2005 Jaguar XJ-Series New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series?
New long-wheelbase models debut in XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, and Super 8 trim levels. With a five-inch stretch, the long-wheelbase XJ is longer than a Lexus LS 430 or BMW 7-Series yet weighs significantly less thanks to its aluminum body construction. Jaguar claims best-in-class rear headroom, the tightest turning circle among competitors, and benchmark fuel economy for the XJ8 L at 22-mpg city and 28-mpg highway. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, and both the Vanden Plas and Super 8 have fold-down rear worktables large enough to accommodate a laptop computer. The XJ8 L and Vanden Plas are equipped with a 4.2-liter V8 engine, while the Super 8 has the same supercharged V8 as the Jaguar XJR sports sedan.

Advantages of the 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series:

• Classic Jaguar styling
• Simple operation compared to German competitors
• Supple ride quality
• Strong powertrain with pleasing growl

Objections to the 2005 Jaguar XJ-Series:

• Lacks cutting-edge technologies that have debuted in other vehicles
• Even those familiar with the old XJ barely notice the difference
• Some cheap bits used in cabin construction
• Could use more front seat legroom

Editor's Advice:
Jaguar is proud to assert that you don't have to be a computer programmer to operate its XJ flagship sedan. That's true. To our way of thinking, luxury is about making life simple and enjoyable. Luxury is also about understated elegance and fine accoutrements. Jaguar seems to understand this, keeping the XJ traditional in terms of design and operation while other super-luxury sedan makers push the technological envelope. The fact that you don't need instructions to start the car, find a gear and set off down the road listening to your favorite CD should be argument enough for some well-heeled buyers to select the 2005 Jaguar XJ over other vehicles in this class.