Jaguar’s XJ has a long and rich history having served as the flagship car for the British company since 1968. The car has undergone many transformations throughout the years with previous models being a bit more conservative and old fashioned in terms of styling cues. The 2011 model is much sleeker and contemporary looking compared to its predecessors; the slanted front headlights and swooping lines make the car look positively feline. The XJ is a luxury sedan and goes head to head with the best of the best including the Mercedes S-Class, the Mercedes CLS class, the 7- series from BMW and the LS460 from Lexus.

Automotive shoppers have the option of selecting from two different body styles; wheel base and regular. There are three trim levels for both; XJ, XJ Supercharged and XK Supersport. The XJ model is equipped with an eight cylinder engine with a total output of 385 horsepower and 380 lb feet of torque. The XJ model comes with a 5.0 Liter eight cylinder for 470 horsepower. The top of the line XJ Supersport has a V8 that pumps out 510 hp and can zoom from zero to sixty in just 4.7 seconds. Being constructed out of aluminum keeps this car much lighter than other vehicles in its class. The lithe XJ weighs in at a mere 4,045 pounds, much lighter than other autos in its class. Cargo space is generous and roomy at 15.2 cubic feet.

The opulent theme continues on the inside with an interior plush enough to satisfy the most discerning of drivers; both the door panels and seats are appointed in deluxe leather. The standard audio system puts out 600 watts of quality sound.

The standard system outputs 600 watts of incredible sound. You have the option to upgrade to a 20 speaker audio system manufactured by Bowers & Wilkens which puts out an incredible 1200 watts of sound. Even at fast speeds the interior remains quiet due to double glazed windows. This vehicle handles curves excellently.

Jaguar has included a vast array of safety precautions. Standard features include an Anti Lock Braking system and front and side air bags. Active head restraints protect the neck and head area from whiplash during an accident and a warning system alerts you when there is another vehicle driving in your blind spot.

If you have a penchant for glamor and refined high style then the XJ may be just what you are looking for. It also happens to be priced quite competitively compared to other autos in its class. For buyers of 2011 models, Jaguar will provide all new owners with complementary no-cost maintenance for the first 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is an excellent deal since service on luxury cars can cost a small fortune. All you will be responsible for is the tires and gas. The base price for the 2011 XJ is approximately $88k, which may seem steep but it’s competitive for its class. This is a car for those who crave high-performance and demand nothing less but the best.