POWER, elegance, sublime comfort and outstanding driving dynamics are all attributes associated with the Jaguar name and the mighty XJ LWB is another example of those key elements.

With its larger-than-life dimensions, the LWB base model offers bullet-like streamlining thanks to instantly-recognisable Jaguar body-styling.

Stand-out features include a long, sculpted bonnet, a double sunroof, twin tailpipes, a powered boot, 20-inch alloys, chrome side power vents and for that extra edge some fantastic paintwork.

Move inside and it's impossible not to be wowed by the build quality and luxurious surroundings that greet you with an array of on-board technology to be explored.

Jaguar has incorporated the very finest leathers and materials such as rich oak veneers to create a sophisticated and elegant cabin that is fit for a king.

Creature comforts include a pitch perfect Meridian audio system with CD player, DAB radio and compatibility with all modern media devices.

There is adaptive cruise control, a soft grain leather heated steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, electrically-adjustable seats with memory settings plus heating and cooling functions, virtual instrument displays and plenty more besides.

There is even a DVD entertainment pack for rear passengers who can stretch out in absolute comfort with ample legroom thanks to the XJ's length. They too have powered seats with ventilation options along with window blinds, foot rests and large pull-out trays that can easily accommodate a laptop.

Admittedly all this technical wizardry does come with a hefty price-tag of £70,980 (£86,465 with options), but the XJ is a car competing in the luxury segment where no stone is left unturned when developing the ideal executive car.

And when it comes to performance, the car also lives up to all the hype with a powerful 3.0-litre supercharged diesel engine powering the vehicle to 62mph from a standing start in just 6.4 seconds and onto a top speed that is limited to 155mph.

The acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission is beautifully crisp and smooth with the option of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts if you want to take a little extra control. There is also a Sport stetting which sharpens up the driving dynamics even further or an Eco setting to help maximise fuel efficiency.

The XJ's highly-efficient suspension system seems to iron out all the road bumps, dips and creases as it goes and the sure-footed grip, precise steering and outstanding ride quality means bends can be attacked at pace with absolute confidence.

There is very little road surface, engine or wind noise within the well-insulated cabin even when the car is pushed hard.

According to official stats the XJ can deliver a combined fuel efficiency of 44.8mpg, although during my week-long test I was seeing 35.2 which is still not too bad for a car of its size.

My only real gripe of note is the extremely poor visibility through the ultra-narrow rear window and also the rear side windows if the blinds are raised.