Hello,

I am wondering if anyone has owned both models or driven both models. Any difference in driving dynamics?

Exterior/interior styling is purely subjective; but, am I the only one who likes X358 more?

I feel the X351 doesn't look like an XJ anymore. I confuse it with XF. An ideal styling would be current X351 rear end with X358 font end.

Interior wise; is the X351 more luxurious than the X358? Where is the wood on the X351? The X351 interior doesn't feel British to me at all. It feels Japanese IMHO. Honestly, isn't the S-Class & A8 far more superior interior wise?

Your opinions?

 

I think almost everybody on this forum loves the X350/358 !!

The X351 does take a bit of getting used to and that's an understatement. However times move on and so does car styling. Sir William Lyons, founder of Jaguar and who styled all the saloon cars up to the XJ6 of 1968, never hesitated to change style when the market demanded it.

I do agree that the X351 is very similar to the XF as is the XE to the XF. That's the way of the market and BMW have followed this similarity line for a very long time and they sell plenty of cars, and Jaguar don't, (yet !). I also agree that the interior of the X350 is beautiful. The new X351 is very nice but very, very, different.

However, I suppose if somebody said, "here Fraser, would you like me to give you this X351 to use for a few years", I'd pull their arm off"

 

I can't say that I like the styling of either one more because I think that they are both still beautiful and stately cars with a presence like no other car.

When I was shopping, the only reason that I got the X358 over the X351 was because I had always wanted an X350 or X358. But my plan is to upgrade in another year to an X351.

I understand that people say that the x351 isn't "British" enough, but Jaguar had to change the styling up in order to sell more cars. The Old World British styling (and image) just wasn't appealing to enough customers.

Now are far as driving, i've test driven the x351 and it was quite a bit sportier and taut than my x358. But still smooth and comfortable.

 

Personally, I feel the only advantage to X351 is awd... That will probably be my next upgrade. I personally feel that next generation XJ will look totally different and probably closer to X350/x358 exterior wise. The current front end is starting to look dated. I wouldn't be surprised if they copied bentley's front end.

 

Back in 2012 I went to the dealer to test drive the XJ and here were my impressions/observations at the time -- (1) at low speeds, the car felt BIG and the turning radius was not good; even a Chevy Tahoe has a tighter turning radius. (2) at higher speeds, the car felt more nimble but you were always aware of its size. (3) pulling the car out of tight spaces was difficult even with backup camera due to the sloping roof line; it's very easy in my X350 without a camera. (4) the ride was a bit firmer due to spring coils in the front/air in the back but still quiet and pleasant. (5) the interior was very modern, very different from X350 but still very British in the sense that it's heavily swathed in wood/leather/chrome without the gee-whiz in-your-face electronics that are in the German and Japanese cars. The latest electronic gadgetry is all there, but concealed or blended in with the classy interior . I liked that. (6) it's a large car on the outside but felt compact and snug inside like X350 and all the other large Jags.

Cheers,
Wolfy

 

I don't understand one thing. Obviously X350/8 and X351 are as different as apple and banana. Thus they could save XJ name for future resurrections and comebacks to the market and just turn the page and name X351.. say.. GT or similar like BMW has.

 

The x351 interior is a big upgrade in terms of luxury and finish over the x350/x358, maybe less 'English charm' though.

Wouldn't mind a x351 supersport a some point!

 

I just saw a 2011 Supersport for $40k (originally 110k). That's some depreciation!!

 

All the big luxo-saloons drop out of bed price-wise. My car cost me £10k at seven years old (2nd owner), the first owner paid about £42k, so less than one quarter of the new price.

 

Engine wise-- the X351 has:
S/C V6 ~330 hp only engine with AWD
5.0 V8 ~ 400 hp
S/C V8 ~ 500 hp

Am I correct?

 

The X350/358 weighs 3845 lbs and gets 30mpg
The X351 weighs 3869 lbs and gets a lot less mpg.

Why???

 

Aerodynamics? maybe gearing?

 

Yeah that's the thing that will put me into an x351 eventually. I may move back to a cold climate and I'd love to have AWD for the snow. I'm no longer interested in car payments so it can wait though.

 

I have a 2008 XJR. I have driven a 2013 XJ6 supercharged for a few days. I had very mixed feelings about it. In the end I logged "Car is more annoying with familiarity. Too prominent exhaust and tire noise, bouncy when not somewhat harsh ride. I want my XJR back."

I spent over an hour in the rear seat of a 2014? XJ8. Wool pants, very slippery leather, extremely uncomfortable seat = torture. It didn't help that the interior noise at highway speeds was very high. I will keep my X358 for a few more years. If I had to replace it now Jag would not be on the short list.

 

Yesterday I saw in my rear view mirror a rare sight -- a black X351/XJ that slowly emerged out of a sea of other 'regular' cars and passed on my right (due to my slowing down lol). It had a real presence like a proper British motorcar and looked its best in black. (of all the XJ colors I've seen, black is my fave.)

Whatever misgivings I might have about the X351 (ride quality, noise, visibility, etc.) I must admit it's one hell of a car for the money. You can buy a good used one now for the price of a Honda Civic. How cray is that!

Cheers,
Wolfy

 

I own an X358 and prefer the styling and interior over the X351. The X358 is (to me) the last of the true Jaguar design DNA and I love the simple leather and interior wood scheme. It's like settling into an old english leather chair. People whom aren't into cars will know a Jaguar when they see it. I don't think the X351 is there yet... perhaps some people might confuse it with a Lexus.

I do think that the X351 does have presence and is a proper next generation XJ Jaguar. Jaguar did a good job, even though I will probably hold onto my X358.

I've read that when the XJ-S came out in the 1970's the styling was controversial. However, now mint condition XJ-S's can be very sought after cars, including the conversions such as the Lynx Eventer. In time, the X351 will settle into becomming the new face of Jag. It may just take a little bit more time.

 

In the Midwest, the entry price into X351 is $30k. I found a 2011 for $28k base model with 85k mi but with 3 accidents (2 with air bags) and 4 different owners. Perfect example of a headache car.