Think of the Jaguar XJR575 as the staunch, politically incorrect but unmistakably charming uncle that you run into at every family catch-up.
Replete with ash trays, a gargling supercharged V8 engine and, frankly, an unjustifiable price tag, the XJR575 flies in the face of much of Jaguar’s brave new green guard. But it also typifies Jaguar’s typical strengths in large, luxury saloons; the cabin feels like the inside of an expensive leather shop, the engine is effortless and refined, and its street presence cannot be overstated.
In some respects, the XJR will likely mark the end of the line for Jaguar’s flagship limousine as we know it. Now nine years into its lifecycle and no direct replacement confirmed, it is already beginning to feel like a throwback to simpler times. Like your favourite uncle, it’s hard not to admire.
At $306,475, the Jaguar XJR575 ain’t cheap.
Fortunately, though, that money does get you a lot of standard equipment – even withstanding the age of the fourth-generation XJ platform, which precludes it from some technology including head-up display.
Nonetheless, what you’re getting into is a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine good for 423kW (or 575 horsepower) and 700Nm, sending drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic.
‘Acoustic laminated glass’, heated front windscreen, sun shades, LED head and tail-lights, 18-way electric sports seats, leather interior with carbon-fibre highlights, soft-close doors, keyless entry and ignition, puddle lights and 20-inch alloy wheels are all standard inclusions.
On the tech front, a 10.0-inch ‘dual view’ touchscreen bristles from the centre fascia of our car’s dashboard, flanked by a digital instrument cluster and hugely impressive Meridian sound system.
From a performance perspective, there’s a sports exhaust system, accentuated by quad outlets, red brake callipers and a carbon-fibre engine cover, while full airbag coverage and the latest driver aid acronyms ensure it feels up to its vault-like safety.
Furthermore, our car is adorned in a vivid Velocity Blue/Jet colour (no-cost option), and options comprising digital TV, 10.0-inch touchscreen, Connect Pro Pack, full LED headlights and air quality sensing – some $6000 worth of add-ons.
Here’s the thing. The XJR575 is purely indulgent, and even if you could stump up the $300k to buy one, it would ideally be a second or third car. The kind of machine you take out for special Sunday drives.
The should argument begins with the XJR575’s performance credentials: 0-100km/h in 4.4sec, and a claimed top speed of 300km/h. You’re lucky to stretch its legs in one gear before doing jail-worthy speeds.
The big cat doesn’t advertise its sporty pretensions with the way it sounds, though; to truly invoke its V8 exhaust bellow, you need to be north of 3000rpm.
Against what would seem like a propensity to shred its rear Pirelli P-Zero rubber at will, the big Jag wrests its weight gracefully through corners in a manner that deftly balances comfort and performance. It will thud over larger hits in the road without upsetting the cabin, yet feels controlled and measured through faster bends, despite its 5130mm long stature.
By the same token, the 5.0-litre supercharged bent-eight is superb in regular driving. The big cat’s predictable throttle response teams with a linear torque spread (peak output 3500-4500rpm) and a smooth-shifting automatic to provide truly effortless go-forward from standstill our or of corners. Flex the right foot more aggressively, and the response is truly immense, making light work of the car’s circa-1900kg kerb weight.
Equally, the cabin is both opulent and cosseting, using quality materials and workmanship to charm its five occupants. At odds with this, ever so slightly, is noticeable (for the price) road noise on coarse-chip surfaces, and subtle creaking from our 6000km-old test car whilst entering/exiting driveways or speed humps.
The XJ’s packaging has limitations, despite its broad dimensions. Boot space is gobbled up by structural bracing designed to improve the car’s on-road rigidity, at 478 litres. There are no split-folding seats for the same reason, and the door pockets aren’t bottle-friendly.
The XJR575 is available to order now. Officially, Jaguar has not confirmed the nameplate’s demise, nor conversely, its replacement. So business as usual, for now.
A very small portion of Australia’s population, it seems. Jaguar sold just 19 XJs in 2018; to put that into perspective, that’s less than half of Rolls-Royce’s annual sales.
That’s not to say the XJ isn’t appealing. Its blend of performance, styling and mechanically-infused steering and driving traits is particularly endearing – even if elements of the car are a little olde-worlde.
In pure subjective terms, I loved every second of my time with the XJR575. It is an analogue anachronism living in a digital world. The outspoken uncle at family barbecues, of sorts.
But it is also something of a swansong. Jaguar might have a flotilla of new models inbound for Australia, but few, if any, will make you feel as good as this.
How much does the 2019 Jaguar XJR575 cost?
Price: $306,475 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 5.0-litre eight-cylinder supercharged-petrol
Output: 423kW/700Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 11.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 264g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A