Weekends: Power Tripping in the Scottish Lowlands

The road from Canary Wharf in London, UK to Edinburgh and Glasgow Scotland, then all the way back to Oxfordshire is a long and winding journey. Adventure and history waits around every corner on the twisty two-lanes that weave their way through the English countryside.

Making the trip even more thrilling is the fact we are driving the mighty Jaguar XJR, a no-holds-barred version of Jaguar’s top luxury sedan. While it may seem big on the outside, driving it is as easy as any full-size sedan. Jaguar has done a masterful job of making this grande dame feel comfortable even in tight settings. This is something I will soon learn to appreciate as piloting a luxury car from the right side, on roads that by North American standards are less than two lanes in width, is not for the faint of heart.

Power comes in the form of a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 gasoline-powered engine. It delivers a thunderous 550 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 502 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500-5,500 rpm. Matched to 2-mode, 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters, it transports the 1,873 kg luxury cruise liner from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds while reaching a top speed of 280 km/h when equipped with high-performance tires.

The delivery of power is smooth and instantaneous when requested. Large, ABS brakes and 20”alloy wheels are equally imposing. The sport-tuned suspension and steering wheel respond in milliseconds to each request, keeping me pointed in the right direction and always in control. This is important as several times I find myself rounding a tight corner only to be faced with a large truck in my lane, or a herd of sheep suddenly crossing the road with little concern that I won’t stop or drive around them.

Seating in the Jaguar XJR is designed for five adults and there is little doubt this is one of the finest interiors available on any luxury sedan no matter the price. Fine leather, piano black and chrome accents, Meridian sound, a panoramic sunroof and soft close doors are just a few of the features setting this Jaguar apart from the competition.

Our destination of choice for this six day adventure is not just one place, but two unique countries; England and Scotland. Leaving the Jaguar factory at Browns Lane in Coventry, we drive north and east to Northumberland and Hadrian’s Wall, before spending the evening at Henshaw Barn Bed & Breakfast. The sun is setting as we arrive in the small village, but owners Pauline and John have made arrangements for dinner at a local pub. Later, we unwind at the luxurious accommodations in a setting reminiscent of Tolkien’s Shire.

The drive to Alnwick Castle takes a little more than an hour, which is almost the same amount of time it takes to find a parking spot. A favourite of tourists, the setting has been used for various scenes in the Harry Potter movies and they happen to be filming the final episode of Downtown Abbey on this day. Rich in history, exploring the castle is suddenly dowsed by a torrential downpour and we duck for cover under millennia-old battlements, before heading back to the Jaguar and continuing on.

Leaving Hogs Head Inn in the city of Alnwick the next morning, Scotland beckons and we head north on a straight but narrow track towards Edinburgh. It is Fringe Festival season, which means the city is abuzz with street acts, vendors, university students, the strangest costumes and all things Scottish. If there is one festival to take part in this is it, and we soon find ourselves walking the streets of Edinburgh filled with exuberant tourists. The evening is magical as under the stars the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo astounds the audience with bagpipe bands from around the world performing in front of Edinburgh Castle.

Accommodations at the new Ibis South Bridge hotel are modern and minimalist in design. Views of the city look out toward the castle; the music and excited clamour remain unabated well into the night. The next day we are on the trail of Harry Potter before taking a tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s residence when she visits Scotland.

Back behind the wheel of the Jaguar XJR, I have approximately 90 minutes to stretch the legs of this feline on the excellent multi-lane highway between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Speeds climb rapidly and I soon learn to appreciate the exceptional cruising ability of the XJR at speed.

The Glasgow Marriott Hotel is our station for two nights and it quickly proves to be the ideal location for getting in and out of the city with ease. A bus tour takes us around the town, with stops at Brewery West for a pint or two. Touring Glasgow has a different feel to it than Edinburgh, the streets are much less busy, but the history is equally rich. The next day we drive north to Cameron House in Loch Lomond in the Lower Highlands for a foggy cruise on the lake, and then make the short jaunt to Glengoyne Distillery where sampling some of Scotland’s finest scotch whiskey is an adventure unto itself for those not driving, of course.

London calls and we are once again cocooned in the luxurious confines of the elegant Jaguar XJR. The drive back takes seven hours, but it is time well spent. A long history of elegance has a way of repeating itself every time you get behind the wheel of a Jaguar.

2015 Jaguar XJR

Price as tested (before taxes): $124,290.00
Freight: $1,350
Configuration: front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 5.0L V8 supercharged/ 8-spd automatic
Power/torque: 570 hp/ 502 lb-ft
Fuel (capacity): premium (82L)
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 14.2 city, 8.6 hwy
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 11.9 combined
Competitors: Audi RS7, BMW M5, Maserati Quattroporte GTS, Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

Related links:
Jaguar Canada

Where to stay:
Henshaw Barn Bed & Breakfast
Henshaw
Hexham
Northumberland
NE47 7EN