Skip to content
5
Handling
4
Performance
Usability
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
3.5
By Jesse Crosse
First Drives
18 January 2013 09:46
Even Jaguar, a master of building premium performance cars for decades, has had to accept that downsizing engines has become an inescapable fact of life. The trick, of course, is not to fight the change but to embrace it. And here’s the outcome.
The new XJ 3.0 V6 S/C is the first in the Jaguar line-up to get the all-new 3.0-litre, 335bhp V6 supercharged engine with stop/start, which has been developed from the V8. Also destined for XF and F-type (which also gets a 378bhp version), it replaces the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 in the XJ, cutting CO2 emissions from 269g/km to 224g/km.
In all of its many forms, the XJ has always been a blend of sporty dynamics and luxury, and the latest incarnation is probably the best example of that tradition yet. Jaguar has chosen to give the V6 a voice rather than opt for the near-silent approach that so many premium manufacturers favour these days, and even at idle the engine emits a satisfying purr.
Like the rest of the range, the V6 comes with the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox and the two work well together. Although giving away 40bhp to the outgoing V8, performance is still good thanks to a wide, flat torque curve. Response is instantaneous, building from a powerful, slugging mid range to a slingshot finish above 5000rpm. As the power floods in, the V6 soundtrack grows in magnitude, unobtrusive but mellifluous, compelling but never irksome, with just the merest hint of supercharger whine in the background.
The subtlety of the steering response, poise and balance of the XJ is impressive. It’s so easy to drive, so completely planted, so confidence inspiring and beautifully engineered. Suspension has been slightly tweaked to account for the lower weight of the V6 engine and continues to showcase Jaguar’s knack of combining a smooth, supple ride with outstanding body control.
The new package is topped off by a new 825W Meridian sound system which is standard on the two top models. But it’s the V6 engine that steals the limelight.
Add your comment
Sign in You must be signed in to submit a comment.
Jaguar XJ 3.0 Supercharged (2013) CAR review
Subject
Your comment
By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to the CAR Magazine website Terms and Conditions
Cancel
You must be logged in to subscribe to a topic
Login or register now
typos1 says
RE: Jaguar XJ 3.0 Supercharged (2013) CAR review
Was at Blackbushe car auctions today and guess what was there ? An XJ, bearing in mind your post migaloo, I just HAD to sit in it . . . I can report its even more tacky than I expected, especially the air vents and their cheap silver finish and the naff and tacky looking blue light in them, god it was so awful, really horrid, I nearly threw up my breakfast. The instruments look cheap as well and I d quite liked them in the pictures ! On the positive side the leather on the dash had a nice finish and, er, um, thats it. Some cars I think look bad in the pics dont look quite so bad in reality, but this car was worse
23 January 2013 17:30
attomole says
Quite like the styling , beats the rather fomulaic Mercs and Beemers, but can see its not for everybody. V8s dont normmaly shorten to well to V6's the angles are are wrong uot what do i know, it's all from wikipedia,,
Quite like the styling , beats the rather fomulaic Mercs and Beemers, but can see its not for everybody.
V8s dont normmaly shorten to well to V6's the angles are are wrong uot what do i know, it's all from wikipedia,,
21 January 2013 18:34
I ve seen many, many pictures and looked through the window, I really dont think my opinion is going to changeradically if I sat in the seat, its still going to look the same. I DO NOT LIKE THE DESIGN, we dont all think the same, get over it. Oh and I forgot, its got an Audi steering wheel.
I ve seen many, many pictures and looked through the window, I really dont think my opinion is going to changeradically if I sat in the seat, its still going to look the same. I DO NOT LIKE THE DESIGN, we dont all think the same, get over it.
Oh and I forgot, its got an Audi steering wheel.
21 January 2013 16:34
V12 Migaloo says
LOL, looked in through the window... excellent way to educate one self.. I'm sorry if I cant take your opinions seriously but your comments do not demostrate why one should.
21 January 2013 15:57
Halfabee says
The styling of the XJ seems to have achieved the objective of getting the car noticed. The most damning indictment of previous generation Jags was that they looked like the Jaguar's that had gone before, so no-one noticed the last XJ at all. This one works for me, outside and (especially) in.
Upload stories, photos or videos direct to the site, or email newsdesk@carmagazine.co.uk.
Alternatively, call 01733 468 485 (+ 44 1733 468 485)
Seen a secret new car, fabulous exotic or have news we should publish? Then get in touch now.
