I'm looking for input from those fortunate enough to have a new model XJ that have also had a previous generation model (X350 or X358). What are the main differences you appreciate or dislike aside from the exterior remodel.

 

Ive been fortunate enough to have a X351 now.....and an X350 and X308 in the past. As much as I loved the timeless look of the previous generations, i love this one on another level. its completely different and its SEXY, which is what ive always admired about XJ's compared to BMW's and Mercs.

in 2nd place id put the X308. I loved how low it was to the ground and how it felt like you were driving a sports saloon as opposed to the Germans that felt like a large luxury limo. The interior was cozy yet comfortable (if you had the long wheelbase model).

The X350 just felt like a blown up X308....everything about it was the same, just larger. i liked and disliked it at the same time. the car was much more comfortable...but driving it didnt give me the same sports car feel the X308 gave me.

The X351 is the best of all worlds combined into 1. its sporty yet sophisticated and comfortable. they FINALLY loaded it with technology goodies (which the older models lacked and pissed me off).

 

I had a 1999 JXL (x308) for 4 years, 70,000+ miles. I loved that car. It was the most reliable, maintenance free car I've owned, before and since. I wanted to replace it with the x350 model, but was so disappointed with that car that I went elsewhere (BMW 7 Series, which is another story in itself). I thought that the exterior of the x350 was too much like the x308, and the interior was much cheaper looking (see below).

I've had my 2012 XJL SC for two years, 30,000 miles, and I'm really happy with it. I love the styling, inside and out. The best blend of style, comfort and performance. However, there are two minor things that I wish we could get in the new cars.

1. I always thought that the unique Jaguar turn signal clicking sound on the x308s and earlier models was the coolest thing around. It's one of the things that really pissed me off about the x350 when they changed that. With the computer generated sounds in the current cars, I would love to bring back that old, classic sound.

2. I loved the x308 wood dash, with the gauges individually imbedded in wood. Again, I was really disappointed that it was changed in the x350 (wood surrounding a plastic gauge cluster). I wish there was more wood in the current models too.

Otherwise, I'm a very happy camper.

 

Do the 350 and 351 have that ride/handling feel of the X308, or how is it different from the older car?

 

the X350 felt very floaty......as if its a car thats meant to glide.

the 351 however has a nice feel on the handling (a little bumpy ride). as big as the car is, i can toss it around like a Mini, completely forgetting its size (until i spend hours looking for a parking spot)

 

lol
Saw one the other day parked in the lot. Didn't realize how big the car really is. It's huge.

 

always need a bigger parking space !