2007 Jaguar XJ Review

The 2007 Jaguar XJ lineup is comprised of some of the most dignified sedans on the market today. All XJs are crafted with fine leather and wood that make the interior a remarkable place to spend time. The soft leather seats offer a cocoon-like embrace that encourages long drives.

There is plenty of safety built in also. Front and side air bags are standard, as are head curtain bags, dynamic stability control, ABS brakes, and a remote security system. On the creature comfort side, a 140-watt stereo, 16-way adjustable and heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, a power adjustable steering column, and a memory feature are standard across the board.

The most affordable XJ8 starts at $63,835. Under the hood is a modern 4.2L V8 engine that makes a healthy 300 horsepower, and it is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The XJ8 L is the next rung on the ladder, and it offers more rear seat leg room courtesy of a wheelbase that is five inches longer. The XJ Vanden Plas rides on the same longer wheelbase that the XJ8 L does, but it is more lavishly equipped, with power-folding electrochromic exterior mirrors with memory settings, wool floor mats, a heated steering wheel, an upgraded Alpine stereo system, a navigation system, and tasteful wood trim.

If 300 horsepower won't suffice, Jaguar offers the XJR and XJ Super V8. Both of these models come with a 400-horsepower supercharged V8, with the XJR being the short wheelbase version and the Super V8 riding on the extended wheelbase. In addition, the Super receives all the Vanden Plas extras as well as adaptive cruise control, four-zone climate control, and an entertainment system.

The normally aspirated XJs are relatively quick thanks to all-aluminum body construction. The supercharged cats are that much more thrilling to drive.

As one would expect from a car with so much desirable equipment standard, the list of options is relatively short. Still, climate controlled front seats, front park control, and optional wheels are all available. The same multimedia package that is seen on the Super V8, which includes video screens on the back of the front headrests, can be ordered on the Vanden Plas and XJR models.
The Jaguar XJ line of sedans continues largely unchanged for 2007. Bluetooth technology is now standard in all XJs. The XJ8 and XJ8L now have heated 16-way front seats and heated rear seats, and front park control is now standard on the Vanden Plas. see less