owever, power is only part of the story. The new XJ's improved chassis and rugged suspension provide a level of handling that's certainly as agile and aggressive as any car in this class. It's interesting to note that the XJ sedans achieve their handling superiority without resorting to electronic suspension trickery - self-adjusting shock absorbers and the like.
Although the basic XJ6 is impressive in the handling department, the XJR does add some extra capability, primarily because of its 17-in. wheels and fatter performance tires with a lower profile. The level of cornering power that goes with this setup is eye-widening. Our XJR gobbled up winding back roads at a pace that would certainly leave many competitors - particularly its front-wheel- drive competitors - far behind.
The steering is direct, precise and sports-car quick, just 2.8 turns from absolute left to absolute right, which enhances the XJR's sporty feel.
Superb braking performance rounded out our XJR experience. With big vented discs at all four corners, powerful calipers plus ABS, this system does an exceptional job of dealing with the car's substantial mass. Try as we might, we were unable to provoke any brake fade in hard stops.
You might expect that limited body roll and high cornering capabilities would produce a firm ride - and you'd be correct. The XJR, along with the other members of the series, is indeed firm in the ride department. But like other European road cars, firm shouldn't be confused with harsh. Shock absorber valving in all the XJ sedans is supple enough to damp out small bumps without drama, although really nasty potholes can produce jolts.
From interstates to boulevards, though, the XJ sedans will provide the kind of ride you'd associate with a luxury car.