Daimler Super eight
Theres posh and then theres seriously posh. Some people while away a sunny day sipping cocktails by their pool, then some wiz down to Monaco in their private chopper for a few Dry Martinis aboard their yacht. Some people have high-flying jobs with stupendous salaries which pay for luxurious houses, then some never have to work a day in their lives because their huge stately homes have been passed down through the family for generations. Some people drive expensive luxury saloon cars, then some people are chauffer-driven in a Daimler Super Eight.
Slide yourself into the opulent interior of a Jaguar XJ long wheelbase saloon and try to imagine the person for whom this car is a little too down market. They do exist and thats why theres such a thing as a Daimler Super Eight. Owned by Jaguar since 1960, Daimler has a history stretching back for well over a century. Over the years, the cars have been owned by royalty, members of the aristocracy and other well-to-do types who helped to establish the brands reputation for a very British kind of luxury motoring.
| Build |  |
| Comfort |  |
| Depreciation |  |
| Economy |  |
| Equipment | |
| Handling | |
| Insurance | |
| Performance | |
| Styling | |
| Value | |
The Daimler Super Eight displays the same character but, being a Daimler, it takes things to the next level. The materials and the luxurious specification of the XJ are enhanced and upgraded to Daimler-spec in the Super Eight. If you cant tell a burr walnut veneer with an authentic handcrafted boxwood inlay from a piece of mahogany-effect plastic, the intricacies of the Super Eight will be lost on you and theres always a Kia dealership just around the corner. This car majors on the little touches that refined ladies and gentlemen from the upper echelons of society will appreciate.
Aside from the premium grade wood and soft grain leather thats been lovingly applied to every possible surface, there are lambs wool rugs to run your toes through, fold down business trays in the front seat backs to support your laptop and Daimler logos embroidered into the headrests.
"The materials and the luxurious specification of the XJ are enhanced and upgraded to Daimler-spec"
Theres also a monumental amount of equipment packed into the place. The Super Eight has the longest wheelbase in its sector and that length is translated into bundles of rear leg room but youll have more to do back there than stretching out those legs to try and touch the seat in front. The rear passengers get their own air-conditioning controls and occupants can also use the powered reclining seats to get extra comfortable. Entertainment-wise, an optional video system with screens in the backs of the front headrests can be fitted.
Its compatible with MP3 players, iPods, DVD players and computer games consoles so therell be plenty to do, even on the longest trips. Theres also an integrated telephone and audio system, satellite navigation and four-zone climate control. Viewing the Daimler Super Eight from without, its XJ roots are abundantly clear but steps have been taken to differentiate the car from its slightly less auspicious relative. 18" Rapier alloy wheels and chrome on the door mirrors add to the effect of the famous Daimler grille that takes pride of place on the front. Otherwise, apart from the badging, its those instantly recognisable, sleek Jaguar lines and the low, long profile of the XJ. The Super Eights 4.2-litre V8 supercharged engine could have been designed for wafting imperiously around a country estate.
Engine noise is minimal at low to moderate speeds but when the need to press-on arises, theres a hefty slug of power on tap. People who buy cars like this will probably spend the majority of their time coasting along imperiously in the back seat with somebody called Jeeves doing the driving but there is enjoyment to be gleaned from a stint behind the wheel. Theres 400bhp to play with for a start and 408lb/ft of torque at 3,500rpm sees the car lurch inexorably for the horizon when the throttle is floored at any sub-100mph speed. 0-60mph takes just 5 seconds which is indecently quick for such big vehicle and the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
This brutal acceleration is made possible by the Daimlers modest kerb weight as much as the 400 horses galloping away under the bonnet but whatever the cause, it certainly is good fun. The Super Eight has obviously been tuned to deliver premium levels of comfort on the road but, although its no sports saloon, it still corners in a reasonably composed manner. Its an extremely relaxing car to drive, so sitting in the reclined back seat with the climate control wafting and a bit of Brahms on the stereo, it must be all you can do to keep your eyes open. The Daimler trademark high quality natural materials and classical touches have been incorporated into a vehicle thats brimming with technology and power in a very subtle and subdued way.
The XJ parent vehicle manages a similar tasteful blend of old and new but a Daimler is just that little bit extra.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Daimler Super Eight
PRICE: £80,040 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 19
CO2 EMISSIONS: 299g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 5.0s / Max Speed 155mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 15.2mpg / (extra urban) 31.4mpg / (combined) 23mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags / ABS with EBA / Dynamic Stability Control / Traction Control / ARTS / CATS / ACC
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 5090/2108/1448
