The Super V8 ($91,330) has the same supercharged powertrain as the XJR but puts it on the longer wheelbase and adds four-zone climate control, a DVD-based touch-screen navigation system, DVD-based rear multimedia entertainment system with two display screens, an electrically adjustable rear seat, electric and manual rear door sunblinds, Bluetooth wireless technology, Custom alloy wheels with Z-rated tires, and front parking sensors. The CATS adaptive damping system is tuned for a Touring ride.

The Super V8 Portfolio ($115,330) begins a new line of super-luxurious Jaguars. Portfolio rides on the long wheelbase and is powered by the 400-horsepower supercharged V8. Exterior revisions include aluminum side vents, larger chrome-finished tailpipes, polished 20-inch Callisto alloy wheels and special Black Cherry or Winter Gold paint. Inside is special soft-grain leather upholstery with seat piping, satin-finished black walnut wood trim, suede-like headliner, pillars and sunvisors, aluminum J-gate surround, individual power-adjusted rear seats separated by a center console, and a 400-watt 15-speaker Alpine surround-sound stereo system.

Options for the XJ8 and XJ8 L include a heated seat package ($950); a Cold Climate Package ($1,250) with front and rear heated seats and a heated wood and leather steering wheel. Options for Vanden Plas and XJR models include a Warm Climate Package ($1,350) with four-zone air conditioning and manual rear side sunblinds and a Multimedia Package ($2,950). Other options include special wheels, Front Park Control ($250), Bluetooth wireless connectivity ($500), and Sirius Satellite Radio ($450).

The XJ looks as though it's ready to pounce even when it's standing still. And there's no mistaking it for anything other than a Jaguar.

The hood has the traditional curves that flow back from the top edges of four small, round headlights. The wide grille protrudes forward slightly and the leaping jaguar, called the Leaper, sits on top of the hood. The rear is uncluttered and features the iconic triangular taillight clusters.

From the side, the XJ has a high belt line, the trend at least partly because people feel safer with taller side panels. This makes the side windows appear shallower. The windshield is set at a modern, raked angle. The subtle way in which the belt line edges up as it goes to the back gives the car a purposefully crouched look.

New touches freshen the exterior for 2006. The XJR's chrome mesh grille inserts are used across the line, making every XJ look sporty. However, the R models will be distinguished by a body-color surround for its mesh grille.

Interior Features

The Jaguar XJ cabin exudes class and good taste. It's richly trimmed in leather and wood. Plastic is hard to find. Yes, that's real burr walnut veneer on the fascia, center console and door panels.

The dashboard sweeps across the whole car in a fairly high position. Three gauges are clustered in front of the steering wheel. The center stack features a seven-inch LCD touch screen for managing climate, audio and navigation functions. Jaguar has made the controls as easy to operate as possible and has avoided the temptation to include a host of gee-whiz computer controls. Unlike other cars in this class, the XJ does not demand careful study of the owner's manual to turn on the radio or adjust the climate.

The adjustable foot pedals can be moved up to 2.5 inches at the touch of a switch. Coupled with the 12- or 16-way adjustable front seat, they allow any size driver to find a perfectly comfortable seating option.

The Vanden Plas gets a plusher interior with softer leather, lambs wool carpets and a power rear window blind. The front seats have 16 positions instead of 12. The XJR and Super V8 get a sportier interior with seats offering extra support. They also have less wood trim.

Today's XJ8 and XJR feature roomy cabins. The long-wheelbase versions take advantage of the car being lengthened by five inches behind the B-pillars (between the front and rear doors) for increased rear seat room. The rear seatback reclines. Plus there's a switch provided for the person riding in the right-rear seat to power the front passenger's seat forward. This allows plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy such things as wooden picnic trays that flip down from the backs of the front seats. The Super V8 Portfolio's cabin is distinctive for having two bucket seats in back, separated by a large center console that houses storage areas as well as the controls for the rear climate system.

The rear seat entertainment system features two 6.5-inch LCD monitors embedded in the back of the front seat headrests. A comprehensive control panel located in the rear center armrest operates them independently from the front and from each other. One person can be watching a DVD while the other can watch input directly from a video game or camcorder.