Frankfurt debut: Jaguar XJ
Jaguar was so itching to get the new XJ into the public sphere that it had its own little motor show in Chelsea, complete with a bevy of celebs, to launch it. Frankfurt is its first proper show debut though, giving us another look at it, this time alongside some of its competition.
What's all the fuss about?
Post-XF saloon, a new Jaguar is definitely something to get excited about, and the new XJ's looks might have divided opinion, but the car certainly hasn't disappointed. What's surprising is how keen Jaguar is to stress the driving credentials of its luxury limo, and to that end the cockpit is a far more cosseting thing than we might have expected. Equally, head and legroom in the back of a standard wheelbase version are tighter than in, say, an S-Class - and even a new BMW 5 Series GT for that matter. However, we've still no complaints about the cabin ambience.
Anything that stands out?
There's nothing here that we haven't already seen, but some of us are still undecided on the XJ's quirky, almost Citroen-esque rear detailing. It's a million miles away from last-generation's XJ though, which followed a design blueprint laid out decades ago, and that's a good thing. Inside, the blue accents might be evocative of the VW Golf, but they still work a treat, and the three engines (3.0-litre V6 diesel and a 5.0-litre V8 either with or without a supercharger) will all fire the big cat forward with gusto.
When can I buy one?
The XJ's order book has been open for some time already, but deliveries will start early next year with prices kicking off at just over £52,000 and rising to around £90,000 for a long wheelbase supercharged V8.
Frankfurt debut: Jaguar XJ pictures
