Thursday, June 27, 2013

2013 Jaguar XJ AWD review

We are fans of the XJ's overall design and looks
A while back I visited the largest Jaguar/Land Rover dealer in the country, Prestige in Paramus, N.J. I remember a sales guy telling me he couldn't wait for the all-wheel-drive Jags. “At least they'll give us a chance. Right now, with rear-drive only, we don't have anything to compete with Benz, BMW or Audi. We're basically shut out of the whole northern part of the country.” 


My point: all-wheel-drive is a big deal for Jaguar for obvious reasons. I've always liked the XJ. Of the big luxury liners, XJs have been among my favorites over the years. I've always found them good to look at and this one is no exception (full disclosure -- I'm an admitted Ian Callum slappy). XJs have historically been smooth to operate with among the best chassis in the luxury biz. Again, there's no exception here. Even with all-wheel drive, this car feels nimble and quick witted. I played with the adjustable suspension a bit, sport mode firms up the shocks and quickens the throttle response. This V6 doesn't have the V8's power but the car is no dog. 

Love the interior. Comfy, well built, looks like London club and is typical Jag. I loved the contrast between the shiny vents against the black dash. Very cool. 

The interior was comfy, well built and is everything we come to expect from Jaguar
This car has stop/start, which proved weird. It's not weird that the car has it, but it seemed to operate whenever it damned well felt like it. Really inconsistent Kind of abrupt too when it did work, made the car shudder on start-up. 

Overall, this 2013 Jaguar XJ is a fine car. Hopefully for Jag's sake the all-wheel drive will help boost some sales.

2013 Jaguar XJ AWD

Base Price: $77,575
As-Tested Price: $86,800
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter supercharged V6; AWD, eight-speed automatic
Output: 340 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 332 lb-ft @ 3,500-5,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,125 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 16/24/19 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 18.9 mpg
Options: Portfolio package including 20x20 front seat message, leather with stitching and piping, suedecloth headliner, four-zone climate control, heated/cooled front and rear seats ($4,000); Meridian 825-watt surround sound ($2,300); illumination package including lighted door and trunk sills, illuminated air vents ($1,700); visibility package including adaptive front lighting, intelligent high beam, cornering lights ($850); heated front windshield ($375)
The car's stop/start system was one of the few flaws we encountered

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