The
Jaguar Vanden Plas is an XJ model with added interior luxuries and a long
wheelbase. In 2007, a tire pressure monitoring
system was added along with laminated side glass to reduce interior noise, a Conti-Teves foundation
for increased stopping power, a chrome mesh grille and available Bluetooth
wireless connectivity. The Jaguars are neither the quickest nor the quietest,
and all wheel drive is not available; however, the Jaguar XJ series might
be the friendliest and most charming of the luxury sedans. The XJs also
deliver the best EPA fuel mileage ratings in this class, and does not carry a
gas-guzzler tax. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard, as are front
side airbags and curtain side airbags. The Vanden Plas also has a load-leveling
suspension.
Features for the Vanden Plas
The 2007 Jaguar Vanden Plas includes standard
features of all XJ models: heated front and rear seats, Bluetooth cell-phone
interface and Xenon headlights with power washers, leather seats with
contrasting piping, and 18-inch wheels. Features special to the Vanden
Plas include an electric rear sunblind, a twin-stitched leather dashboard,
Peruvian boxwood inlays in the standard burl walnut trim, rear-seat picnic trays
and deep-pile lamb's wool rugs. It also comes standard with a DVD-based
navigation system and a 320-watt Alpine stereo with 12 speakers and a six-CD
changer.
Jaguar Powertrain
In normally aspirated form, Jaguar's 4.2-liter V-8
now produces 300 hp, and is used on the Vanden Plas. The 2007 Vanden Plas uses a
six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Driving the XJ
The Jaguar XJ series offers elegant and effortless
driving. Passing and merging on the highway is reasonable, but civilized.
Downshifts on upgrades are easygoing. On tight corners, the Vanden Plas,
considering its size, grips the surface well. The power steering is
precise without being too heavy, and the XJ gives the driver control. The tires
stay pressed to the road, thanks to its double-wishbone suspension design and
Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), which continuously and
instantly adjusts damping according to forces pushing the wheels up toward the
car. CATS promotes stability and a nice, even body height, whether the car is
accelerating, braking hard or traveling over an undulating road surface.
Although the XJ is very quiet, its exhaust can be heard when pushed hard. The
air suspension absorbs bumps well. The Jaguar Vanden Plas is built on an
all-aluminum monocoque, or integrated body/chassis. It weighs about 400 less
than a similarly sized unit-body fashioned of conventional steel. At the same
time, it is as crashworthy and as strong as steel. The Jaguar's body is built in
essentially the same fashion as the airframe of a commercial airliner: riveted
(with about 3200 rivets) and bonded (120 yards of adhesive) to form a stiff
shell. This rigidity and reduced weight on the Jaguar Vanden Plas promote
a better-riding, better-handling car.
Cabin Features for 2007
Jaguar XJs feature polished burl walnut trim and
comfortable leather seats. The Vanden Plas has soft, long-pile wool rugs in the
footwells, only adding to the comfort. Acoustic laminated side glass cuts
down on noise from outside the cabin. The 2007 Vanden Plas sedan can seat up to
five occupants. A higher roofline for this model year helps increase interior
space. This models also has power front seats. Power-adjustable pedals complement
an electronically adjustable steering column. An electronic parking brake was
installed. Vanden Plas sedans contain fold-down picnic tables. The XJ's trunk
offers 16.6 cubic feet of volume, which is more than the Audi A8 (14.6 cubic
feet) and BMW 7 Series (16.3). The Vanden Plas is built on a
long-wheelbase, offering much more legroom in the back. These longer
versions were originally developed for Europe's chauffeur-driven executive
class. Five extra inches in the car's length is entirely behind the B-pillars. The
rear seatbacks also recline, and a switch is provided for the person
riding in the right-rear seat to power the front passenger's seat forward.
All of this
allows plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the luxury.
XJ Vanden Plas Design
The Vanden Plas is built on a 124.4-inch wheelbase
that stretches the overall length of the vehicle from the standard 200.4 inches
to 205.3 inches. The hood has the traditional curves that flow back from the top
edges of four round headlights. The wide grille protrudes forward slightly and
the trademark jaguar sits on top of the hood. The rear of the Vanden Plas
features iconic triangular taillight clusters. This Jaguar has a high belt line
and this makes the side windows appear shallower. The windshield is set at a
modern, raked angle. All the glass is laminated, with two layers separated by an
ultra-thin acoustic interlayer, which cuts interior noise and protects trim from
the damaging effect of UV radiation. The long wheelbase XJ models are the
longest cars in their class, but they are also the lightest, thanks to their
aluminum intensive construction. Overall, the 2007 XJ sedan has a slightly more
cab-forward profile than pre-2004 models, with the wheels brought closer to the
corners. A self-leveling air suspension and Jaguar's Computer Active
Technology Suspension system are standard.
Safety
In addition to an occupant-sensing system for the
front passenger seat, the XJ Vanden Plas has dual front airbags, side-impact and
side curtain airbags. Four-channel antilock brakes incorporate emergency brake
assist. A Dynamic Stability Control electronic stability system enhances
handling. Reverse Park Control is standard. The XJ's tire-pressure monitor
is one of the most sophisticated available, measuring absolute pressure in each
tire.
For 2007, the XJ has become an even better value,
with front and rear heated seats and Bluetooth wireless cell phone capability
standard on all models. The Jaguar Vanden Plas competes with the best luxury
cars in the world, and holds its own while at the same time it is attractively
priced compared to Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. The Jaguar Vanden
Plas is truly a beautiful and stately sedan. Though it lacks the
progressive modern design that many luxury cars of today have, it keeps a feel
of traditional British heritage instead. Its rigid aluminum chassis and
sophisticated suspension offer a smooth ride and good grip and the
long-wheelbase Vanden Plas offers more rear seat space without significant
trade-offs in response or ease of handling. The 2007 Jaguar Vanden Plas averages
19.7 mpg and uses premium-grade fuel.