Overall rating:

Jaguar has always appealed to traditionalists, but the latest XJ also captures the hearts of keen drivers. No other luxury limo offers the same driver engagement, and though not as cosseting as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, every minute behind that wheel will be truly memorable.

Key Facts

Model tested: Jaguar XJ 3.0L Diesel Portfolio LWB
Pricing: £69,520 (£77,420 as tested)
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel
Transmission: six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Panamera, Audi A8
CO₂ emissions: 184g/km
Combined economy: 40.1mpg
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
0-62mph: 6.0 seconds
Power: 275bhp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 442lb.ft at 2,000rpm

Inside & Out:

It seems the British firm can do no right: it was criticised for its last XJ being too similar to previous models and so the latest car looks like nothing else before, yet continues to split opinion. The blacked out C-pillar and rear lights come in for strong criticism, though the bold grille and sharp headlamps make it an imposing sight.

But even the gaping grille can't prepare you for the cabin, which is one of the best in the business. Swathed in real leather and wood, and with the optional illumination pack it has an ambience that can't be matched. Our only criticism is that even the long wheelbase model can feel cramped compared to rivals.

Ride & Handling:

Big cats are agile creatures, and the Jaguar XJ follows its namesake in every way. There's direct and feelsome steering, and though there is some body roll, the bite and turn in is impressive for such a large vehicle.

The view out over the long bonnet is equally heart warming, and the electric seats and wheel ensure that getting comfortable is not a problem. And of course, in keeping with the rest of the wow-factor cabin, the rotary gear selector is great to both look at and use.

It's a communicative chassis as well, in fact sometimes a little too talkative - the firm edge to the ride sending vibrations through to the cabin, especially over sharp ridges or bumps. This could be due to the 20-inch wheels fitted to our test example, but make no mistake; the XJ is best appreciated from the driver's seat, not the rear bench.

Engine & Transmission:

The snarling petrol V8s may be the most exciting units in the range, but it's the smooth 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel that's the best all-rounder. Impeccably refined, when mated to the slick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox the 275bhp unit helps the big XJ crack the 0-62mph sprint in just six seconds.

And with 442lb.ft of torque at only 2,000rpm it doesn't matter what ratio is selected, the Jaguar leaps forward with vigour. It all makes for an incredibly relaxing experience that befits the XJ's limo status, and you know that pace and any emerging space in traffic is but a press of your right foot away.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

It's not cheap - time was you could buy a house for what the Jaguar costs - but in range-topping Portfolio trim it is well equipped. You'll find everything from parking sensors, adaptive dynamics, Bi-Xenon headlamps, a heated windscreen, panoramic glass roof and even a great-sounding Bowers and Wilkins Hi-Fi as standard.

However, both the Porsche Panamera Diesel and Mercedes-Benz S 350 CDI rivals are cleaner and more economical. And though it sits in a lofty group 49 for insurance, when spending nearly £70,000 on a car these costs are but a drop in the ocean.