Just joined the forum, very helpful. I have a similar experience, bought a 2007 xj8l out of state a few weeks ago after test driving one at a local dealer that sold before I could buy it. I was leaning towards a 6 series BMW, Audi A6 or the Infiniti M45. I really liked the 6 and the M. But I sat in a Black on Black XJ and then everything became a little boring. After a test drive I was pretty much sold. Mine came on a truck looking impossible sexy against the other cars. I had test drove the standard wheel base and wasn't aware how long this cat would be. I'm coming from a Honda Accord Coupe which I loved, this thing is in a whole different class. I walked around her in the parking lot and then crawled in side, intimidated, wondering what do I Just do, hell yes. I had owned a nice car, this was a machine.

I'm still a little afraid when I wake her up in the morning. The V8 rumbles a bit more than my old 4 and she just seems to come to life. I was going to name her black beauty but half the time I find myself calling her the beast.

I'm still finding out the little cool features on her that my other car didn't have. Like when the front parking sensors go on for the first time, or you hit a button and the rear sunshade pops up. Oh, and if you push on the cat icon on the back, the trunk opens. The ride is like a vacation and the interior is as beautiful as a W Hotel. The only small complaint I have is the seats could move back a hair more. Although moving the pedals back made it much more comfortable.

Regarding the smell. I had that too. I thought maybe I got stuck with a smokers car, but the ash trays were perfect. After a week, it wasn't as strong, probably because got to run a bit. I think it's just how Jaguars smell. Mine smells like wood and leather, different than any other cars, but I like it, and I realize it's not smoke.

One question for you guys on the interior wood. I noticed most Jags have the dark Burl wood with not a lot of blonde, mine seems to be a little more blonde with some wilder patterns which is nice with black on black, I just haven't seen it in other Jags and I'm wondering what the story is. Are all the cars different I didn't think there was a wood option on the standard xj8.

Glad to be a part of Forum from a new Jaguar owner.