Audi V8: 1988-1996
Back in the Eighties, Audi was still considered a 'Wannabe' prestige manufacturer,
and it's V8 was the company's first step in a bold plan to join the gentleman's
club populated by BMW and Mercedes-Benz as well as Jaguar. The 3.6-litre
V8 engine was tuneful and the quattro drivetrain fun, but overall, buyers
weren't convinced, finding it too similar in appearance to the 100/200.
A brave effort, rare now.
BMW 7-Series (E32): 1984-1991
The second generation BMW 7-Series arrived on the scene at the same time
as the Jaguar XJ40 and the inevitable comparisons were made. Most tests
concluded that the BMW outshone the Jaguar in terms of quality and engine
refinement, but the Jaguar more than made up for these deficiencies on
the road. As ever, BMW offered the sporting choice in the sector. BMW's
V12 option turned up years before Jaguar's similarly powered XJ40.
Lexus LS400: 1989-1995
Toyota realised if it wanted to make it big in the prestige car market,
it would need to come up with a new marque with which to sell them. Lexus
was the name (meaning Luxury EXport US), and the LS400 was the car - engine
refinement was class leading, and quality pummelled the opposition. In
fact, the LS400 moved on the game considerably - although a few people
would conclude it lacked character.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 1979-1991
The Mercedes-Benz W126 was a huge step forward when it was launched in
1979, but by the time the XJ40 appeared in 1986, it was getting past it.
Always a world leader in terms of solidity, the S-Class was the favoured
transport of world leaders and German minicab drivers, alike - people
who know a thing or two about longevity. The S-Class' replacement in 1991
was also an XJ40 rival, but was far larger...
