IF ever a car symbolised the renaissance of Jaguar as luxury car then surely it must be the XJ.

It has always been a good car, but the latest incarnation has taken it a new level, eclipsing most of it competitors in the luxury sector.

And while the test long-wheelbase model is a car more likely to be driven by chauffeurs than minted tycoons or high-flying business executives, it offers a drive comparable to much smaller, sportier looking cars with excellent handling and driving enjoyment.

But it is primarily a limo, the kind of car that ferries prime minister and rock stars and you can see why they would choose it.

It looks like a seriously extended coupe with raking front end and swooping rear end lines with dark-tinted rear windows for privacy.

It features striking headlamps wrapping around the signature Jag grille while at the back end the rear lights resemble a big cat's bloody claws and massive 20-inch alloy wheels.

It simply looks the part  - as does the interior.

This three litre model costs a few quid short of £70,000, so you would expect to be whisked along in the lap of luxury and the Jag doesn't disappoint.

To list the standard kit would be pointless - it would make this article twice as long - but some of the high-tech wizardry can take you by surprise.

When attempting to tune the radio I hit a button that pretty soon had the steering wheel glowing - a heated steering wheel which can be felt even through the chauffeur's gloves.

There is a riot of leather and polished wood finish throughout the cabin and a particularly nice touch is the centrally-located retro-style analogue clock.

It features many of the controls first seen on the XF, including the pulsing starter button, rotary gear control that rises from the centre console and ambient blue lighting throughout the car.

Other nice touches include the powered remote closing boot lid.

State-of-the-art sound and communication systems means the car is like your very own mobile concert hall as the music is belted out through the excellent  sound system, or if you fancy it, you can catch up with Emmerdale on the TV monitor which can be watched by the passenger while on the move.

Powered by a silky-smooth, deceptively rapid three-litre diesel, the near-two tonne beast is whisked to 60mph from a standing start in a startling six seconds and on, where permitted, to a limited top speed of  155mph, if you happen to be travelling on an unrestricted German autobahn.

The power is always on tap, right through the gear range and the shifts are barely noticeable thanks to the slick six-speed auto gearbox. For more fun the paddle shift behind the wheels can be used.

Even when flooring the throttle the power is transferred to rear wheels effortlessly and while the ride is naturally comfortable and smooth the Big Cat feels agile and composed when cornering.

Even when being urged along, the clever suspension set up protects passengers from swerves, bumps and potholes while a cathedral-like quiet pervades the interior - unless you are listening to Black Sabbath at full volume.

People who can afford cars like may not be too bothered by economy figures, but the Jag claims a credibile 40mpg with CO2 emissions of 189g/km.

At £70,000-odd you still have to pay extra for a top DAB radio and blind spot monitor among other items that whacked the price up by a further £8,000-odd, but if its luxury you want, the XJ takes some beating