Car of the Year 2004 - Luxury

Winner
Jaguar XJ6
£39,950

It takes a brilliant car to usurp the Mercedes S-class as our luxury king, and the Jaguar XJ6 is that car. The all-new Jaguar has more interior space than the Merc, highlights the Benz’s ageing cabin and out-drives it.

The Jag’s lightweight aluminium body means its 3.0-litre petrol V6 offers diesel-rivalling fuel economy and emissions. Jaguar doesn’t sell a diesel XJ (it’s coming later this year) but the XJ6 is nearly £10k less than the Mercedes S320 CDi. This means that although the Jag is in a higher tax bracket, it still costs less to tax every year and brings cheaper leasing bills.

All XJs are now fitted with Jaguar’s computer-controlled CATS air suspension and you can choose between two settings – comfort or sport. The latter provides excellent body control, and combined with meaty and direct steering, this makes the Jag surprisingly nimble. Some engine noise emanates from the 3.0-litre V6 but it’s a cultured note.

The refinement continues in the cabin, which oozes old-school charm. Nearly every surface is adorned with either high-quality wood or leather and all the dials and switches are simple to use. Bringing the cabin up to date are electric motors to adjust just about everything, including the pedals, so a good driving position is possible for everyone.

Passengers are equally well catered for. The new Jaguar is bigger in every direction than the last model, so there’s plenty of room to stretch out in the front and rear, while the cabin is awash with luxury and safety kit.

Highly recommended
Audi A8 3.7
£51,055
Mercedes S320 CDi
£48,830