Jaguar XJR X308 - 3 Reasons You Should Buy This Over A BMW M5
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- Опубликовано: 24 дек 2022
- The super saloon has long intrigued and the BMW E39 M5 is supposed to be the best of the lot.. but toady I am going to tell you why for me the Jaguar XJR, here in x308 guise, is a much better daily prospect. 370 horsepower, supercharged V8 with better build quality than the previous model but still with those timeless Jaguar looks.. and the quintessentially British lashings of wood and leather in the interior.
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Jack is truly a man of the people. No ego like other uber rich car youtubers, just a bloke who appreciates used cars and wants to share their stories. Thanks for the genuine consumer advice and enthusiasm 👍
Thanks for that Dreamy and happy new year!
@@Number27 You are welcome Number 27, happy new year!
Jaguar is owned by India today and Rishi Sunak has twice the wealth of King Charles III.
@@keplermission4947 Yes, but this model was produced during the Ford ownership period which ended 2008.
@@NewtonInDaHouseYo I know that much, why is it that people always shoot the breeze and never give away anything of value? These Ford Jaguars had plastic bonnets, they were wobbly on the upstroke.
I was involved with the engine bay and cowl design at Whitley, Coventry working with a small team of great engineers. The X308 was the best of them all imho. With a zinc coated steel body and modern paint process, with the correct care the body should last 50years baring accidents. Combined with a great engine it’s a true classic 😘
Which is better, x308 or x350 XJR
X308@@a7lyqq
Why are most of them rotted out then
because people don't maintain them correctly dah, ever heard of underseal @@8kmar
In which way do u think x308 outperform x300 please?
I was so distracted by the gorgeousness of one of these cars on the pump next to me that I proceeded to fill my new diesel van with unleaded!
I don't own a car but I admire the beauty of cars when I see it. This IS a beautiful car.
A family member has had one of these for about 20 years, he used to change cars often but has no intention of ever letting the XJR go. I think he has been wise to absolutely keep on top of it, a prestige car with an increasing number of small faults soon declines further. Whenever I see the car I cannot resist walking around it, it is somehow subtley beautiful. The car has been reliable over the years, certainly not the nightmare you might expect.
My brother owns an X308, 4.0 lwb, Sovereign I actually reckon it is the best car I have ever been in. Stunning looking, incredibly comfortable, and omg it has character......
X308 are such gems. Underappreciated by the masses, loved by a few who understand.
and not many left as they have nearly all rotted away...
@@BibtheBoulder They're not that bad. Since Ford took over, they are no Rustbuckets anymore.
Very cheap top compared to an E39 M5. This has always been one of my top 3 Jags - the other being the MK2 and XJS.
The X308 is a future classic for sure! The last real Jaaag!
@@BibtheBoulder didnt you know. Jags need a sacrificial anode. Lol
What a car. I was lucky enough to work at a Jaguar main dealer in period and sold many, many 308's. I still drive one today (with 325,000k), a 4.0 Sport. Great cars. Wonderful review as always! Cheers from Australia.
Great choice you get the xjr handling without the xjr thirst for premium fuel .....
Man, how did you make it last over 300k miles?!
I have a 2000 XK8 (non-supercharged) that is very similar to your car - the interior is practically identical. I've also owned 4 BMWs over the years. When I looked at my car the previous owner said "Everyone has a 3-series" and he was right. I've had it for 7 years now and it's been perfectly reliable. And the engine at 6000 rpm is pretty sweet. It gets more compliments than any BMW ever did.
Agree. Had 2 xk8s and they get the right attention. Whilst you might desire a bmw when it's gone you'll covet another jaguar
@E38sevenheaven LOL. My favorite I think was my '99 323. My mechanic wrecked it 😪
@E38sevenheaven God E38s are endlessly charming! Love love them!
What a Jag. I have always loved Jag, and this example is by far the best. A true gentleman's conveyance. Thanks to all for showing us this one. I am green with envy 😀
I have to agree. I’ve owned a lot of cars and currently own a 2006 xj8L non supercharged and although I’m a w140 Benz fan for life I am currently daily driving mine and it’s amazing. It’s my first jag and I’ve always heard so many bad things about jag. The fact that my wife loves it says a lot. She calls it her baby Bentley.
