Three gauges are clustered in front of the steering wheel. The center console contains a 7-inch LCD touch screen for managing the climate, audio and optional navigation systems. Gone are rows of confusing switches seen in Jaguars of the past. Jaguar has made the controls as easy to operate as possible and has avoided the temptation to include a host of gee-whiz computer controls. We certainly did not have to get out the owner's manual to turn on the radio or adjust the climate.

For the first time, Jaguar is offering adjustable foot pedals that can be moved up to 2.5 inches at the touch of a switch. Coupled with the 12- or 16-way adjustable front seat, they allow any size driver to find a perfectly comfortable seating option.

The Vanden Plas gets a plusher interior with softer leather, lambs wool carpets and a power rear window blind. The front seats have 16 positions instead of 12. The XJR gets a sportier interior with seats offering extra support. It also has less wood trim.

Rear passengers have considerably more room than in previous XJ8s. There's a choice of a fixed-bench three-passenger rear seat. An optional rear bench allows the two outboard seats to be reclined a few degrees.

Kids and adults who like to be entertained while traveling in comfort will appreciate the sophisticated multimedia option available in the Vanden Plas or XJR (about $3000). It features two 6.5-inch LCD monitors embedded in the back of the front seat headrests. A comprehensive control panel located in the center armrest operates them independently from the front and from each other. One person can be watching a DVD while the other can watch input directly from a camcorder, for example.

Even those buying the base XJ8 sound system will not be disappointed as it comes with an eight-speaker system and a single-slot CD player.