2012 Jaguar XJ Series

BOWERS AND WILKINS AUDIO SYSTEM
Many ultra-premium audio systems attempt to dazzle consumers with clever marketing descriptions and impressive speaker counts. Audiophiles understand that when it comes to choosing the finest sound system, the proof is in the performance. Regardless of its enticing features, the XJ's available Bowers and Wilkins audio system delivers perhaps the purist sound quality in the business.

DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
To help bolster the XJ's high-tech appeal, Jaguar engineers abandoned the conventional analog instrument cluster in favor of a high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen with a digital speedometer, tachometer and information window with configurable vehicle data.

Thanks to the minimal number of center stack controls, the Jaguar XJ's cabin features a clean, elegant design that separates itself from the competition with superior materials and remarkable fit and finish. Soft leather trim covers not only the seating surfaces, but the upper dash, door panels and even the headliner on Supersport models. The XJ's navigation system employs a touch-screen navigation system rather than the button and wheel-operated setups found on German-built luxury sedans. Although recent interface enhancements have certainly improved the level of user-friendliness, the touch-screen's inherent functional requirements increase driver distraction.

The Jaguar XJ's distinctive design is set off by a sloping rear roofline that shrouds its substantial mass while creating a stylish 4-door coupe appearance. The 2012 XJ is available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the latter providing an additional five inches of rear legroom. Considering its size, trunk space is quite restricted, and the low roofline makes it difficult for taller drivers to enter the vehicle. Wheel choices surpass the double-digit mark and range from standard 19-inch to a variety of fender-filling 20-inch alloys.

One engine, three flavors. The 2012 Jaguar XJ lineup features three versions of a 5.0-liter V8, two of them supercharged. Each is mated to an adaptive 6-speed automatic transmission that's easily manipulated via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The energy ultimately makes its way to the rear wheels and delivers 5.4-, 4.9- and 4.7-second sprints to 60 mph, depending on engine choice.

5.0-liter V8
385 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
380 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg (long wheelbase: 15/22 mpg)

5.0-liter supercharged V8
470 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
424 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg

5.0-liter supercharged V8
510 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg

Compared to some of its competitors, the 2012 Jaguar XJ starts at a relatively reasonable Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $74,500. An additional $7,000 will net a longer wheelbase and more rear legroom, plus a few other niceties. Winter 2012 marks the debut of the 2012 Jaguar XJL Ultimate, which will top the XJ range at a colossal $155,000, but that includes just about every feature under the sun. If you want to get the best deal, be sure to take a look at the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what buyers in your market area are currently paying for the Jaguar XJ. Both the 2012 Audi A8 and 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class start with steeper sticker prices, but much of the Jaguar's sticker-price advantage is offset by weaker projected resale values.

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