WHEN a car arrives with a supercharged engine and when that car is a £75,000-plus Jaguar, you just know the drive is going to be that little bit special.

And the 3.0 XJ in top-of-the-range Portfolio trim certainly lived up to my high expectations.

Boasting drop dead gorgeous looks with elegant streamlining, the Jaguar XJ is guaranteed to turn heads.

Eye-catching features include 20-inch alloys, tinted windows, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, adaptive automatic front lights with dynamic pivoting headlamps, a power-opening boot and a panoramic double glass roof.

The build quality within this car is second to none and Jaguar has really upped the ante amongst the premium brand manufacturers.

For example, the incredibly comfortable massaging leather seats can be electrically adjusted 20 ways and feature a driver memory package. Of course, they can be heated as can the steering wheel.

There are so many technical advancements on the XJ - in fact it would be impossible not to be wowed by the sheer quality and refinement. It would seem that Jaguar has examined every aspect on any driver's wish-list and incorporated it into the car.

There are the more instantly recognisable features such as automatic rain sensing wipers, Smart keyless entry, Bluetooth, DAB radio, dual zone automatic climate control and a highly efficient sat-nav system.

But this car also has an 825W sound system with 20 speakers and that means occupants are treated to concert hall quality and clarity.

Then, there is the dual view TV, rear seat entertainment screens and subtle ambient lighting around the air vents and inner door handles.

However, for me the really striking feature is the virtual instruments. The main dials look brilliant and instantly grab your attention.

All occupants benefit from plenty of space and light floods into the cabin through the large sunroof helping to create a bright, inviting environment for all.

There is a plenitude of storage options throughout the car and the generously-sized boot can accommodate large suitcases if necessary.

But this car features a V6 3.0-litre supercharged petrol engine and that means the performance is simply incredible.

Thanks to its aluminium construction, the XJ is one of the lightest in its class and that means it can soar to 60mph from a standing start in just 5.7 seconds - that's fast!

It has a top speed limited to 155mph and although it's not the most frugal car I've ever driven it does return 30mpg on a combined cycle.

The XJ is all about performance and handling and even on wet, slushy roads it handled brilliantly.

Acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission is very smooth and the car somehow manages to absorb all the bumps and potholes along the way.

In town it cruises effortlessly alongside slow-moving traffic but out on the faster roads it's like a wild animal has been unleashed. Road-holding is excellent and the power at your disposal seems endless.

Jaguar has packed the XJ with a multitude of safety specifications, including a blind spot monitor, dynamic stability control and plenty more besides.

All in all, the new XJ is something to behold. It looks amazing, is bursting with technology and handles like a car costing just shy of £76,000 should.