...didn't MacGuffin test that XJLd and hate it?
Actually I liked it and that's what I wrote. But I cannot really say why, because all in all it is not a really good car with lots and lots of small faults and not so good trim quality. I suppose that Jeremy had his Brit mode on, while testing it, or he deliberately overlooked some of the annoyances, because he had a supercharged V8 at his hands
There was a tiny glimpse of what I mean, when he tried to use the iPod. It really took me some time to figure that out as well and the touch screen isn't very nice to use. However, I like its looks. From inside and outside.
The XJ L is indeed brilliant around corners on country roads, I also wrote that in my review, but an S-Class with the ABC (Active Body Control) is almost as good -- but more comfortable. Plus the Jag's steering feels awkward in city traffic. I also tried out the dynamic mode in the XJ but frankly it did nothing but making the ride more uncomfortable to me. Unlike Jeremy Clarkson, however, I tested the car on the Autobahn at up to 260 km/h on the speedo. That can also make a difference, as he was spared the part, when the Jag becomes annoyingly harsh and crosswind-sensitive at high speeds.
Oh, and the Jag I drove, which is the version most people will buy, was about 15,000 Euros more expensive, than the corresponding S-Class with the same level of gimmicks and gizmos. But yes, I liked the Jag. What I don't like, is motor journalists getting a crisis over it, saying it's the most brilliant luxury car... in the world... when it simply isn't that good.
The episode was what I would like to call "solid old school Top Gear". Good but not brilliant. Therefore I gave it 8/10.