Could someone tell me the basic differences between an XJ8-L and a Vanden Plas?

Thanks

 

Wool carpets, picnic trays, premium leather (with off color piping), upgraded stereo and upgraded wood (+more of it) on the inside. More chrome and better (different) wheels on the outside. Mirror covers, rear light surrounds and chrome grill surround I believe are the total of the chrome upgrades.

I am sure someone who knows better will be along soon to correct me or add additional differences.

 

Wow, I didn't know the chrome rear light surrounds are part of the VDP package. The only extra wood that I know of is on the upper map light panel (plastic/vinyl on the non-VDP). The premium leather comes with ruching at the seams. IMO the upgraded stereo isn't anything to write home about.

 

Here is a link I found that is full of great stuff. Everything you are looking for and more:

XJ8/L/XJ VDP/XJR/SUPER V8 (2005), JAGUAR

Here is a quote from it:

VDP:
Equipped as per XJ8(L). Additionally: Seating: 16-way power heated front seats, heated rear bench seat. Equipment: heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade. Entertainment: upgraded sound system, 6-disc trunk-mounted CD changer, 12 speakers. Cabin features: front seatback wood tray tables, lamb's-wool floormats. Exterior: additional chrome brightwork, 20-spoke alloy wheels.

 

Oh and the alloy wheels from 2005/6 are my favorites:

 

I am glad we got the rear surrounds, but it is annoying that you can only buy both front and rear as a set. I wanted to get a matching set for the front but could only find people selling them as a front/rear set.

I agree with you the radio isn't much to write home about. The heated seats aren't either, but I sure do like the heated steering wheel. I think you are correct about the upper map light panel being the only extra piece of wood.

What is "ruching at the seams"?