Fat Cat Just Got Fatter
By Gunnar Heinrich
BUT not necessarily heavier.
The 2010 Jaguar XJ saloon has grown in size – the long wheelbase XJ overshadowing more asphalt than the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7-Series.
Space being an issue in previous generation XJ saloons (as fair as they were), wisely, Jaguar execs went for the gold by designing a executive transport carriage that was as big or bigger than the competition – but – and this is key, lighter thanks to using aluminum.
A quick ‘n dirty comparo:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class LWB v. Jaguar XJ LWB
Length: MB 205″ / Jag 206.6″
Width: MB 73.7″ / Jag 74.6″
Height: MB 58″ / Jag 57″
Wheelbase: MB 124.6″ / Jag 124.3″
Trunk space: MB 16.3 cu. ft. / Jag 18.4 cu. ft.
Weight: S600 4,872 lbs / Jag 5.0L V8 LWB 4,223 lbs
That having been said, the 2010 XJ is both larger in dimension and heavier (thanks to a new bevvy of technology) than every Jaguar that proceeded it – inclusive of the MK sedans in the 50s and 60s.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