The 1998-2002 model jags drive much nicer even. I own both and i love my 1998 x308 supercharged daimler the most
@@egbert1985 yes I have heard this but for a daily driver I heard the 305 is a better option for gas mileage and reliability. If I had a choice I would trade mine but for now will keep driving since it has 200k miles on it (322k kilometers) and drives better than my w220 did. The only comparable car was the ls430 but it came at a much higher price and wasn’t as good on gas.
My family has always had Jaguars, but my father and uncle are Jaguar mechanics, so that makes owning one much easier because of the insane amount of maintenance they require. The E-Type’s we’ve had are my favorites, but they’re about as reliable as a drunken heroin addict working as a bank teller. The new Jaguars are far better made than ones from even 10 years ago. But still, you have to wonder how well a new Jaguar will hold up in 5 or 10 years from now. The only real issue now is the extremely complex electrical and computer systems. At least the problems with severe rust are no longer an issue!
Coming from a Merc fan that is praise indeed! Both fantastic cars! Cheers!
@@petescarport wow that surely surprises me. I'm talking about the W220. I had 2, and their ride is superior to anything else I've driven, even the newest S classes. So it's surprising to me that it rides worse than the Lexus, which didn't impress me at all when I had a ride in such.
Gave twelve hundred quid for a mint silver R-reg XJR 10 years ago. Absolute flying machine with a superb ride quality and it went round the bends well too. Bloke in a Turbo R fancied his chances one night on a very quiet piece of motorway. 5 minutes later and he wished he hadn't as he discovered what a supercharger offers!
Gentlemen have superchargers. only cads use turbos. (I said this in the pub once and now I have it on a T shirt)
Timeless elegance yet sporty. My pick for sure. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Jack.
How the torque builds and the gearing really compliment each other… hence it just covers ground very nicely!
Amazing looking car. I had a XJR of the X300 generation, with the 6 cilinder engine. One of the best looking saloons the British ever made. Another good review Jack.
X308's are so special looking. Truly a "sweet spot" of Jaguar design, of all car design for that matter.
I always loved the styling of this car.
I had an e39 m5 and took an xjr out for a long weekend when I was looking to replace it. M5 was very much a sports car which happened to be in a 4 door saloon body. Jag was a luxury car which happened to have a powerful engine. They were very different experiences and not sure they really competed against each other. Jag also felt a lot older with the tech and a lot smaller inside. Ended up buying a B10 V8s which was, I felt, the best of both worlds.
Using the J-gate, can give the XJR a way different handling at corners.
I agree with you. I was so excited to try one of these, and so very disappointed by the actuality of it. I bought an E63 which is also a luxury car with a big engine, but I found it drove much better than the Jag.
Merry Christmas, Jack, and a very Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your Family!
I enjoy your videos, this one especially. So much of automotive merit-comparison tries to break things down to crude numbers such as zero to 60 mph, top speed, horsepower and so on. Much of the value is in how it all integrates, and so I enjoy having someone like you give their insightful and enthusiastic opinion. Thank you!
I own a 1997 XJR6 and a 1997 Daimler Double Six and love them both. Extremely similar but so different in character. The XJR is a proper Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Got hooked on 27 with your 308 vids... Another fav car here!
Thanks buddy! Hope you have a great holiday!
Jack, you are just doing really great car presentations!
Merry Christmas to you Jack. Thanks for a year of good videos. Well done You. Go well
Great review!, absolutely love this car, best looking 4 door ever made, pure class
Such a lovely looking car, I love the way the headlamp shape carries on into the bonnet. My father in law had a T plate XJ8 from new for 10 years & did 160,000 trouble free miles including several continental road trips.
I sold my Bentley Arnage a few years ago and had several other cars but the only one I don't feel cheated driving is my 24 year old Jag X308 4 ltr V8 LWB Sovereign! I love it.
