First Drive: Jaguar's supercharged XJR575 super saloon packs some serious punch

What is it?

Without a whiff of an incoming fast XE or XF, the XJR575 is the only real super-saloon in Jag’s range. Formerly named plain XJR, the 575 moniker has been added as part of Jag’s range-wide 2017 updates.

We’ve been to Portugal for a drive in the new XJR575 to see if the latest raft of additions can keep the big Jag a contender in the hotly contested super-saloon segment.

What’s new?

The first addition is the 575 name. It’s taken from the power output: 575 PS, equivalent to 567bhp, which is a useful upgrade on the previous car’s 542bhp.

The other changes are pretty subtle. There are some 575-specific styling details on the treadplates, seats and dashboard, while you can also pick two new colours – Satin Corris Grey and a stunning Velocity Blue.

Other changes are shared with the rest of the XJ range, and include a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system plus upgraded safety equipment consisting of forward traffic detection, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking and a tiredness monitor.

What’s under the bonnet?

Under the bonnet sits a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, which we’ve become familiar with across the Jaguar and Land Rover ranges. This is its most powerful iteration yet, though, and it pushes out an amazing 567bhp.

With a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds, it’s not the fastest luxury barge around – the Mercedes-AMG S65 pips it at 4.1 sec, while the BMW 7 Series M760Li xDrive V12 nips in at under 3.7 seconds.

However, being supercharged rather than turbocharged has some benefits. The Jaguar’s massive power and 700Nm of torque is very much delivered in a velvet glove, with a relentless surge right from low revs rather than a sudden burst as you hit the power band. It sounds biblical, too.

Not that you’ll be worried about running costs if you’re in the market for a car of this calibre, but the XJR575’s performance does come at a premium – expect sub 20mpg in normal driving, and CO2 emissions of 264g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

It might surprise you to discover the XJR575 is actually a sweet handler. Though it’s a big car – longer in standard-wheelbase form than both the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series – it doesn’t feel its 5.1-metre length on the road. In fact, the 575’s pinpoint-accurate steering makes it a joy to pilot even down narrow country lanes, and the creamy power delivery helps prevent unruly wheelspin – though of course, if you’re generous with the throttle you can be positively juvenile.

There’s a sense that the XJR575, even in the eye-catching colour of our test car, is the gentleman’s choice in the sector – adhering flawlessly to Jag’s old adage of pace and grace.
The XJR is considerably lighter than its German rivals – around 300kg less, in fact, and not much heavier than the smaller XF thanks to its lightweight aluminium construction. That really helps out in the handling stakes, and makes the XJR575 feel like a hot hatchback next to its rivals.

Head off the country roads and onto the motorway and the XJR575 is a great cruiser, too. Avoid the temptation to test the 186mph top speed at the higher end of the rev range and you’ll find it every bit as refined as the standard XJ – making it a truly wonderful car to cover big miles in.

However, even the soft and supportive seats can’t disguise the XJR575’s firm ride. You’ll feel every motorway expansion joint, and rough roads definitely make themselves known in the cabin.

How does it look?

The XJ has a look unlike anything else in Jaguar’s current model portfolio – a hangover from its release almost a decade ago. While the front end has been updated with Jaguar’s corporate grille, the rear features swooping lines and vertical taillights. It’s sleek, distinctive and – unlike the S-Class and 7 Series – is instantly distinguishable from smaller models in the Jaguar range.

As far as badge prestige goes, the Jaguar brand carries considerable cachet even in the face of premium German rivals. Residuals are rock solid, but best of all is the feeling you get from driving a Jaguar – there’s a sense it’s just more special than a Mercedes or a BMW, especially for patriotic British buyers.

What’s it like inside?

The XJ’s interior, like the outside, is distinctive and different, but still unmistakably Jaguar. It’s characterised by round ‘eyeball’ air vents and a sweeping curve across the top of the doors and dashboard.

Everything feels suitably high quality, with the exception of the infotainment system. It’s slick enough, but not as easy to use as rivals, and also gives up crucial connectivity such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some controls are oddly situated, too, like the hazard flashers which are buried among the air-conditioning controls.

Unless you plump for a long-wheelbase model, you might be disappointed by the space on offer in the back, too. Aluminium construction isn’t as strong as steel, so Jaguar needs to use more material to accomplish the same body stiffness – impacting on space in the back seats and boot. You won’t be disappointed if you’re coming from a hatchback – but it’s not as palatial as some rivals.

At least the driver will be happy, with a beautifully sculpted and comfortable seat, F-Type-inspired steering wheel, and plenty of room. The swooping dash and high-set centre console give a pleasantly cocooned feeling, too.

What’s the spec like?

The XJR575 comes with everything you’d expect of your super-saloon as standard. Soft perforated leather seats with contrast stitching match with a suede headliner and piano black detailing to give a mean interior ambience, while the outside is equally mean with gloss black detailing on the grille and side windows replacing the chrome of the standard model.

On a less sporty note, you’ll find the usual raft of safety kit, including 360-degree parking sensors with a rear-facing camera, park assist, lane departure warning, blind spot assist and autonomous emergency braking.

In addition, there’s Jaguar’s latest InControl infotainment system, operated through a 10-inch touchscreen and featuring satnav as standard, while there’s also an LCD dial display that apes Audi’s virtual cockpit.

Verdict

The XJR575 is a leftfield choice for those after a super-saloon, but trades well on all aspects relating to those cars. It’s got performance aplenty, exclusivity, good looks and is amazing to drive. The fact it’s a useful £20,000 cheaper than the competition just sweetens an already very good deal.

It’s not going to become the next family car champion, but for those who value its driving characteristics at the expense of ride comfort, it’s ideal.

By Tom Wiltshire

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Jaguar XJR575
Price: £93,710
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Power (bhp): 567
Torque (Nm): 700Nm
Max speed (mph): 186mph
0-60mph: 4.2 seconds
MPG: 25.5mpg
Emissions (g/km): 264g/km