Today in New Mexico there has been 4-8 inches of snow this morning... Surprise surprise. On my way to my running group I took an XJ8 im thinking of buying and was very impressed about never feeling unsafe; not going to lie the wheel slip light came on numerous times but the car is not exactly made for snow but what are some of your experiences in snow with the XJ?

 

I did slide my X350 very gently into a ditch a few winters ago, no damage except the air suspension went into "shock" and lowered the car completely ! I was only doing less than 20mph but hit a really bad patch around a bend. Lucky that a passing 4x4 managed to pull me out.
I have now been using winter tyres and they make an amazing difference, you have to really try them to realise how much better they are. Best of luck with your choice of car.

 

It's all in the tires. Good winter tires and it will go fine, not like all wheel drive but good for rear drive. The ABS, traction control and stability control help a lot. It doesn't get much better for a rear wheel drive car. I've be caught in snow before and it made it through by being careful.

 

I drive my XJR with pretty good winter tires. On the whole I like the behavior of the car even in deep snow, however, I really miss a manual shift mode which is necessary in heavy snow (especially when going upwards), considering the torque and non-linear gas response on the XJR. Being able to start from 2nd or 3rd gear can greatly help in certain conditions. Manual shift mode SHOULD be present on a car of this class, even my `96 750i had it. I believe the Jag is the only of many cars with ZF 6hp26 which lacks it.
Otherwise, the car is ok to drive in winter if you are familiar with RWD behavior.

 

+1 on the all season tires. The low profiles that might have been on sale will help you to the side of the road quickly.. but some good continental all seasons will do the trick. You wont fly out of snow banks but it is manageable.

My V12 mercedes on the other hand... the worst.. even with all seasons

 

I live near Montreal and we really get good loads of snow. For the winter season, I change my 19 inch tires for 18 inch winter tires and it does a good job in snow and on ice. I must be honest and say that on the very bad days, the Jaguar stays in the garage and the Subaru comes out.

 

Some winters I put on Dunlop M3 winter tires, but even the Conti or Pirelli all seasons have been good enough to drive in snow. Hardest part is the initial few feet.

 

Stock tires are useless in the snow. We use blizzaks and have never had a concern. If you can afford to drive a car (and live in the snow belt) you have no excuse for not buying a winter set of wheels and tires.

 

Detail the car...cover it in the garage...and drive a 4x4 until spring.