A luxury limousine needs no explanation. Transporting celebrities, top executives, very important people (VIP) and family members in ultimate comfort and luxury is the name of the game for these flagship sedans. Here are two of them.
First introduced in 1994, Audi's flagship A8 is remembered as the first mass-market car with a weight-saving aluminium chassis known as the Audi Space Frame. Recently redesigned, the A8 is ready to stake its claim amongst the top of a competitive segment with its handsome styling, fine-tuned engineering and futuristic interior technology.
On the other hand, the Jaguar XJ has a longer history. The big British cat's illustrious past goes all the way back to 1968 and the XJ is also one of the official cars for the British royal family and the U.K. Prime Minister.
Exterior
Audi has played a fine balance of subtlety and elegance for the styling of the A8 with a certain macho look to the car.
Providing visual drama are the oversized grille that also lends some aggression while the new Matrix LED headlights as well as the new dynamic signal indicators (first seen on the R8), complement the modern and contemporary looking sheet metal.
Measuring 5,265mm x 1,949mm x 1,471mm (L x W x H), the long wheelbase variant of the A8 is 13mm longer, 50mm wider and 14mm taller than the XJ. But it is the XJ that garners a little more road presence.
Thanks to its striking lines and visual touches, the big cat stands out among its tamer rival. The exterior of the XJ is stunning. Its defined front end, swooping roofline and raked rear window are tastefully done and command respect.
Rolling along the streets, the XJ has an immediate appeal. Its crouching-feline exterior design makes the car look as if it can pounce any time - enhanced by the XJ's swooping taillights that mimic cat claws.
Interior
Climb into the A8L and you'll find clean and understated styling just like the exterior. The A8L's interior design isn't immediately arresting but it reeks of high quality.
Everything in the A8L feels absolutely rock solid to the touch and the cabin also comprises plenty of high-quality leather and wood trimmings.
Passengers at the back enjoy a vast amount of head and legroom and will automatically find the comfortable seats sleep-inducing on a driveaway adventure up North.
Plus, if the left rear passenger (usually the boss) needs more legroom, the front passenger can be 'pushed' forward via the rear console.
Climb into the A8L and you'll find clean and understated styling just like the exterior. The A8L's interior design isn't immediately arresting but it reeks of high quality.
Everything in the A8L feels absolutely rock solid to the touch and the cabin also comprises plenty of high-quality leather and wood trimmings.
Passengers at the back enjoy a vast amount of head and legroom and will automatically find the comfortable seats sleep-inducing on a driveaway adventure up North.
Plus, if the left rear passenger (usually the boss) needs more legroom, the front passenger can be 'pushed' forward via the rear console.
In comparison, Jaguar's interior is a beautiful piece of art. From the chrome air-con vents to the use of leather, carbon fibre and wood splashed around the cabin, it's hard not to admire the cabin.
Another feature in the XJ that's hard not to admire is the massage function (Portfolio trim only) available on the front and rear seats, making the journey more comfortable for driver and passengers.
There is no lack of legroom at the back of the XJ too and unless rear passengers are as tall as NBA players, the XJ's sloping roof shouldn't pose too much of a problem, although headroom is noticeably lesser compared to the A8L.
The Drive
Under the bonnet of the facelifted A8L lies a revised 3.0-litre TFSI engine. The V6 powerplant is a beauty, delivering its power firmly with plenty of low-end grunt via a fantastically smooth eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.
Its steering is meaty in weight and is quick to respond to inputs and thanks to Audi's famed quattro technology, the A8L feels absolutely rock solid around corners, staying firm and flat and doing a superb job of keeping understeer at bay.
The A8L also has a slight edge in ride comfort, thanks to an adjustable air suspension and a generally pliant demeanour, soaking up bumps and ruts without any difficulty.
On the other side of the road, a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 lump powers the XJ. Besides being more powerful, the XJ's engine feels more linear than the similar-sized lump in the A8L.
The XJ boasts a great drive on the go, feeling alive and nimble despite a steering that's a bit light and lacking in feedback. Having said that, the XJ is still sharp and rapid in directional changes, with its size superbly disguised.
Under the bonnet of the facelifted A8L lies a revised 3.0-litre TFSI engine. The V6 powerplant is a beauty, delivering its power firmly with plenty of low-end grunt via a fantastically smooth eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.
Its steering is meaty in weight and is quick to respond to inputs and thanks to Audi's famed quattro technology, the A8L feels absolutely rock solid around corners, staying firm and flat and doing a superb job of keeping understeer at bay.
The A8L also has a slight edge in ride comfort, thanks to an adjustable air suspension and a generally pliant demeanour, soaking up bumps and ruts without any difficulty.
On the other side of the road, a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 lump powers the XJ. Besides being more powerful, the XJ's engine feels more linear than the similar-sized lump in the A8L.
The XJ boasts a great drive on the go, feeling alive and nimble despite a steering that's a bit light and lacking in feedback. Having said that, the XJ is still sharp and rapid in directional changes, with its size superbly disguised.
Although the XJ has the sportier drive of the two and its suspension is set up to be a littler firmer, its ride is certainly not uncomfortable. Instead, it strikes a fine balance between communication to the driver and comfortable insulation for passengers.
Conclusion
The Audi A8L is a handsome car complemented with nifty technology and a driving experience that is refined and well-mannered. The four-ringed car may lack a little character, but it's still a hugely capable luxury flagship that will tempt buyers more with its superb quality than its visual flair.
In comparison, the XJ is a sexy car with a dramatic cabin that could convince some buyers before they even drive it. Behind the wheel, the way a car this size feels so small around you is remarkable.
And this extra charm could very well justify why the XJ is the more engaging choice in this comparison as well as its $40,000 premium (as of 25th July 2014) over the equally capable and beautifully engineered Audi.
