FOR those with a penchant for high-end luxury and style, owning the new Jaguar XJ will bring a very satisfied smile to your face.

What’s not to like? The drive is smooth, refined and supremely comfortable, as it should be for a car of this calibre.

There are three trim levels – Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio – and three engines to choose from, a 271bhp turbodiesel V6, a 380bhp normally aspirated 5.0-litre petrol V8 and a 503bhp supercharged V8.

I drove the 3-litre V6 Portfolio, providing excellent performance along with great fuel efficiency – a winning combination. The Intelligent Auto Stop/Start system also helps increase efficiency when driving around towns and cities.

Let’s face it though – efficiency probably isn’t top of the list of requirements for most Jaguar owners, although it may be a consideration. It would certainly be appealing to chauffeur fleets though.

Its head-turning looks are striking and comfort levels are incomparable. Standard specification includes 20” Kasuga alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, Bluetooth telephone connectivity including audio streaming, Cruise Control, LED tail lamps and soft grain leather seats with driver’ and passenger’s electric adjustment and driver memory function.

It is also fitted with a 12-speaker surround-sound system from British audio experts Meridian, a system that uses digital signal processing to create a sound field that is second to none.

It’s a big car – more than five metres long – and sometimes this did present a challenge when parking, although the sensors and reversing camera were particularly good. There is great attention to detail, such as adjusting the environment to suit - with either dual zone or four zone climate control, which includes air particle and odour filtration, humidity control and automatic window de-misting. Even a heated steering wheel comes as standard.

Although prices start at a mere £70k, my test model had various options fitted, including a Premium Rear Seat Package and Dual view (£8,490) and my children loved being able to watch their DVDs in the back – it certainly takes the stress out of long car journeys. There are also fold-down laptop trays and electric rear sunblinds for increased privacy.

Once you own a car like this, there’s no going back, which is why Jaguar owners remain so loyal. It would definitely be my car of choice. Now for the small matter of the £70k price tag...

Factfile
Car:
Jaguar XJ Portfolio LWB
On the road: £70,975
Top speed: 150mph (limited)
0-62mph: 6 seconds
Fuel: 44.8mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 167g/km