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Jaguar XJ  vs. Audi A8 - Comparative Review 

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The 2009 Jaguar XJ

For 2009, Jaguar offers five packages for the XJ: the Jaguar XJ8 ; the XJ8 L ;  the Vanden Plas ; the XJR ; and the Super V8.  Some new improvements for the 2009 models include a revised front bumper and grille, added power vents to the front fenders, a new small rear spoiler, and most XJ models have gotten larger wheels and tires. For the interior, the seats are redesigned for better comfort and more rear seat foot room, Sirius satellite radio becomes an option on all models, and heated and cooled seats become standard on three of the five models.  The XJ is a smooth, quiet, stately and powerful luxury sedan.  It handles curves on the road quite well for its size. The XJs deliver the best EPA fuel mileage ratings in this class, and none carries a Gas Guzzler Tax.  The XJ sedan also comes in regular and long-wheelbase versions. The packages range from the luxurious XJ8 to the opulent Vanden Plas to the powerful XJR. The long-wheelbase models are stretched five inches and offer enough rear-seat room to recline and watch a movie on a flip-down wooden tray. The 2009 Jaguar XJ is available with a normally aspirated or supercharged 4.2-liter V8. All five XJ models seat five, and all are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Standard features include leather seats with contrasting piping, Bluetooth cell-phone interface, and automatic xenon headlights with power washers. Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, 16-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, memory for the driver's seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and pedals, and much more. 

There is a special Warm Climate package for the XJR and Vanden Plas that includes four-zone climate control and rear sun blinds. The Multimedia rear DVD package, touch-screen navigation ($2,300) and Alpine audio ($1,200) are offered for models that do not include them.

Safety features are extensive: dual front airbags, front occupant side-impact airbags, curtain-style head protection airbags front and rear, rear park assist, tire-pressure monitor, advanced four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control.  The XJ's tire-pressure monitor is one of the most sophisticated available, measuring absolute pressures in each tire.  All XJs feature polished burl walnut trim. The XJR and Super V8 feature more heavily bolstered sport seats.  The trunk is large, it offers 16.4 cubic feet of volume, which is more than the Audi A8 (14.6 cubic feet) and BMW 7 Series (16.3).




The 2009 Audi A8

The five-passenger Audi A8 comes in three variations: 4.2, 4.2 L (long wheelbase), and W12 long wheelbase. A full leather upgrade is available on
4.2 L models, while W12 models get the option of 20-inch wheels. Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability system, and ten airbags are standard on the A8. The standard A8 includes instant throttle response from its powerful transmission, while quattro all-wheel drive and an adaptable air suspension provide just the right driving balance. The A8 4.2 rides on a 115.9-inch wheelbase, while the A8 L adds 5.1 inches in both wheelbase and overall length. Both are powered by a 4.2-liter V8 rated at 350 horsepower and come with a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shift control.

Other standard features include leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 16-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment, interior air filter, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and much much more. The Audi A8 comes loaded with features, and each model is comfortable and luxurious. Interior design is clean and classic. A choice of leathers and wood trims allow individual preferance.  A memory feature keeps all the settings for four different drivers (or moods), including climate controls. Front and rear seats can be heated and ventilated.

A seven-inch color screen in the top-center of the dash of all models displays Audi's Multi-Media Interface, or MMI. This system is designed to consolidate interior functions into one control center, giving the driver lots of options without filling the dash with buttons. Ambient lighting in the interior allows control of mood in the cabin. The Electronic Stabilization Program can help control the car when the driver can't. Electronic Brake-force Distribution keeps the car balanced in a panic stop, and Brake Assist slams the binders harder if the driver doesn't press as hard as he or she should. Adaptive Air Suspension keeps the ride smooth and tires planted no matter the surface.




The Jaguar XJ sedan represents one of the best values among full-size luxury cars.  Jaguar offers features and comfort comparable to the top-line luxury sedans from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz for thousands less. The XJ sedan appears distinctive, even unique; it is a true statement of luxury. The current XJs are roomier than previous models, and are beautiful and stately. The long-wheelbase versions offer more rear seat space without significant trade-offs in response or ease of handling. The long-wheelbase Jaguar XJ models, the XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, and Super V8, are the longest cars in this class.  The MSRP for the Jaguar XJ is $65,700 to $94,075.  It has a fuel economy range of 25 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city.  It comes with a basic warranty of 48 months/50,000 miles.  The Audi A8 is also a big luxury sedan,  it is more progressive, and less traditional than its competitors.  The aluminum space frame saves about 300 pounds compared to a conventional steel frame, allowing more features without overburdening the car with weight. The Audi A8 is fast, roomy, luxurious and exceptionally comfortable. It rides like a luxury car, yet it is stiff and handles like a sports sedan. Loaded with innovation, the A8 is elegant but not arrogant, and finds just the right balance without being excessive.  It has an MSRP of $74,050 to $120,100.  The  fuel economy range is 23 mpg Hwy, and 16 mpg City.  There is a basic warranty of 48 months/50,000 miles.