2004 Jaguar XJ Philadelpia

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2004 Jaguar XJ Design

There's no mistaking the XJ for anything other than a Jaguar. While other companies try to re-invent their look, Jaguar has built an all-new car that looks remarkably similar to the old one. Some have suggested that Jaguar should try to design something different, but virtually everyone agrees the XJ has always been one of the handsomest cars on the road so it would be a shame to mess it up for the sake of being different.

From the front there's little change. The car still has four smallish round headlights and the hood has the characteristic curves that flow back from the top edges of these headlamps. The wide grille protrudes forward slightly and the leaping jaguar, called the Leaper, sits on top of the hood.

Handling of the 2004 Jaguar XJ

To some a Jaguar is just about looks, but to most it's more about driving. Those who enjoy driving know that a lighter car is nicer to drive. Comfort and lots of features are expected, but add weight. It's a conflict of interests that can be difficult to overcome. That's why Jaguar designed an aluminum body for the new XJ. Although the new body is larger than before, it weighs 400 pounds less. That's equivalent to more than two passengers. Those who might be concerned that an aluminum body is not as strong as a steel body can rest assured that this body is just fine. Like the shell of an airplane, the Jaguar's body is riveted (with about 3200 rivets) and glued (with 120 yards of adhesive) to form an immensely stiff bodyshell that meets or exceeds all safety standards. Perhaps more important the body is 60-percent stiffer than the body it replaces. This rigidity and absence of weight lead to a better handling car.

Toss this big car into a tight corner on a narrow winding road and you'll find it tenaciously hugs the road surface with nary a complaint. It's just what one would expect from British engineers who learned at an early age how to drive fast along those narrow country lanes. It's no wonder the world's fastest race cars are built in England.

The power steering is precise without being too heavy and the new XJ goes where it's aimed. The wheels stay glued to the road surface thanks to the double-wishbone suspension and Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) that continuously and instantly adjusts damping. CATS works well with the air suspension and ensures stability whether the car is undergoing heavy acceleration, hard braking, or traversing an undulating road. During several hundred miles of driving on a variety of different roads and surfaces we found the car was stable and handled predictably at all times.

2004 Jaguar XJ Lineup

Jaguar XJ comes as three models. All are built on the same wheelbase and there is no V6 available.

XJ8 is the main model and it is powered by a 4.2-liter twin-cam V8 rated at 294 horsepower. Needless to say it includes a long list of luxury features as standard.

Vanden Plas has the same engine but adds extra luxury touches such as softer leather seats and rugs instead of carpets.

XJR tops the range, featuring a supercharged version of the V8 engine pumping out 390 horsepower. The R also gets a firmer suspension and larger Brembo brakes, plus bigger wheels and tires.

Options include a DVD navigation system, a DVD-based multimedia system, upgraded audio systems, and special wheels. Some options are only available on one or two of the three models. For example, the impressive rear-seat multimedia center is only available on the Vanden Plas and the XJR.

Interior of the 2004 Jaguar XJ

Any Jag fan will tell you that the interior of a Jaguar is a key part of the car's overall character. It's a combination of the look, feel and smell. You won't find many visible plastic parts in the XJ's interior. Instead, it's mostly trimmed out in leather and wood. Yes, there's real burr walnut veneer on the fascia, center console and door panels. The dashboard sweeps across the whole car in a fairly high position.

Three gauges are clustered in front of the steering wheel. The center console contains a 7-inch LCD touch screen for managing the climate, audio and optional navigation systems. Gone are rows of confusing switches seen in Jaguars of the past. Jaguar has made the controls as easy to operate as possible and has avoided the temptation to include a host of gee-whiz computer controls. We certainly did not have to get out the owner's manual to turn on the radio or adjust the climate.

For the first time, Jaguar is offering adjustable foot pedals that can be moved up to 2.5 inches at the touch of a switch. Coupled with the 12- or 16-way adjustable front seat, they allow any size driver to find a perfectly comfortable seating option.

The Vanden Plas gets a plusher interior with softer leather, lambs wool carpets and a power rear window blind. The front seats have 16 positions instead of 12. The XJR gets a sportier interior with seats offering extra support. It also has less wood trim.

Conclusion

Fat cat, it's not. Jaguar has managed to make a bigger XJ with increased performance, improved handling, better fuel economy and more interior space. No trade-offs here.

The pure essence of Jaguar continues in the XJ8. Tradition and the latest technology are combined to make an entrancing luxury sedan that will swiftly transport in elegant style.

The Vanden Plas adds still more luxury for those needing or wanting even more luxurious appointments.

The XJR provides truly exhilarating sports car performance in a luxury sedan like no other.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com