Jaguar XJ Series

Due for replacement in a year or two, the Jaguar XJ is one of the great large sedans. Ride that the Germans can’t match and a sense that if you were a British gangster, you’d have a black one on 20in wheels. Respect.

• Comfort

  Probably slightly sportier ride/handling compromise than many people expect (especially on the larger rim sizes), but the XJ remains one of the best riding cars in the class. Makes mincemeat of long journeys. Smoother than a big Lexus, which is truly saying something.

  

• Performance

  The 3.5-litre 190kW V8 petrol and 152kW 2.7-litre V6 diesel offer similar levels of performance (0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds and on to around 225km/h), but the diesel has better economy and better torque for the M-way. The 3.5-litre V8 is faster, but unless you're diesel bound then the 4.2-litre V8s are where it's at, and of the two the 298kW XJR is the daddy. Five seconds to 100km/h.

  

• Cool

  Surprisingly for a large granddad Jag, yes. But it depends who's driving it. If it's an old giffer in a camel hair coat smoking a Café Crème, then probably not.A young bloke in an XJ on pimp rims? That's very cool indeed...

  

• Quality

  The XJ took big steps forward over its lifetime, but it's not quite up to the standard of the newer XK and XF. You'll recognise some Mondeo bits and although they work, they jar. Otherwise, the touch screen 'nav and general quality seem good. Feels premium.

  

• Handling

  You get air suspenders and Jag's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) as standard, so start chucking it around and you'll be surprised at how many lateral Gs it can pull - certainly enough to spill a G&T. The steering and body control are top-drawer. Not quite a 7-series when push comes to sideways action, but a better ride.

  

• Practicality

  The XJ is a big car, so the practicality quotient is high. You can seat five with ease and generous legroom. The only issue is the shallow boot - at 470litres it's not actually that big.

  

• Running costs

  OK, so it's a big Jag, but because the XJ is relatively light (aluminium all round) it's not bad for economy.