2017 Jaguar XJ Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What's New for 2017?
Not much is new on the 2017 Jaguar XJ since it was revamped for 2016. The only changes worthy of mentioning for this year are the new 19-inch wheel design and the addition of several paint colors.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Jaguar XJ – The Pros
1. Supercharged V6 and V8 Engines
The biggest reason to buy a 2017 Jaguar XJ is the supercharged V6 and V8 engines. The base trims (R-Sport and Portfolio) have a 3.0-L supercharged V6 that generates 340 hp and 332 pounds-feet of torque. However, if you want to take it up a notch, the Supercharged trims feature a 5.0-L supercharged V8 that generates 470 hp and 424 pounds-feet of torque. Above that, you can opt for the XJR models' V8, which puts out an astounding 550 hp and 502 pounds-feet of torque.
2. Responsive Handling and Steering
Even the base engine has a zippy feel to it, so you won't get a sluggish performance. You can also expect responsive and controlled handling and steering. The steering is pretty light, and the AWD traction keeps a solid grip on any surface. There is little in the way of body roll, so you can confidently navigate twisting roadways.
3. All-wheel Drive is Available
The R-Sport and Portfolio trims both have an AWD option, and it's definitely worth getting. The car's AWD system utilizes active power‑transfer technology, which monitors the road ahead, assesses road conditions, and optimizes traction and handling to navigate the road.
4. Long- or Short-Wheelbases are Available
If you're looking for a longer wheelbase, you can opt for the 2017 Jaguar XJL, which comes in the Supercharged, Portfolio, and XJR trims. The longer wheelbase on the Portfolio gives an additional 5 inches of space in the rear seat.
5. Great Acceleration
Regardless of which engine you choose, acceleration is great. The base engine gets from 0 to 60 in an impressive 5.4 seconds. Acceleration on the XJ is smooth, and transitions seem totally fluid thanks to the car's 8-speed transmission.
6. Comfortable Seats
The front seats on the 2017 Jaguar XJ are four-way adjustable with lumbar support and a massage function. The rear seats are comfortable for taller people if you opt for the longer wheelbase. If you opt for premium rear seats, you get electric sunshades and power reclining.
7. A Quiet Ride
The only noise you might notice inside the cabin of the 2017 Jaguar XJ is that of the seat cooling fans. The interior is well-insulated and incredibly quiet, even at highway speeds or when going over rough terrain.
8. Four-zone Climate Control
The vehicle's four-zone climate control allows each person to set the climate just the way they like it. Controls are all easy to access. Also, all of the seats have heating and cooling abilities that can be adjusted by the person sitting in each seat.
9. Easy to Get In and Out
The large doors require a mere gentle touch to close, and, despite the sloping roofline, even some taller passengers won't have to worry about bonking their heads while getting in or out.
10. Well-equipped Base Model
Even the base R-Sport trim is incredibly well-equipped. It comes with a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, LED taillights, and many more standard features that come as options on other vehicles.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Jaguar XJ – The Cons
1. Lacking Front Seat Room
The front seats seem a bit too narrow for some people, so space up front tends to feel a bit limited for some bigger adults. The high center console seems to get in the way, as does the dash.
2. Outdated Touchscreen Infotainment System
The touchscreen infotainment system in the 2017 Jaguar XJ is in need of an upgrade. Its functionality just does not match up to some of the other infotainment systems out there on the market. You might also notice a lot of glare hitting the screen on a sunny day, which can be rather distracting.
3. Small Trunk Space
There isn't as much trunk space as in some of the XJ's competitors. At only 15.2 cubic feet, there really is not enough cargo room, and the trunk's shallow design does not help.
4. Rear Seats Don't Fold
In addition to not having much space in the trunk, the rear seats are locked into place, so you will not be able to fold them down. If you have to lug larger cargo around in your trunk, you're going to have a hard time fitting it in.
How it stacks up to the competition:
2017 Jaguar XJ vs. 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-class
The C-class, which is about $30,000 cheaper than the XJ, has roomier front seats. However, it lacks the acceleration and gets a lot more wind and road noise than the XJ. Also, its touchscreen interface is possibly even worse than that on the XJ. You'll also find that the C-class lacks a lot of the standard features of the XJ and instead bundles them into expensive optional packages.
2017 Jaguar XJ vs. 2017 BMW M2
The 2017 BMW M2 has a decent turbocharged engine that can get 365 hp and has great handling, and it's much more affordable than the XJ. However, you will get some wind noise in the cabin at higher speeds, and the ride quality can sometimes feel stiff. The infotainment system on the M2 takes some time to get used to but is overall better structured than that on the XJ.
Conclusion
If price is not an issue, the 2017 Jaguar XJ has a lot to offer, from its roomy rear seats to its high-powered supercharged V6 and V8 engines. It is one of the quieter cabins you will find on such a high-powered vehicle, and you will likely love its speedy acceleration.
