. You need the extra light let into the snug cabin by the standard twin sunroofs, though.

There’s no escaping the limited headroom, which is worse in the back, where six-footers will find their hair within a few millimetres of the headlining. At least there’s no shortage of kit, as flagship Portfolio trim includes the most generous spec of our contenders. Heated and cooled front seats, keyless go and a rear camera all feature.

However, the central touchscreen display looks more dated than the read-outs of the Audi and Mercedes set-ups. On paper, the 520-litre load area is impressive, yet shallow dimensions contrive to make it the least user-friendly when you load it.

Getting comfortable behind the wheel is a little more straightforward. There’s a smaller range of adjustment than in its rivals and the digital instruments are an acquired taste – they look a bit cheap – but the way the fuel gauge and engine temperature dials give way to a junction display from the sat-nav as you approach intersections is a neat touch.

We just wish Jaguar had taken the opportunity to offer owners a choice of instrument designs. On the move, the XJ stands apart from its rivals. The firm makes no apologies for its sporty approach, and keen drivers will love its alert responses and engaging character. It’s the most enjoyable car to drive quickly, but you pay the price as ride comfort takes a back seat.
 
At low speeds, its 20-inch rims thump into potholes, while on the motorway it never settles, delivering a constant stream of feedback to the driver – even if you don’t want it. This makes it less relaxing to drive than its competitors in this test. The punchy performance and gruff engine note are entirely in keeping with this personality but, even as a sports saloon, the XJ is flawed.

The steering, which is fine around town, is too light elsewhere, and there’s not enough front-end bite or rear traction to inspire real confidence. Chances are you’ll get bigger kicks than in the A8, but the more composed Audi will be faster. So where does that leave Jaguar in the final reckoning?

Details

Chart position: 3
WHY: Entertaining dynamics and striking looks make the Jaguar a charismatic luxury saloon. Can it see off Audi’s 4WD challenger?