My dad bought a dark blue with cream leather one of these just before my wedding...By the time i got back from Honeymoon it was gone. (He was cleaning it and found some damage...turned out it had been in a heavy unrecorded rear end crash). But WHAT a car! It was a beast that could drive like silk until the loud pedal was pushed. It was BLISTERINGLY fast. I LOVED it and have lusted after one ever since.
I totally agree! Having owned both I prefer the Jag as a daily driver. The X308 has a more unique feeling.
I still have my XJR and it’s always makes me smile.
The M5 E39 is overhyped today, I had a lots off expensive technical issues when I owned it almost 20 years ago and it was a disappointment compared the the M5 E34 I had before. That is the best M5 hand down! It’s maybe not as powerful but it’s so much better to drive and the build quality is incredible. To bad that it’s almost impossible to find a good example today.
This is my dream car ever since I first walked past a house with a black e38 740i and a black XJR.
The 308 design is just perfect. I know that the 350 is a massive tech leap forward but it just doesn't have the same elegance, class and menace of 308 XJR in black.
Great cars. Nikaseal was a huge deal at the time but any problems were resolved years ago. The issue was the high sulphur fuel that has been banned for 20 plus years. Pre 2000 models have weaker timing chain tensioner which can cost around £400 plus to replace ( before they die).
The only other surprise is the lack of legroom in the back.
I put 60k on my 3.2 sport, which was a lovely motor and very underrated. I also had a 97 XKR with huge mileage. It was timed at 154.6mph through the Jag owners club Woodbridge speedtrap, when it had 227k miles on the clock!
Exactly, any AJV8`s that are still with us, wont have any Nikasil issues (neither will the BM`s & Porsches which also suffered the same issue)
‘Grace, pace and no space’ in the rear was the humorous twist to Jag’s advertising blurb 🙂
Yeah, pretty crappy engines. I saw 2 of these go within a year. Problem was solved later i believe.
I am not knowledgeable about the mechanical or technical details of car; I am more concerned with their beauty and overall performance; that is why I would buy this car over any other. For me this was the epitome of elegancy and beauty condensed under the name JAGUAR. It doesn't get any better than this. Unfortunately: A) I cannot afford it B) I live in a f... 3rd rate country with very bad roads. Thank you, Jack, for this beautiful tribute to one of the finest cars ever! 🤩🤩🤩
Had a few XJ6 Jags back in the day. They were great cars and never let me down, never tried to send me off road like the BMW 5 series I once swapped for! Merry Christmas Jack and a happy new year!
M ...klkk
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I love the Jag. However the M5 played in a different league. Thank you for your enthusiasm. 👍
I think Jags do have a special place in peoples hearts. My dad loved the ones he had and i suspect it was because of all the positive comments he used to get. His last one was a LWB Sovereign. Massive bloody thing. When he died everyone expected me to keep it but unfortunately it had a few issues and I wasn’t really prepared to do all that work for a car with no real financial value. Shame as it was immaculate inside but it had a bit too much rot on it and some weird paint issues. I kept the cherished reg tho in memory of him.
He stealthily spent a small fortune on that car over the years (without my mum knowing😂😂).
Dad had bought his friends a '98 but it was the just the standard V8. He had it for years and even drove it to Canada and back...twice! He was very proud of that car. They are timeless looking cars and far and away better looking than anything that came out after in Jag's lineup. The XJR was and is still one of the sexiest saloons ever. One of the professors at uni in Houston had a relatively new one back in 2001. I would go out of my way to walk past it. Great review! Thanks!
For many years Jaguar was the nicest car by the side of the road. I always loved the interiors on these, though, and I really liked the XJR sound. Back when these were in their heyday I could not really afford either one, but I dreamed of owning that first V8 M5. Now that I have the financial means, I drive a F90 M5 and I must concede that this car does everything better than any other car I have owned in my life. But I may still give Jag a shot before I am put out to pasture. Great vid, by the way.
I have a 1993 XJ40, which has the same basic frame.
The attention to subtle detail is extraordinary. E.g. if you look across the front of the bonnet, paying attention to the slight change of slope before the inward angle of the grill, this mimics perfectly the shape of a big cat's nose. Someone really clever designed this to powerfully suggest "CAT" without you really noticing quite how. It's just brilliant.
