2005 Jaguar XJ Series Review

Specifications

Longer is Better

Jaguar just wouldnt be Jaguar if the title “LWB” wasnt attached the XJ designation of its largest car. Long-wheelbase models are standard fare in the full-size prestige car segment. They bear the best luxury features, gizmos and gadgets, plus all that extra room for those who ride in the rear.

The Jaguar XJ, introduced only a short year ago, has helped take the brand forward into the new world of lightweight aluminum construction technology. For years the XJ was the backbone of the company, providing style, grace and elegance, but now its much more than just Connolly leather and birds eye maple. Offering the best in engines and transmissions, the XJ is testament that Jaguar is just as established in the world of high-tech as Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

At the New York International Auto Show last week, the marque followed through on their swing with the requisite XJ8 LWB. But making a long-wheelbase car is no easy task, regardless of car type or construction. Aside from the fundamental worries of structural rigidity and excessive weight, much of the car must be re-crafted including the roof and doors.

With the XJ8 LWB, the wheelbase has been stretched a remarkable 4.9 inches bringing the wheelbase to a length of 122.8 inches, and the overall length of 205.5 inches. To keep the engineering costs down, the additional length has been added only to the portion of the car after the B-pillar. At the same time, the roof has also been raised by just 0.28 inches. With all the changes, included the added length, the XJ LWB weighs just 44 pounds more than the regular wheelbase version. Jaguars choice to use aluminum as a construction material has kept this grand looking cat a class lightweight.

The XJ LWB will be available with all engine selections in Jaguars range, excluding the V6. Reasons for this decision are simple - the LWB is the most prestigious luxury sedan in the marques range, therefore only top-tier motors should be reserved for it. Weight and the resultant lack of performance, which used to be issues on long wheelbase cars, are no longer concerns thanks to the cars lightweight construction. The smallest V8 is a 258 horsepower 3.5 liter unit only available in Europe. Next on the list is the automakers 298 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 also featured in the regular length XJ8, as well as the XK8 and the S-Type V8. Jaguar is even making the range-topping 400 horsepower supercharged R-model engine available, not the norm in long-wheelbase models. Regardless of displacement, all engines are equipped with a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox shifted via the brands instantly recognizable J-gate gearbox.

As the long-wheelbase XJ concentrates on delivering additional rear-seat passenger comfort, the changes made reflect its purpose. The additional length has been used wisely, of course put into creating a remarkable 37.8 inches of floor space between the front seats and the base of the back seat. But the new model isnt only about first class legroom, theres also the option of first-class shoulder room. The XJ LWB can be had in two guises, as a five-seater with a plush sofa-like bench, or as a contoured four-seater. Whats more, the individual rear seats are power adjustable and heated. This is nothing new, of course, for long-wheelbase models, with some of its rivals offering air-conditioned rear seats with optional vibrating massage.

Further luxuries include an entertainment package, which includes two LCD monitors fitted to the backs of the front-seat headrests linked to an MP3/DVD player with controls mounted in the armrest. To keep passengers comfortable, four-zone climate control is also available. For business types, pretty well the only potential buyers outside of the sport and entertainment industry that can afford the car, the XJ LWB features fold-down walnut trays for writing or to support a laptop plus the capability to make and receive conference telephone calls.

Fine exterior and equipment details set the new long wheelbase apart from its regular wheelbase counterparts. These include a restyled front grille (blackout mesh on the R model), 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, plus electrically controlled leather seats that include memory and heating functions.

From a safety standpoint, the LWB will come equipped exactly the same as any other XJ including front, side and curtain airbags, plus Jaguars stability program, traction control and ABS with brake assist.

Jaguar has not made any comments on when the car will be available in showrooms or as to how much it will cost. An educated guess is that it will be available this coming autumn with a price tag slightly lower than its Audi A8L, Mercedes-Benz S-Class LWB and 7-Series Li competitors.