2008 Jaguar Vandan Plas: Another "Good" Car...
Drive the latest 2008 Jaguar XJ Vandan Plas and you can't help but feel the continued "magic" that makes up Jaguar "mystique." The sleek exterior lines, the rich wood interior, the confident-yet-comfortable ride quality -- they are all in place.
But despite these classic traits it's clear Jaguar (like the rest of the Ford corporation) has suffered from product neglect. The interior design/controls feel about a decade out of date. They are still functional, but "cutting edge" or even "modern" don't work to describe them. That might not be all bad when you consider the "cutting edge" design of BMW's iDrive, but I can't help feeling there's a happy medium between old-fashioned (this car) and obnoxiously unnecessary (any iDrive system). Actually I know there is -- it's called MMI, and you can find it in any Audi.
Beyond the aging control system this XJ is missing a few key items that a modern, $82,000 luxury sedan should offer. First, where's my iPod integration? Or even an auxiliary audio input in the front-seat area? This model also didn't have satellite radio, though it is on the option list (for another $450). My kids were impressed by the rear seat entertainment system that has monitors integrated into the headrests, and the heated seats/steering wheel were appreciated on a cold (for California) morning. But no radar cruise control is offered, and while that feature still seems a bit extravagent to me you can get it on just about every competitor.
Speaking of competitive offerings, where's the V12 engine option? Like the rest of the car, the 4.2-liter, 300 horsepower V8 motivates the car adequately, but buyers in this category often want more than adequate (even if they don't need it). Remember, that's the same horsepower you can get in a 3 Series these days. As previously mentioned, handling is a similar combination of "good" ride quality and "good" body control, but Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are better, while Cadillac's STS fully matches it (and the CTS easily bests it).
Perhaps the XJ's most disturbing element was the lack of Jaguar's traditional leaping cat on the hood. This trademark feature has been replaced by what looks like a high-school mascot stuck in the grille area. One passerby even confused it for a lion. The same image stares back at you from the steering wheel hub.
Overall, a "good" car. But the market for $82,000 "good" cars is pretty slim.
There is still a supercharged V8 available, right? That competes better with the V12 Germans and Hybrid V8 Lexus.
Hard to please with interior controls, aren't we? How "cutting edge" does an air conditioner need to be? Most editors seem to hate MMI in the long term Q7. But I can't really disagree with anything you write here. Especially re: the hood ornament. If Mercedes can still have a hood ornament, then so can Jag. Bring back the "leaper", lose the aluminium "gills".
And yet, the XJ is still my favorite big car, along with the Maserati Quattroporte, based on looks alone. Nothing else comes close, period. The S-class and 7-series are interesting, but also kinda weird. They look "expensive", and people are impressed with the badges, but I can't honestly call them "pretty", especially the rear ends. And the Lexus and A8 are terribly dull to me. Many call the Jag old fashioned, I call it classic. It'll look just as gorgeous in 10 or 20 years. If I'm spending $80K on a car, it needs to be beautiful and comfortable more than anything. And chances are I have enough money to buy a real sports car for when I feel like going really fast.
No V12 option? Seriously, how many people even opt it for it? I might be wrong but I dont think the LS460 has one. Also I'm pretty sure there is a supercharged V8 option as ahightower said.
ahightower - I'm totally with you the XJ looks timeless, I think the design has aged very well. It looks even better in higher trim levels like the Portfolio. As for it's lack of features I'm sure Jaguar has a new version of this car coming along - the new XF and XK are completely modern and up to date.
The point is not "do i need a V12?"
Its "i want a V12!"
The lack of the jumping hood ornament is sad. I think that little jumping logo really made the front end look sleek. The looks of the car are still good, even if the front end is beginning to look a little smiley. I definitely think this car commands more attention on the road then an A8 or the Lexus.
Its rims look a lot like the ones on my Lancer GTS!
No the point isnt "I want a V12". Sure I'd love to have a V12 Mercedes S600 if I could, but my point is how many V12 models do you see on the road? Few people opt for it, the price premium is huge. It's kind of the same deal with nav systems in midsize cars, how often do you find one?
I think the V12 reference is more about the fact that Jaguar was long known for its V12 engine, and now it's offering an $82K vehicle with a relatively non-competitve V8.
Add that problem to its outdated technology, and it's hard not to complain. Of course, if someone with that kind of money to spend wants to be seen in a classy car, he'll probably be pretty happy.
Incidentally, if you want the luxury of the Vanden Plas and the supercharged V8 (400hp), you can get it for about $95K.
Wonder if the leaper got omitted due to the temptation for vandalism.
I agree, it really belongs on this car.
Karl, I agree and disagree. Most Jaguars feel and look old-fashioned in a way that I find unappealling. Honestly, I wouldn't buy one.....I prefer the S-Class more. And, for the price range, I think the omission of satellite radio and ipod adapter are gross oversights........
....but.....
I get the feeling the typical Jaguar buyer (I'm guessing age 55+) doesn't care for ipods. I know all my parents care for are CDs....I can't imagine either of them using an ipod; they don't even know about mp3s! And I don't think handling is a priority for the XJ Vandan buyer so s/he would likely find it's decent handling more than adequate.
I think another problem Jags have is a lack of granduer. They just look too short!
Removal of the hood ornament is pedestrian safety issue. More info here:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2005-01-16-hood-ornament_x.htm
Ah, goverment mandates once again make things better for everyone...
Too bad all hood ornaments cant retract like on the Rolls Royce. But then again, it's probably better not to have a hood ornament than to be upset if it gets stolen.
Yes, there is a certain grandeur in owning a Jag. And indeed the styling is classic. The thing is, I can buy a '97 model for $8,000 and get the same experience.
Why buy new? Because the grille isn't chrome anymore?
Daytona, although only few people can afford to buy the V12 S-Class, its availability does enhance the image of the brand in many ways.
Estraka, I'm not sure about the grandeur of owning most Jags. Compare the largest Jags to the S-Class. The S-Class has more "presence".
I do agree with you about the classic looks, and the fact that you can buy a '97 model for the same experience. But, apart from the S-type, most Jags look classic, old-fashioned and not-too-dignified. Rolls Royce, on the other hand, look classic and dignified.
I'd still take an XJR in British racing green over yet another black S-class any day.
Is the absent fuel door also a concession to pedestrian safety regs?
No, that's a sign of a plastic fuel door that snagged on a passing editor and snapped off.