The luxury car marketing men will have you believe that you are normally sweeping swiftly along a smooth, deserted, challenging, picturesque highway. In reality we struggle so find any space on horribly potholed roads in a land where we pay five and half quid for a gallon of fuel. My previous Mercedes S Class fitted the real world very well, serene, secure and frugal. It was never accused of being small, light or fun which was prompted my move to the CLS at the end of last year. The new aluminium XJ is about the same weight as the CLS, so could it fulfil all my requirements? 
My first impressions were really good. The whole car feels so much smaller than it is because of the lighter weight and the response of all the controls. The whole car has a much more alert feeling than either Mercedes and the engine response in particular with its twin turbos is very good. So too is the steering. Perhaps a little over light on first acquaintance but very positive and accurate. The refinement level is, if anything, a step up on even the S Class. The lack of engine, road and wind noise deeply impressive.
The car I drove was on 20” wheels and the ride, handling and grip at high speed was exemplary.
So this car can do the refinement of the S and is more fun to drive than the CLS, but at what cost?
Well, aside from the drain on my bank balance, the answer is low speed ride. If anything it is stiffer than the CLS and could be described as distinctly firm over the series of pot holes which make up our urban roads. Firm enough to send a few shakes through the structure and get the trim to creak occasionally. Urban limo it is not.
I’ll have to consider if I’m willing to make those sacrifices for a car which really is a joy to drive …….but I have to admit to being impressed
My first impressions were really good. The whole car feels so much smaller than it is because of the lighter weight and the response of all the controls. The whole car has a much more alert feeling than either Mercedes and the engine response in particular with its twin turbos is very good. So too is the steering. Perhaps a little over light on first acquaintance but very positive and accurate. The refinement level is, if anything, a step up on even the S Class. The lack of engine, road and wind noise deeply impressive.
The car I drove was on 20” wheels and the ride, handling and grip at high speed was exemplary.
So this car can do the refinement of the S and is more fun to drive than the CLS, but at what cost?
Well, aside from the drain on my bank balance, the answer is low speed ride. If anything it is stiffer than the CLS and could be described as distinctly firm over the series of pot holes which make up our urban roads. Firm enough to send a few shakes through the structure and get the trim to creak occasionally. Urban limo it is not.
I’ll have to consider if I’m willing to make those sacrifices for a car which really is a joy to drive …….but I have to admit to being impressed
and I couldn't give a monkeys what others think of me or the car. I just want to experience the very best in engineering terms and for me (and others in the press
