JAGUAR has created a car for the stars by giving its flagship XJ saloon the stretched limo treatment.
At almost 17ft 6ins from bumper to bumper the long wheelbase XJ is sleek, seductive luxury for the discerning elite.
This is British automotive craftsmanship at its best and only Jaguar knows how to put the finishing touches to a car fit for heads of state.
From the deep-pile lambswool rugs, cream leather upholstery with beige piping to a high-tech communications and entertainment suite - just for the rear passengers - nothing is amiss on this £60,000 masterpiece.
The stretch has added some five inches to the length of the XJ but thanks to its aluminium bodywork the car is just 53lbs heavier than the standard model.
But the effect of the extra metal is dramatic. Not only does the LWB version possess beautiful flowing lines which are typically Jaguar, there is also 39 inches of legroom in the back which makes for absolute comfort.
Air conditioned ventilation can be channelled individually and the rear seats are heated as well as each being electrically adjustable with up to three positions capable of being stored in a push-button memory pad mounted in the doors.
Tables finished in high gloss burr veneer fold down from the back of the front seats and are big enough to allow a laptop computer to be used on the move while display screens in the rear of the head restraints enable DVDs to be watched.
The entertainment system, which can be operated from a control pad that opens out from the rear armrest, is also compatible with MP3 and iPod players.
From a theatre on wheels to a night club to a high-tech mobile office, this car does it all.
The additional length of the XJ is all behind the door pillar which has necessitated longer rear doors and a slight tweak to the height of the back of the roof.
But the extra dimensions have done nothing to alter the incredible performance from the 4.2-litre V8 engine which powered this particular long wheelbase XJ Sovereign.
As with the standard XJ, the top speed is electronically restricted at 155mph but 0 to 60 comes up in just 6.3 seconds.
Despite that blistering ability and even under heavy acceleration the feel from inside the car is of absolute serenity such is the quality of sound insulation.
As with all other V8 XJs, the LWB model makes use of a six speed ZF automatic gearbox and electronic parking brake which, combined, help deliver the smoothest of rides.
And despite the power and size of this Jaguar it is still relatively frugal and can average 26 miles to the gallon. Long gone are the days when Jaguars had the reputation of being petrol guzzlers and with an 18 gallon tank the XJ has plenty of range.
Safety features from across the XJ line up are carried forward onto the stretched version including Jaguar's computer-controlled airbag system to protect occupants front and rear. Under the skin, and to help the driver, there is also traction and stability control.
In every respect this king-size XJ is a joy to drive - and that in itself poses a little conundrum.
From every seat, whether front or rear, this is one of the most sophisticated cars on the road.
I can only imagine that many a VIP who would normally travel in the back would want to swap seats with the chauffeur to enjoy every last bit of this sumptuous supercar.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar XJ8 4.2 Sovereign LWB
Price: £60,370
Mechanical: 300bhp, 4,196cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.6 secs
Combined mpg: 26
Insurance group: 19
CO2 emissions: 264g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 6yrs antirust, 3yrs paint