I totally agree about the overloaded plastic buttons in the centre dash - what on earth was going through the designers minds? What a spoiler!!!!!!!!
i like the jaguar but the e39 m5 is on another level
My uncle always had the latest and greatest Jaguars as company cars when I was young, brings back memories seeing this. Happy days.
The X308 to me is one of the finest-looking cars ever made. I'm saying this as an X350 owner.
100%. I love and respect the M5, but the XJR is just great - especially when it recieved that supercharged V8
My grandson bought a 2004 XJR (x350) about 2 years ago. 100,000 miles, no dents, in great mechanical shape, interior like new, paint a little shaby. He works in a body shop, so paint was not a big problem. The car had been converted to coil springs, and I convinced him to repair the air springs. Yes, that was a little expensive, but the car rides like a dream now. BMW, no way! Aluminum body, world class leather and wood, faster than hell, who wants more. Oh yes, and the cat on the hood.
I've been in love with this since I was 16. All my friends wanted v-tec Civics and Golf VR6s at the time and would make fun of me for wanting an "old man" car.
The only way this car could be any better would be if it also came out as a 2-door with the exact same engine and interior. It would have been the Jag competitor to the CL and original 8 Series.
Very nice video as always Jack! I am a quite a fan of the e39 BMW and have had two examples of these over time. I tried and driven several jags, including XJR and XKR as well and i liked them all, but there is something i lack in the handling department. The steeering is too light and slow and the feel for the pretty much heavy car is not briliant. But you sit low in the car, it is comfortable and looks ace. However, my last attempt to buy finally a Jag ended up importing an Alpina B10 V8 from Germany and i have to tell you this car is one of the greatest saloons i ever had. It doesnt have manual gearbox like the M5, but ZF automatic with shift buttons at the back of the steering wheel and has atmospheric 4,6 liter M62 engine which delivers power nicely with a good top end punch. I would have happily borowed that to you, but watching your channel from the Czech Republic, so far away ... but if you manage to get somebody having a B10 (E39) in the UK and willing to borrow it to you for the channel, i'd be curious to see what you say about it. I think these rare Alpina's are an interesting alternative to the XJR and to the M5 , still for good money. An M5 would have costed me at least 30% more than my Alpina did and it is far rarer, while maintanence on the car is even cheaper than on the M5
Lovely Jag, I'd have one over a M5 no question
Bought a x350 XJR last year. Brilliant car.
Any downsides? How much did you pay and how many km? Thank you 🤜🤛
I’d have one of these over an M5 every day of the week and twice on Sundays 😆. I love big old jags
The X308 XJR has not gone unnoticed here in Au.
A half decent example starts at £20K GBP with 100K miles on it.
Again - I've enjoyed your work presenting these videos!
I bought a 2002 XJ8 VDP a year ago. Puts a smile on my face every time I drive it!😁
Enjoying the variety of content and length of videos
Thanks David!
Great review Jack. Always wanted one of those. Drove the 3.2 Sport when it was new and fell for it. Very special. XJR turns it up to 11.
They are special in the same way your 308 is. Around for decades, easily recognisable and just exceedingly cool without having to try.
Great review Jack, totally agree with you. My Dad had a XJR Sport which was super luxurious with a sporty feel and felt special every time I went in it.
I couldn't agree more. I own one since 1997 and have a lot of fun since! Only week point are the brakes (mine is a first series). No major issue,very reliable.
Thank you so much for this brilliant review of what is a great car.
I love these, I drove a 4.2 XJ6 when they first came out and was hooked.
But owing to other influences went from Ford to BMW and on to Bentley BUT I still love these large engine Jags.
The styling is second to none, the ride is great and the performance as you show is adequate for the size of the car, the seating position is brilliant for most size people and the overall look is astounding, still! Well done, love this.
My dream 2 car garage is:
XJR V8 4.0 (X308) in black
XKR V8. 4.0 (X100) coupe in black
Te car that errs on the luxury side gets me. And that's the Jag. There are tons of fast cars, luxury is the rare commodity.
