TT-Hombre

I am both sorry and happy to report that I am the proud owner of a Jaguar XJR. I have been a long time Audi owner and visitor since the early days of A4.ORG.

In any event, my decision was a close one. I test drove the S8 and loved it. What an incredibly balanced car ... and it sure felt light for a vehicle of such size. However, it just did not seem to have that raw power and the looks of the XJR. The Jaguar XJR wins hands down in the acceleration and timeless looks department; both interior and especially exterior.

I have sold my A4. However, it remains in the family.

I would like to hear about any experiences anyone here has had in purchasing the A8, S8, M5, or similar Mercedes offering.

Sidenote: I've already checked ... the Jaguar enthusiast sites are pathetic compared to this jewel (aka AudiWorld).

ultradub

How tall are you? I had much difficulty getting in and out of the XJR....in terms of looks, yes, the car si elegantly masculine! Yet, the horridly low, canopy made it impossible (I am 6'2") hence why I drove a Range Rover for many years. Love the A8, better seating and position than the 7 series (740i that is).

April

<center><img src="http://www.poulainlefur.com/francais/Auto_26_02_01/Images/17.jpg"></center><p>The current car reminds me more of the MK X than the MK I or II.

wcheung

I have very fond memory of the series III XJ. Great handling and cornering. The current series is also good dynamically, but the exterior is less elegant, I think.

Just test driven the new 745Li, wonderful car, feels 1 class above the old style A8. The new A8 has to be really good to challenge the new 7-series.

RCBENZ2

Hope the Jag runs well 4U and stays out of the shop...

TT-Hombre

I'm also 6'2" and have no problems getting into or out of the XJR. However, I must agree that it does not have the overall interior passenger capacity of the S8. The back seats are not for tall persons. In other words, the ladies get to sit in the back seat. If most of your 6'2" height is from your torso, as opposed to legs, I can see how you might have some problems. I fit perfectly into the car.

I truly do love the S8 and the new 7 series hasn't grown on me yet. However, neither of those vehicles has the same visual appeal or sense of raw power. Of course, this is truly a matter of personal preference and because it is a subjective opinion, it does not mean that it is necessarily rational. Sometimes you lust love a car because it strikes some chord inside you. It's also a car that I can keep for many many years and it's design will still look beautiful.

In short, if I was a robot with no emotion and I had to compare the XJR, S8 and 745 on the basis of function and overall performance (not just speed where XJR excels), the XJR would probably not be the winner.

RCBENZ2

That is, assuming you are a robot with no emotion... :-)

Audi S5 TC

Too bad the new 7 Series is severly ugly.

romans_xjr

I have an XJR and looked at BMWs (owned a few), Mercedes, and Audis. All of which are terrific cars. However, the Jaguar offers styling that the others just cannot match. BMW 7-Series styling is questionable at best and the I-Drive is a joke. Mercedes are boring and the Audi is still trying to find itself. I don't think any of them are bad cars but the Jaguar has a history and heritage the others just cannot match. Just one man's opinion. Also, I am 6'3" tall and have no headroom issues.