2004 Jaguar XJR Test Drive

Everyone knows Jaguars are comfortable and convey elegance to those inside them, but few probably think of these luxury chariots as being in the same league with the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E55. Think again. Think 2004 Jaguar XJR. This 4-door sedan combines a 390-horsepower V-8 with a six-speed automatic transmission to match performance numbers with those competitors, and at less cost. With Jaguars, the R designation stands for "roars". Prices: US: base $74,330.

Heritage

Jaguar is very careful with design changes. So much so, in fact, that the 2004 Jaguar XJR still resembles the remarkable 1968 Jaguar XJ. So good was that car that almost all competing Jaguar salon models were dropped. And, even the engine size of today's model, if not the configuration, is the same, at 4.2 liters. But this 2004 V-8 reminds us of Jaguar's legendary racing cars, pumping out 390 horsepower under a supercharger. It can leave even the V-12 XJ models introduced in 1972 in its dust – easily. The 1972 XJ V-12 traveled 0 to 60 in 7.4 seconds. The 1975 XJ-S with its V-12 did it in 6.9 seconds. The 2004 Jaguar XJR romps the same speeds in 5.1 seconds! The V-12 died after 1997, succeeded by smaller engines with more power and better fuel efficiency. This 2004 model happily combines performance, handling and comfort. And with the 2004 Jaguar XJR's $74,330 base price, it is less expensive than any competing luxury sports sedan.

Coachwork

The Jaguar XJ series has always had a flowing, elegant design, befitting the marque. The cues that this XJR is the top cat come from a wire mesh grille in front, larger wheels and tires, and a little red "R" at the tail of the badging. Inside, the 2004 XJR is superbly Jaguar, with hand-stitched leather and birds-eye maple wood trim everywhere. The front bucket seats might be a tip-off that this cat moves – they wrap an occupant more securely than those in lesser Jaguars. The test model had twin TV screens in the front-seat head restraints. Flip down the rear seat center armrest, open it, and a DVD player appears. Video from a DVD can then be played on the TV screens. And the sound quality matches that in any theater. The navigation system in the tested XJR was the most accurate one tested to date. It found "local" routes that other systems are ignorant of. And it's easy and intuitive to use. Power seats adjust 16 ways, the steering wheel (which can be heated!) moves in/out/up/down, and the pedals move forward/backward. Climate control can be set for comfort at any position, including the rear-seat area. Xenon headlights are self-leveling and light up the night. No comfort/convenience feature is missing here.

On the Road

The most unusual feature of the 2004 Jaguar XJR is adaptive cruise control, a system that maintains the vehicle's highway speed and spacing, even in heavy traffic. Jaguar uses a radar unit on the driver's side under the front bumper to measure distance and then adjusts the car's throttle and brakes as needed by traffic conditions. The system never faltered, matching the flow of traffic on a busy interstate highway for more than an hour. Under the bonnet, which opens from the front now, is a 4.2-liter V-8 with a supercharger, pumping out 390 horsepower. Acceleration at any speed is smooth and rocket-like. Big Brembo brakes mean you stop in a hurry, too. There's traction control and stability control at all times. An adaptive air suspension works with huge tires to corner the 2004 Jaguar XJR at insane speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission has a tall final gear, helping to return 24 miles per gallon at highway speed. Comfort is always a key with Jaguar, and the suspension never pounded those inside, yet was ready for that right-hand sweeper at any time. Operations such as headlights and windshield wipers are automated. Ultrasonic emitters front and rear assist in parking with audible "beeps" as the XJR approaches an object.

Summary

No question this is the top cat among Jaguar sedans. With years spent refining the chassis, engine and interior ergonomics, Jaguar has properly focused on offering an elegant touring/sports sedan. The timeless styling is instantly recognizable as Jaguar. So attractive is this design that elements are copied by Buick and Hyundai – but no knowing eye will ever be confused. The bottom line is this: The 2004 Jaguar XJR has a magic other vehicles lack. It's a transfer of elegance to those who ride in it or emerge from it. Men become debonair. Women become sophisticated. And all the children are above average. Many moons ago, Jaguars won races but conked out in a rainstorm. Their reliability reputation was poor. That's no longer the case. Ford bought Jaguar more than a decade ago and made quality Job 1. Since then, Jaguar has risen from almost dead last in quality rankings to a consistent top-5 position. Thus, there are no negative consequences to spending $79,845 on a model like our tester. For that, you get it all: every comfort/convenience feature known, more air bags than a Mars rover, cutting-edge technology, reliable transportation, and cachet. That can't be said of many cars, can it?