The X308 does spoil you for other sedans. I've driven quite a few late model and brand new sedans in the last few weeks and each time I get back in the XJ8, I wonder why cars are getting worse and not better. Even those buttons that are supposed to switch from sport to comfort mode seem to do very little for comfort. Yes, they got lots of cool gee whiz gadgets now, but nothing matches the comfort of an X308.

 

yeah, I'm experiencing that exactly - in the last few months have driven a bunch of near-new sedans (Panamera S Hybrid, Infiniti Q-something, A8L, the new XJ-L, etc.) And was always "relieved" to get back into my jag... It's a much more balanced and comfortable car than anything I've driven - other than the new Audi A8L, but man, that is one underwhelming boring looking car!

 

I can't disagree with that ^

 

The first time I test drove an x308 XJR I had a friend with me for the ride. Keep in mind, he's not a car guy, and at the time only had a learners permit with probably less than 100 miles under his belt. I let him drive it around a parking lot carefully just to get a feel for it. Just from driving around a few minutes in a parking lot he immediately mentioned many of the reasons mentioned here.

 

I love that my XJR never disappears into a parking lot.

It's shape and styling is so distinctive that finding it is never a problem. Sleek, long, low, and you can spot those sensual curves a mile away. The leaper on the hood is just icing on the cake.

Today it feels like the world is dominated by "sameness". Whether it's a Kia or a BMW, the stylistic cues of the various auto manufacturers feel like they've blended together. All the SUVs look more or less alike. All the sedans look alike... all the small econo boxes look alike... Many of the sportier cars look alike too. There are few exceptions these days.

The Jag stands apart. I like that.

 

Back in 2009 when I bought my first Jag, an 01 XJ8, it was considered a big car and was easy to find in the car park. However nowadays they've become small. The UK is awash with MPV, SUV and Cross over vehicles that are all tall, fat and long. Problem here is that the "UK Standard Parking Space" size hasn't changed since it was introduced in the 60's. Back then cars were smaller, lower and shorter. The danger now is parking dings which are commonplace and more worryingly accepted in the UK as more people only lease the car for 3 years then switch to a new one. Which is why I park as far from the maddening crowd as I can.

Just to show you the size difference, I've got a photo of my friend's 1965 Triumph Herald saloon that I take care of for her, parked next to my neighbour's 2014 Ford Fiesta. The Herald was a small family car designed to carry 5 people and luggage as was the Fiesta. Both cars have a 1200cc engine too.
(This photo was taken not long after I moved into my house, so I must apologise for the sorry state of the frontage. It hadn't been touched for 25 years. )

 

So far I have liked most of the whine that comes from under the bonnet. And the whack that follows the whine.

 

Sure it does, all someone has to do is park a Honda or some other "small" car in front of it. The car is so low that it can hide behind just about anything, but I do get your point.

I still get a chuckle when cruising down the freeway and I look over to look up at the Honda Civic next to me.

Take off the emblems, take off all the shiny bits, and even the leaper (egad!) and there is no mistaking it's a proper Jag.

-Mike

 

Does EVERYTHING count?
Seriously, there is not one thing I DON'T like about my 308.
I find myself at times just staring at the car. These cars look like nothing else on the road (In a good way). The beauty of the lines are what makes this car. Hence, all cars now look like standard fords/chevys with some modifications.
On an x308, the body looks like nothing else.

 

Everyday usable, excellent power from the SC V8 for DD use, smooth ride, good room for a small sedan, easy to work on and reasonable parts prices.

There's a lot to like. My mom uses the car a ton during the summer since I basically don't use my XJR for about 9 months a year, that's XKR time. She likes the easy steering, easy and solid brakes, excellent power with refined delivery when you are just driving around ("not twitchy") and pretty standard controls layout and simple to understand buttons and switches. My former 2004 Audi A8L winter beater basically was nowhere near as user friendly. She hated the MMI (I wasn't a fan either), and found it not near as approachable. She really liked that it was substantially bigger inside though.

I like the looks a lot but the appeal is much more than skin deep. Same goes for my X100. Distinct cars in a lot of ways.

 

So many things I love about this car. Every time I approach it I just have to admire those beautiful lines. I unlock and get in, feeling the comfort of those luxurious leather seats. I turn the key and following the system check, I start the car. It starts with a gentle roar, then goes amazingly quiet. The engine purrs almost silently, and I pull away, still marvelling at the smooth ride, and the feeling of specialness. I see people turn and look admiringly as I coach past. Some wink, or smile, or wave, Showing how much they appreciate such a beautiful machine. I so love this car. It drawers admiring glances and remarks even parked next to expensive modern saloons, and my beauty is was 16 on 19/12/ 2016. I could go on for hours, but I don't want to bore you. You already know how good and how special these cars are.

 

I was thinking of adding to this post but Richy stole all my thunder. I 100% agree with everything he said.

 

Ty Danny. You show beauty can be appreciated all over this world. Well said.

 

People admire the sound my car makes Not a standard, understated XJ

 

well guess I can save time and spelling errors and just say I love my VDP for every reason written here

 

I pulled the cover off my XJ the other day as a group of Teenagers were walking past, they all went "Woha!!" and one said "That's such a cool car!"

Nuff Said.