Jaguar XJ 5.0 V8

We push the button to start the engine. As soon as we start moving, we are impressed with the XJ’s lightness and agility, which seem contradictory when we consider its gigantic dimensions. This British car performs with confidence and poise. It never feels hampered by narrow roads like the ones we encountered in the countryside near Paris, where we tested the powerful 2.0-liter diesel version with 275hp and 600Nm of torque and the radical 5.0 V8 gasoline version with 510hp and 625Nm of torque. Let’s start with the 5.0 V8, which we tested in the standard XJ version. While docile and tame enough for a gentleman driver, the XJ’s personality changes as soon as we floor the gas pedal.

A low roar invades the otherwise silent cabin while the vehicle charges forward, reaching prohibited speeds in the blink of an eye.
While driving on the highway, we can now enjoy a massage from our seatback, or simply let our chauffeur take the wheel as we lean back and enjoy the very British B&W sound system.
Thanks to its neutral suspension and chassis and helpful electronic features, the XJ forgives most of our driving mistakes. While direct, the steering system loses some precision at high speed. The brakes and seats are excellent. Although the diesel engine has less horsepower, it delivers abundant torque, even at low rpm.
According to the automaker, its fuel consumption averages 7.0 litres every 100km with CO2 emissions of 184g/km. Not bad for a car like the XJ!