Fine to see. I drive a xj 81 majestic in mahoon, tan. Happy to see this video and Happy new year.
I really like this car also. If you need a sports car feeling more, drive a real two seater. I can see how well this car rides and easily keeps stable and controlled, and the little V8 sounds so sweet. As we age, this car will be better to our comfort needs. Thank you
Another car for Jacks dream garage! It was kind of wet so why bring out the 308! Smile! Loved the look and the smashing wheels. Thank you man!
After two years this Lancia is back what a amazing job and great commitment from Harry.
Wrong channel!
I totally agree Jack. My 2002 XJ8 is a belter and an absolute keeper. I must definitely use it more in 2023.
Fabulous cars Jags are so underrated. These XJRs are the perfect gentleman’s express.
Love ‘em!
I had a x300 ,1995 4.0, lovely straight 6 engine, people all the time would stop and say what a lovely car ,sills and jacking points rotten,one of the best looking cars ever.
I've has two E39 5 series. Biggest issue with them for me was the offset pedals and windscreen wipers plus the M5 was onlt available with a manual box, totally impractical in todays traffic. THe Jag is also much more comfortable. Probably not as well built as the a BMW and much more liked than a beemer. Good review with no biased or fear of upsetting folk who may disagree. M5 owners will disagree of course they will, but they would have to acknowledge, the Jaguar is a good alternative.
Always dreamed of one of these. The perfect grandpa sleeper.
I toyed for a long time between buying an E39 M5 and an XJR. It was very close but I went for the M5 11 years ago.. it having a manual box was what swayed me.
I still have it today.
Would still love an X308 XJR and a manual X300 XJR in my collection.
Having a 3.6 xj40, and loving every minute spent behind the wheel, I have been lusting after an 'R' for a looooong time.... Can't beat a *real* Jag 👍😜♥️ Thanks Giacomo
I've been driving E39 M5s as daily drivers since 2007. Even though I like the look of the XJR, and the interior is nicer, it seems to be softer (I see this one wallowing compared to my E39 M5). The lack of an available manual transmission is the killer for me, with the XJR. To each his own, but I'll take my E39 M5 over the XJR.
Xjr have active suspension. So soft around town but stiffen when G force detected and braking
@@AndyK.1 in theory. It’s still too soft and doesn’t handle well though. I honest never noticed the damping improve on either of my low mileage xjrs.
The x308 jag has a 2 arm rear suspension set up, 1of these arms is the drive shaft!! When I first put mine on the ramp to check it over I was sure there must be bits missing!! Definitely not designed with handling as a priority! If you try to drive one hard like you could a quick bmw you would certainly die!!
@@carlkuss8300 same as most jags since e-type. It works well. That isn’t the problem with the XJR. It’s too soft, too heavy and too susceptible to small alignment problems. The steering is also numb.
I could not watch until the end and I had to stop in order to make a comment: This is probably the most beautiful car built in the last 25 years! If it rides only half as good as it looks it is a keeper for sure: A GT type of car that oozes class and beauty. I owned many German cars in my life: They were reliable and solid, but I think in Germany no car after 1945 ever had the charm of the classic British luxury cars. They were proably better and more reliable, but not as classy as this one. (Or Aston Martins to give another example).
I've had 2 xk8. Loved them. Also had an e46M3 and many other bmws. For whatever reason you don't fall in love with them but a jaguar you'll covet and care for and miss when it's gone.
Thankyou so much Jack! Back in the 70s I was a Rover fanatic! In my 20s!! because all my contemporaries lusted after the XJ6! So I had to be different! 😆 So In 76 I bought a 70 3.5 litre Coupé in pristine condition 16000 miles on the clock! I Loved that car so much I brought it to Australia when emigrating in 81, long story short, Family and Work ment I had little time to look after her properly so around 91 we reluctantly sold her and bought a brand new Mazda, Now in retirement I decided it's time to do the classics again! So 3 years ago I went Jag and after much research and searching bought my 2003 4.2 XJ8 X350, I am totally smitten! I love the 308s to and very nearly bought one! If I won lotto I'd have both! Yep I'm now a total Jag Fan, That 308 is a Peach! 🍑 Great Video Cheers from a fellow Pomme 😊
I'd like to add for anyone in the states considering one of these, that the nikasil problem basically isnt a problem in the states - gas has always had less sulphur in it than the UK. I went down a long rabbit hole on the forums discovering that lol.
