Jaguar XJ50 Test Drive Review

Performance – The Jaguar XJ50 is available with just a diesel engine, it happens to be the fab 3.0-litre V6 unit that outputs an impressive 301 HP and 689 Nm at just 1800 RPM. There is an initial lag but the way this motor pulls once the turbo kicks in is nothing short of terrific. There is a kick in the pants feel and the oil burner revs quickly to its 4500 RPM redline, getting vocal in the top-end. Refinement levels aren’t the best and the punchy nature of this engine means you have to get used to the immediate surge in power as it needs throttle modulation in the city.

Apart from the minor turbo lag, the engine is very punchy and responsive

Mated to this engine is an 8-speed automatic gearbox which offers smooth shifts but isn’t aggressive with downshifts. Get into Sport mode though and it becomes urgent, at the cost of smoothness and click on the paddles, it won’t upshift until and unless you decide to do so, giving you manual control of the gears. Redline in Sport mode increases to 4800 RPM. Off the line, the XJ reaches the ton from a standstill in 6.2 seconds while the top speed is 250 km/hr. Fuel economy is around 8-10 km/l. The vehicle swaps the position of the tachometer with the speedometer once you get into Dynamic mode which makes the engine more eager.

Driving Dynamics – Dynamic mode also alters the suspension and steering, firming both up for an engaging drive. The suspension is on the stiffer side, offering a firm yet comfortable ride although small bumps can be felt inside the cabin. The XJ might not be the best in the segment as far as ride comfort goes but it surely is among the best in handling as the electric steering offers a lot of feel and weighs up brilliantly well at high speeds. Body roll is well contained and this is a fun car, although not a sedan to be pushed around corners due to its weight and length. The vehicle’s brakes offer good stopping power with a surefooted bite from the pedal.

For its size, the XJ handles pretty well along with minimal body roll

The Jaguar XJ comes with a host of technologies to keep it surefooted like Adaptive Dynamics which monitors the car 500 times a second and alters the dampers for a better ride. There is also All Surface Progress Control which is like cruise control for low speeds that ensures optimum grip in low traction situations (mostly rain and snow and there is a Winter mode too)! This limousine is among the lightest in the segment and tips the scales at 1860 kgs, all credit to the all-aluminium monocoque construction which keeps weight in check and ensures rigidity. Jaguar uses riveting and not welding for the chassis.