Hi all,
I am considering a new XJ (leaving BMW 7 series for numerous reasons) and wanted to ask a few questions from other owners:

1. Is the XJ reliable…any known issues with any of the model years 2011-current?
2. Is the driver seat comfortable on long drives? It seems fully adjustable…just wanted to get real world opinions.
3. Does the car track well on the open highway, i.e., will it hold a line?
4. Is their decent road feel through the steering or is it more of a numb experience?
5. How is the AWD version….good traction and fairly reliable?
6. Does the car convey a sense of solidness…no rattles, etc?

I have ruled out the new 750 and S-Class (waiting for the new verion in 11 months) and the A8, while extremely competent, just doesn't inspire me with its exterior.

My primary use for the car will be long drives of 200-500 miles so you can probably get a sense as to why I am asking these questions. Thanks so much for any help you can provide!

 

Since my wife drives the XJ (i drive the XF), I can only really answer #4 - it is a bit soft/numb, that's why they put the "performance mode" button there which when activated tightens up the suspension and steering for better feel, performance and handling.

Also, FWIW, my wife had her choice narrowed down between the XJ and an Audi A7.. She drove the A7 and really like it.. sporty, etc.. Sat down in the XJ at the dealer down the road a few minutes later and declared "OMG, that Audio interior is JUNK compared to this" ... took her less than 1 min to make the choice...

 

I have a 2012 XJ S/C since March of this year with 4000 miles on it.

1. So far the car has been reliable and hopefully remains that way.
2. We recently drove 600 miles from NYC to Midwest for holidays and the car was very comfortable (only frustration was highway speed limit) despite S/C version having stiffer setup and 20 inch rims. I think you may be better off with 19 inch wheels.
3. The car is stable at 105 mph and very comfortable around 75-80 mph.
4. Steering feedback is better than BMW. In fact, caranddriver said XJ has a steering feel which BMW should possess.
5. No idea about AWD except it is only available on V6
6. No rattles and the car feels solid. But you should test drive the car to see it for your self.

I believe some Jag dealers provide a demo car for a 2-3 day test drive. Why not ask them and see it for your self.

 

I can vouch for AWD traction. I was fortunate enough to drive the XJ AWD under snowy/hillly and sandy conditions at a recent Jaguar ALIVE driving event in Rye, NY. To test the AWD they had us drive the XJ around these conditions with AWD off (they even made snow and ice for us). The car slid all over the place. Then we did the course again with AWD on and it was night & day. The car solidly held the road while the instructor commanded me to floor it around snowy, hilly corners.

I also learned something from the professional race car drivers that day: Your hands follow your eyes. Look past slippery conditions and the hands and car will follow.

Jaguar should be proud of their recent JD Power rating. They worked hard (and Ford during their stewardship put a few billion) into the marque's technology and production standards to overcome the stigma of the 80s which, let's face it, was over 20 years ago. They make great cars.

 

I have 19,000 miles on mine and no problems at all so far. I'm 6'5" and the Jag is one of the most comfortable cars I've owned. Handling is great for such a large car. No squeaks or rattles.

Most importantly, even after a year of ownership, I still smile every time I get into the car.

 

I'm 6'4", 260lbs, and I've had a 2012 XJL since March that I've put a little over 8000 miles on. In July, I drove 2500 miles cross-country from Las Vegas to Miami Beach.

This is by far the most comfortable car I've ever driven/owned.

 

 

Well, this top gear video doesn't help much because out of 7:15 minutes, he talks about the car for just about 30 seconds. Later on another article that has been posted here somewhere, it was revealed that the top gear crew had many problems with the car, but it was a very early production unit. Hopefuly they will do another show with more recent production XJs. It's still going to be biased because after all... Top Gear is British.

 

Not true ! If a car is considered no good, they'll tell you regardless of country of manufacture.

 

I have to agree!
I have seen Jeremy degrade the XK and the XKR quite a few times.