GROUP TEST THIS ISN’T A COLD, CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT, OF FACELESS BLACK PLASTIC AND HARD SHAPES. IT’S MORE OF AN ENGLISH MEMBERS’ CLUB: SUAVE, AND SOPHISTICATED Jump inside any of these cars and it’s not hard to see why Jaguar has won so many plaudits for the design and quality of its interiors. We start in the cabin of the XJ, as this car introduced the ‘Riva Hoop’ design cue to the modern Jaguar. This is the graceful spar that flows seamlessly from one side of the dashboard to the other, giving a gentle ‘cockpit’ feel, much like the classic speedboat brand after which it is named. It is this strong design statement that sets the XJ’s interior apart from the opposition: this isn’t a cold, clinical environment, of faceless black plastic and hard shapes. It’s more of an English members’ club: suave, and sophisticated. The Autobiography model has the most sumptuous diamond stitched leather chairs and an atmosphere so cosy it’s tempting to have a quick afternoon snooze. But dozing is strictly off our agenda, and it’s not something you feel inclined to do in the XE. It also incorporates the ‘Riva Hoop’ but in a more cosy environment which is snug and sporty. That’s not to say there isn’t roominess on offer, as a quick try of the rear pew proves. Nevertheless, the XE makes you want to drive. But before we fire up the supercharged V6 there’s the new XF’s interior to consider. Once again, it strikes a fine balance between the other two. With its high central transmission tunnel you’re immediately cocooned within the cabin, surrounded by the ‘Riva Hoop’ and faced with a broad, crisply styled dashboard. Pride of place is the new 10.2-inch InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment system, behind which lies a quad-core processor, a solid state drive and Ethernet. That makes it fast, responsive and powerful when you swipe, pinch and press – just like on the latest smartphones. Its technology is shared by the 2016 model year XJ, while the XE gets the similar and still great InControl Touch version. Having climbed into the rear of the XF and marvelled at the space for six-foot-plus males, it’s time to take a drive. Among the various petrol and diesel units in the XF range the 2.0d we test – available in 163 and 180hp power outputs – is a likely big seller and features the new Ingenium diesel engine mated to a slick-shifting new six-speed gearbox. It’s clear that there’s plenty of low-down torque available, remarkable when you consider it’s still capable of 70.6mpg economy and low 104 g/km CO2 emissions. The new XF steers with trademark Jaguar fluidity and precision. It’s athletic but comfortable. 58 j THE BLOCKBUSTER ISSUE
The petrol XE in S trim we then drive is a punchier character still. The supercharged 340hp 3-litre V6 emits a fabulous bellow under acceleration and unleashes some serious performance – 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds. Its double wishbone front suspension sets it apart from its rivals and helps make it really dynamic and agile. It feels wieldy, compact and super-easy to drive too, courtesy of the eight-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Frankly I could drive it for the rest of the day, but the XJ beckons and it’d be wrong not to take a drive in the graceful limo too. You’d expect the XE and XF to dazzle behind the steering wheel, but the way the XJ shrinks around the driver and begs to be driven enthusiastically is a genuine surprise. Now offering 300hp, the 3.0 V6 turbodiesel has effortless shove out of corners, and the light, accurate steering is more sportscar than big saloon. It means you can cruise in comfort one moment, and drive with verve the next. It’s that wonderful duality that links all three cars here. Like brothers: all clearly different in looks and personality, but also very much part of the family. FIRST CLASS CABINS Top: The XE offers the coziest cabin but still bristles with big-car technology. Middle: The XF features a new infotainment system that can display satnav maps right across the 12.3-inch TFT driver dial area. Right: The XJ now has the latest pinch-and-swipe 10.2-inch centre screen and features sumptuous diamond-stitch seats THE BLOCKBUSTER ISSUE j 59
Jaguar Magazine celebrates creativity in all its forms, with exclusive features that inspire sensory excitement, from beautiful design to cutting-edge technology.
In this issue, we explore the art of creativity from the Brazilian masters who devised the graceful art of Capoeira, to the Irish artists mixing new culture with old. You will also discover the creative line that links Victorian wallpaper to the iPhone. While the multi-talented actor and performer, Riz Ahmed, explains why it is the right time to reveal his true self to the world.
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The fuel consumption figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer's tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle's actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only.