​Launched in London at a glittering venue by American TV host, Jay Leno, the all-new Jaguar XJ received a fantastic reception. Our writer Iain Robertson was one of the first to get behind the wheel . . .

The Jaguar XJ

Luxury car maker Jaguar is enjoying something of a ‘feel-good’ factor at the moment, riding as it is on the crest of a wave of success that has brought us  the  exciting XF and XK models, so not to add the finishing touch with an all-new XJ series would have been short-sighted.

Its launch has been the biggest motoring news so far of 2010 and allows Jaguar take the battle for premium class superiority direct to its German rivals.

Prices range from £52,500 (add £3,000 for the long-wheelbase versions), rising to £88,000, in a line-up that starts with the company’s latest 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, which is a genuine world-beater in both fuel economy (40.1mpg) and CO2 emissions figures (184g/km).

Also available is a 5-litre V8 supercharged petrol unit (with 470bhp). Alongside the high-end competition, the XJ presents a compelling series of cases.

Although it appears to follow a four-door coupé niche that has developed with both Mercedes-Benz and now BMW, there is no shortage of space within its well-proportioned standard cabin, although the LWB versions add limousine-style lounging space in the rear compartment that, at very least, equals the space of the category-leading Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

While it is easy to think of a large car like the new XJ as being wasteful of natural resources, its body and structure is produced from lightweight aluminium with at least 50 per cent of the source material being recycled. As with the previous generation and now very old-looking models, the lighter construction pays dividends at the pumps and in on-road performance, which is markedly stronger than any of its rivals.

However, only the very latest generation electronics are featured within the car, which results in a virtual instrument panel and a 1200-watts Bowers & Wilkins hi-fi system, as well as a driver-machine interface that allows easy access to the touch-screen on-board computer, sat-nav system, high-efficiency heating and ventilation and the in-car entertainment.

Long-established Jaguar standards of a silken ride quality and superior handling traits are delivered, thanks to quick ratio power steering and semi-active air suspension. The company has a strong reputation at stake and its test drivers, headed by Mike Cross, have spent much of the past two years refining the handling and dynamics envelope to ensure that the new XJ loses no ground to its rivals. As a result, it is expected to retain the outstanding combination of sports car-like agility, allied to serene comfort, to which its forebears and sister models have remained true.

Of course, the big question is, will the new XJ win enough volume in those markets that have all but rejected it in the past?  I have a sneaking suspicion that a car which looks even better in the metal than it does in any photograph, will achieve its aims.

Jaguar XJ: Engines:  3.0 (TDV6), 5.0 (PV8), 5.0 (SPV8). Trim grades: Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio, Supersport. Prices: from £52,500 to £88,000