I'VE always wanted to go on a cruise - and the XJ8 fulfilled that ambition in spades.
The flagship of the Jaguar fleet - an apt title - reminds me of a dreadnought battleship. Nothing shall prevent its progress and woe betide anything that gets in its way. There's even room in the cabin for a decent game of deck quoits.
Jaguar is owned by American giant Ford, but the XJ8 has for me always been a symbol of British motoring excellence, opulence and, dare I say it, decadence.
You gaze out over acres of bonnet barely containing the 3.5-litre V8 engine. It performs like a philharmonic orchestra producing a magical noise that causes ears to tingle.
Life behind the wheel is spent contemplating a dashboard with more switches than a Lunar module.
Much like a kid at the Woolworths pick-and-mix counter the agony is in the choice - what do you go for first?
The satellite navigation on the Jaguar is the easiest I've ever used and is a must for the extra £2,000 it costs. If you're paying on the fat side of £45,000 anyway, what's an extra few grand between friends?
Similarly the cruise control - fitted as standard - is a cinch to operate and together these hi-tech systems highlight Jaguar's goal to take the stress out of motoring.
The XJ8 slips along motorways and side roads with equal aplomb drawing admiring and envious glances from passing pedestrians and other drivers.
It makes a unique style statement with the wood and leather interior redolent of the British Empire in its heyday. As such it offers something the German competition can't hope to match - and how often can you say that these days?
The lightweight aluminium body gives the car the pace to sprint to 60mph in a shade under eight seconds - although I must add you never get any impression of speed in this luxury liner.
In fact you don't feel much of anything as a driver or passenger as the XJ8 is fitted with air springs and computerised damping, with comfort or sports settings.
The sports ride makes the car less floaty when swooping over crests without spoiling its calming characteristics. This helps it respond more keenly to the accurate steering which gives superb feedback to the driver.
And Jaguar spares no expense on electronic gizmos to improve grip - as cornering and braking aids are included amongst the goodies fitted to the XJ8.
Despite the price-tag the Jaguar is extremely competitive when compared to its rivals while the lightweight body helps refund some of the cost by allowing the car to record a reasonable fuel economy figure.
Easy repairability also ensures that insurance rates are relatively low compared to the competition, while resale values are among the best in its class.
Safety is taken care of with enough airbags to keep - sorry to labour the point - an ocean liner afloat. Up front six airbags protect the occupants while those in the back are shielded by curtain airbags.
The criminal element is catered for with an excellent alarm and immobiliser system that makes the car virtually impossible to break into and drive away.
Just as well as this car could be the dictionary definition of temptation.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar XJ8 3.5 V8 Sport
Price: £45,520
Mechanical: 262bhp, 3555cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 150mph
0-62mph: 7.6 secs
Combined mpg: 26.5
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 254g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust, 3yrs paint