Top Gear names Jaguar XJ Luxury Car of the Year

Top Gear magazine has announced its Luxury Car of the Year award for 2010; going to the new Jaguar XJ, and putting the British company's flagship model above key BMW and Audi rivals.

Editor of Top Gear Jason Barlow described the XJ as fantastic and futuristic, noting that new cars have rarely "slackened so many jaws", especially a domestic offering.

Jaguar, which describes itself as much more confident and revitalised in recent years, explained that since its launch in May, the XJ has been very well-received by the public and media alike and has already scooped the Scottish Luxury Car of the Year and What Car? Luxury Green Car of the Year.

Geoff Cousins, managing director of Jaguar UK, said: "We're delighted that the Top Gear team - definitely one of the toughest judging panels anywhere in the motoring world - have recognised what makes the XJ so special with this award."

Last month, Jaguar joined forces with the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce to celebrate the work of the world's leading designers at the 2010 Royal Designers for Industry Awards.