Jaguar XJ Saloon (10 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 10 September 2010
The XJ is the pinnacle of Jaguar’s ethos of building cars that offer high performance and comfort in equal measures. It’s a world away from its predecessor, both in terms of appearance and driving, yet this is still very much a Jaguar with plenty of delightful styling details and a coupe-like look. An all-aluminium body ensures a low kerb weight – good for handling – which combined with a superb range of engines, means the XJ delivers stunning performance and useful economy. The cosseting cabin is a wonderful piece of design too with unique touches that make other luxury alternatives look drab and ordinary. It is also fitted with state-of-the-art technology including a high definition virtual instrument panel. Like most cars of this size, it’s expensive new, but the Jaguar is easily a match for alternatives like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and, whether you’re in the back or behind the wheel, few cars feel as special as the XJ does.
4.5 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Buying new

There will be little chance of negotiating any sort of discount on a new XJ, due to such high demand and dealerships that aren’t under pressure to sell high numbers. Luckily you’ll be guaranteed excellent service from your Jaguar dealer so expect to be treated very well. There’s a wide choice of options, especially in terms of interior colours and materials, allowing you to give your car a bespoke feel. Long wheelbase models come with all three engines.

Buy a new Jaguar XJ Saloon and save 17% on selected models

3.5 out of 5

Buying used

The XJ holds onto its value well, so there are unlikely to be many bargains around on the used market. But buying second hand is still a much more affordable way to into owning one – you can expect a new model to lose around 35 per cent of its original value. Luckily all models come well equipped so you’ll be guaranteed a car with all the key equipment you’d expect. The 3.0 D is the most popular, while the Supersport models will be harder to track down but if you're after a long wheelbase, these only account for about a third of all cars. Either way, the best place to look is at Jaguar dealers via the firm's Approved Used programme.

  • Boot/Load Space Jaguar XJ Saloon (10 on)
  • Interior Jaguar XJ Saloon (10 on)

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4.5 out of 5

Selling

Although the previous XJ was never quite as popular as alternatives such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it still has a very strong reputation for luxury, particularly in the UK. This XJ is a huge departure from the previous model and a very different car all round – it’s now a genuine alternative to the main German brands. This coupled with its great looks and high quality mean it will always be sought after and any used models will be quickly snapped up.