2012 Jaguar XJ Supersport Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Jaguar XJ Supersport earns a below average Total Car Score, yet is respectable in a highly competitive vehicle class. This model sits at the top of Jaguar's full-size premium sedan range -- with the most power and the most toys -- offering a supremely elegant and rapid method to get from A to B. 
 
For a big car, it has a relatively light weight, with plenty of aluminum used for the body panels and suspension components. All the better to exploit its supercharged V8 engine and tactile steering. Accelerating from zero to 60 mph requires only 4.7 seconds (that's the claimed figure; at least one enthusiast publication has achieved 4.1) before going on to an electronically limited 161 mph. 
 
Reviewers like the cabin for being a thoroughly pleasant place to spend time, yet it also has a character that differs from the usual German rivals. Gripes arise when addressing the navigation system's touchscreen -- it's slow-acting and not particularly user-friendly (a criticism common to all current Jags). And writers feel the next trim level down, the XJ Supercharged, could be a smarter choice since it has almost as much power but at a lower price. 
 
This generation of XJ debuted in 2011 and the only changes for the 2012 model year are a juggling of standard/available features -- the rear seat entertainment system is now part of the stock package, whereas adaptive cruise control moves to the options list -- and the addition of massaging and reclining rear seats in the long-wheelbase version.

2012 Jaguar XJ Supersport Model Line-Up

The five-seat 2012 Jaguar XJ Supersport is the high-performance flagship model within a wider XJ range. It comes as a regular or long-wheelbase (XJL) model with extra passenger space in the rear quarters. 
 
A 5.0-liter V8 engine is supercharged to develop 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends that muscle to the rear wheels. 
 
Virtually every feature Jaguar offers is standard. We're talking 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heat/vent/massage functions, a panoramic moonroof, Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, 20-inch alloy wheels, leather headliner, and navigation. 
 
Among the few options are some special-design wheels, heated windshield and the adaptive cruise control -- which features a forward collision alert and emergency brake assist. An available Sport package has some aerodynamic additions and raises top speed to 174 mph. 
 
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, blind spot warning system and a rearview camera.  
 
EPA estimates for the 2012 Jaguar XJ Supersport are 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined.

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