Jaguar - ends years of dull Sedans

The new Jaguar XJ hums quietly in the sunshine. I punch the dynamic sport button and the seatbelt gives a sharp tug across my chest, tightening automatically. A jolting, visceral signal between a promise and a threat.

While it once made gut achingly cool cars like the XK120 and E-Type, Jaguar has long been merely a facsimile of fab. Apologies to those who still regard it as the standard - bearer of British cool, but average customers are Florida blue hairs and Long Island podiatrists.

The Scot, considered one of the world’s top car designers (he also worked with Aston Martin), is known for being outspoken. It will be released this spring in the U.S, with prices ranging from $72,500 to the special - order XJL Supersport for $115,000.

It comes with three engine variations and a short and long wheelbase. The longer wheelbase adds as little as $3,000 to the price and weighs only fractionally more, with five inches of extra rear legroom. I can see no reason for not choosing it.

The base 5.0-liter V/8 delivers an asphalt-rendering drive which will shake loose any geriatric cobwebs. With 385 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph charge of 5.4 seconds, it’s a willing hunter. A hungry thrust is what I expect from big throaty sedans like the Maserati Quattroporte or BMW 7 Series, not a Jag.

Your average podiatrist won’t know what to do with these fleet feet. The top of the Range Supersport will churn to 60 in a time - warping 4.7 seconds, yet handles meekly enough about town. Steering is spot on, with the kind of quick turning ratio you find in smaller cars. Moderate movements of the wheel get big results.

The interior is laid out like a sumptuous theater. The curved dashboard sits low, like a stage, with a narrow band of wood rimming the interior edge of the windshield. Callum compares it to the inside bow of a yacht. I’ve never seen it on another car, and it gives an extra layer of depth.

Playing to innovation over tradition, the XJ also has a new digital display system with gauges that completely change or disappear depending on driving mode and informational needs. Definitely the wave of the future.

Fit and finish is excellent - The wood and leather are luxury grade, encouraging repeated touching. Passengers will like the rear seat legroom as much as the front, as the long wheel Base model is infinitely chauffer worthy.

Engine: 5.0 liter V-8 with 385 horsepower and 380 pound - feet of torque.

Speed: 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.