Auto Show Review: 2011 Jaguar XJ

It's big, it's beautiful, it's the brand new Jaguar XJ. When you think about it, Jaguar had some pretty big shoes to fill for it's flagship sedan. Since the XJ6 was introduced nearly 40 years ago, the XJ has gone through several iterations, all of which oozed of class and convenience. This current model continues that tradition. From the moment you see the car, you can tell that it is from the same pen that designed the Jaguar XF a year ago. The grill looks more aggressive, and the car has a fresher, more modern shape, while retaining little cues to Jags of the past. Then there is the engine: a 385 horsepower V8 that rumbles to life when you press the start button. Comparatively to the old XJ, this car has a better engine response, tighter handling, and an overall sporty feel that is very similar to the much smaller XF. Performance aside, this is an XJ, and the big question is: Did all that sportiness attention take away from the comfort?

In a word: no.

This car takes the epic levels of luxury that it's predecessors had to new heights of absurdity. Each seat has six heating and cooling temperature options, with the front passengers having a massage mode that is comparable to a Swedish masseuse. The passenger cabin is dripping in leather bits, and a suede headliner gives the sedan a bespoke styling fitting for the Queen mother. Each individual has the ability to control their own section of the car from a climate standpoint, putting everyone in their own little cocoon of air. The Bowers & Wilkins stereo emulates an orchestra being physically present in the vehicle, with an iPod plug supplying the tunes.

All in all, this car truly takes the previous XJ to a wholly new level. From performance to styling, and overall comfort, this really is like having your own personal limousine.

This vehicle will be on display all weekend at the Kansas City International Auto Show, or at Jaguar Merriam.