I bought an XKR recently to have a luxurious long distance fast GT cruiser and in retrospect kind wish Id got an XJR instead. I imagined the XK having better handling etc and lighter than the XJ but actually there's almost no difference, and the XJR has four seats, which is actually really nice because then I dont have to be a nobby no mates...
FYI Brit living in the US in case anyone wonders why I say gas and nobby no mates in the same post.
Drove a demonstrator back in the day loved it
Spectacular video. Thank you
I want one of these Jags so badly ❤❤
Pretty car Jack and a great review as ever! If you are underwhelmed by the centre console (8:44) imagine how it looks in a Gen1 Vanquish!
Happy Christmas Jack !!
My biggest issue is no manual option (at least in the states) versus the M5
Agreed. I've been daily driving E39 M5s since 2007. They only came with a 6 speed manual.
There was a manual option on the X306
@@Suprahampton unicorns even when new, especially in the states
@@ThriftMachine fair point. I think they only made 105 total manuals
Great video thanks. I have a T reg 1999 silver XJR, maintained by the lads at North Wales Jaguar in Llandudno. Only done 67k miles. Beautiful beautiful cars.
I have always though that particular Bodyshape series , with the Scalloped Wings , were the nicest looking Jaguar Saloons EVER .
I would own an XJ-R in a heartbeat , if I was still driving enough to justify such a car .
Great insight Jack
happy christmas mate love an xj my dad was a massive fan multiple xj..s his last a brg xj sport with 42k a 3.2 still a great car....would love to revisit one he passed 12 years ago now remember them like yesterday tho🤙
thanks for the great review...looking forward to more good content in 2023, best wishes...
I has an 06 XJ8. It was an amazing car. I doubt I’ll ever have a car I loved as must as that car. The seat killed my back and as much it broke my heart, I went.back to a 5 series and then an E series Merc. I still miss that Jag! I wonder if I will ever have a car that I love as much as that Jag?
I'm on my second Jag, an X351 XJ portfolio 3.0ltr supercharged. It develops 340bhp and roughly the same torque. It's a stunning car, the best I've ever owned.
I own an e39 and I get your point. Thanks for the video Jack.
Have exactly the same chariot! 2000 X308 in sapphire blue. Only 52k miles. Keep the vids coming... hoping to see a Porsche 968 vid in the coming months.
I've owned my e39 M5 for years and love it to death, but I would love to own a XJR alongside the BMW. The XJR is more relaxed for when you want to daily whereas the M5 encourages you to drive more sportively.
Thanks Jack! These Jags do keep looking better & better! Probably enough to tinker with to if you get one!🤔🤔🙏🙏
Such a handsome car, I think I could live with the plastic switches. It's a timeless design, that has got better with age.
That's what I like an open minded gentleman, someone who think's outside the box, rather than going on about how wonderful German cars are compared to the rest of the motoring world. Used to own an X350 XJ6 TCDi, a superb diesel V6 engine, super smooth compared to BMW I test drove, and also the much maligned X-Type 2.1ltr, which I loved. Both very special cars. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for getting me to appreciate Jags more...especially going into the 80s and early 2000s. I love the front end...and yes the interior is Jag. Your English blood is showing. Keep the videos coming.
These look superb, would love one!
I love all those buttons :) they all work very well and feel very nice
Had a 2nd hand, 4 year old S-Type R, mental car. Easy room for passenger's, me 6ft in-front, M8 behind me 6ft2 didn't even have to move my seat forward's. Another mate had one of these XJR's & loved it.
PS & it left newer M5's standing.
Nice review Jack, I have a one owner 60k X308 XJR, had a ton of much much more expensive cars and absolutely love this old girl!