2003 Jaguar XJ-Series Review

In its final year of production, the current-generation XJ receives two new packages. XJ8s have the option of the Sovereign Package, offered with an Alpine premium sound system and six-disc changer, heated front and rear seats, wood and leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, boxwood-inlaid walnut trim, chrome grille and splitter, chrome mirror caps and door handles and special wheels. Meanwhile the XJR can be optioned with the R1 Performance Package, which includes Brembo brakes and 18-inch modular wheels.

The XJ8 is authentically Jaguar: big outside, small inside, filled with supple leather and lustrous wood, but somewhat outdated. Wait a year for a far more technologically advanced flagship Jaguar sedan to fill its shoes.