New 2009 Jaguar XJ

For those seeking a timeless blend of elegance, sophistication and luxury, the 2009 Jaguar XJ sports a modern top-of-the-line design with all of the comfortable amenities drivers have come to expect from the traditional British automaker.

The XJ comes in five distinctive trim levels, all outfitted with a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that give the XJ8, its long wheelbase sibling XJ8 L, and the Vanden Plas the strength of 300-horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A supercharger on the XJR and Super V-8 cranks it up to 400-horsepower. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission provide a drivetrain and gear shifting ability that when paired with the aforementioned engine allow for a smooth ride.

Shuttling four passengers comfortably in a top-shelf cabin with excellent acceleration, the XJ has few peers in the ultra-luxury sedan class. Similar in size and dimensions to the Audi A8 L, BMW 750Li and Mercedes S550, its feel and steering couple with a strong sense of character for a vehicle seemingly in a class by itself. A more than adequate fuel economy of 16 MPG city and 25 MPG highway for a car at this level is gas mileage you won’t frown upon.Space and refinement are readily apparent in the XJ, but the silence is a pleasant sound – or lack thereof - one will discover. Road noise and wind are nonexistent, providing for easy conversation or naps on longer road trips. Soft leather trimming and burl walnut veneers are eye-catching accents. Controls are far simpler and user-friendly than those found in German competitors.

Safety is an area Jaguar and its drivers have made one of their highest priorities. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are built in standard within the XJ. In addition, antilock brakes and stability control supplement the proprietary "Adaptive Restraint Technology System", which monitors the position and weight of the driver and front-seat passenger to assess when to deploy the various available airbags.

The 2009 Jaguar XJ certainly is a gift of unique class and style to the entire field of luxury sedans. Mixing simplicity and charm with the most desirable of modern features makes this a new car near or at the top of your car buying list.