First Drive: Jaguar XJR
Jaguar’s stylish and luxurious XJ saloon is already a hit, but now it’s been given the ‘R’ treatment
What’s new?: This is the first time the current XJ has worn the ‘R’ badge, which elsewhere in the Jag line-up means thunderous performance, spectacular noise and sensational handling, which does sound slightly at odds with the XJ’s luxury saloon brief.
Still, it looks the part with a tasteful bodykit, massive alloy wheels and a serious dose of menace. Underneath the bonnet, there’s a massively powerful supercharged V8, and the suspension and brakes have been enhanced to cope with the power. Inside there are tasteful details and some extra toys too.
Looks and image: Serious. Where the standard XJ is clearly good enough for the well-off and those blessed with good taste, the XJR is that bit more sinister. Finished in white with black wheels, the XJR looks like the kind of car you need fight scars or a bit of previous before you’re allowed to own one. But it’s all in good taste, and despite the steroid injection, the XJR is no less classy for it.
Space and practicality: The XJR is no shorter than a standard XJ so the space inside is generally excellent. Up front there is plenty of lounging room for everyone, while in the rear it’s very comfortable even with the standard wheelbase. Headroom is reduced a little with the panoramic glass roof option, but other than that it’s spacious and comfortable. The boot is also very generous with 520 litres.
Behind the wheel: Be in no doubt that the XJR is still a comfortable and luxurious saloon, it’s just that, with a rabid 542bhp V8 under the bonnet, it demands restraint. Leave the transmission in Drive and you can sail around on barely a tickle of the accelerator, such is the torque available.
But what you really want to do is use the manual paddles shifters and introduce the throttle pedal to the carpet. A torrent of acceleration is unleashed, accompanied by a terrific snarl from the exhaust. This is a ludicrously quick car.
The brakes are strong too and the handling is excellent: the steering is keen but not too sharp and the balance between composure and ride comfort is deeply impressive. Switch off the traction control and it will go comedically sideways too.
Value for money: The XJR isn’t what you would call cheap, with a list price of £92,370. But as it is the flagship of the Jaguar range, it is groaning with toys and trinkets: there’s a high-end Meridian audio system, satellite navigation, soft closing doors and the Adaptive Dynamics system as standard. You can throw more money at it too, but there’s no doubt you get plenty for your cash.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Jaguar XJR, £92,370
Engine: 5.0-litre petrol unit producing 542bhp and 501lb-ft of torque
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels
Performance: Top speed 174mph (limited), 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds
Economy: 24.4mpg combined
Emissions: 270g/km of CO2
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