Rule Brittania - Jaguar XJ Super V8

There really is something special about a Jaguar. The XJ (originally named for eXperimental Jaguar) has been produced for 40 years with substantially the same body lines, and it remains a popular choice in the luxury market.  More than half the cars Jaguar has ever built - over 800,000 units - have been XJ models. The 2008 XJ is the seventh generation of the car according to Jaguar’s method of calculation, and the 2008 XJ Super V8 is without a doubt the most powerful and luxurious offering in XJ history.

This year, you can get your XJ with a normally aspirated 310 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine, or the Super V8, pulling over 400 horsepower and 408 pound-feet of torque from a supercharged 4.2-liter V8. That’s some serious grunt for a supposedly sedate British luxury car!

All the XJ models deliver their power to the rear wheels through a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, outfitted with semi-manual capabilities.

The seventh generation XJ is a bit longer than previous models - leg room in the back is sufficient to allow a set of airplane-style flip-down desks for the rear seat passengers. While not a true limousine, it’s obvious that this car is designed to transport VIPs. But the DVD screens set in the backs of the front seat headrests indicate that the most likely VIPs to enjoy the back seat of the XJ are there because they’re still too young to drive themselves.

The driving experience in the XJ Super V8 is exceptional. The engine snarls, the car rockets ahead, but corners nicely for its size. The car has excellent brakes, a solidly smooth air-ride suspension, and responsive steering. Interior noise is minimal and the age-old Jaguar promise of a luxurious, yet sporty ride is kept to the last word.

But the soul of a luxury car lives in the interior, and the XJ has really got it right. The touch screen interface to the climate, audio, navigation, and Bluetooth communications controls common to all Jaguars is intuitive and easy to use. Contrast this with the impossible BMW iDrive system with its single spinning, clicking knob and you’ll see.

The XJ comes with heated leather seats in both front and rear, and air conditioning in the front seats. The rear seats also have power adjustment - further proof that this is a car designed for the back seat passengers.

The new XJ also offers zone climate control for all four primary passenger positions, an automatic sunroof, a nice AM/FM/CD/DVD/Satellite stereo with attachment for your iPod or MP3 player, backup camera, pull-down sun or paparazzi blinds, leather dash, and generally fantastic appointments throughout the car. And a trunk big enough to haul your luggage, golf clubs, and whatever else you might like.

Now, to the price. Well, if you have to ask… Jaguar wants $94,085 for the basic car, which includes everything mentioned above except the Satellite Radio, which costs $450 more. After the transportation and handling fee, the test car stickers out at $95,200. Ouch! But did we mention the air conditioned seats and 400-horsepower engine?

The bottom line on the Jaguar XJ Super V8 is that if you can afford it, you’ll like it. What’s not to like? But if you can’t quite swallow the near-six-figure price tag, consider the 300 horsepower normally aspirated V8 version, priced at an economical $63,835.