Prestige sedans go head to head at AIMS

The Australian International Motor Show is scheduled to open in Sydney next month for the first time in two years.

Two of the stars of the show will be Jaguar's XJ Supersport and the Maserati Quattroporte GT S. Each car is the flagship variant of its respective range.

Fully equipped with the Bowers and Wilkins 1200W audio system and leather-trimmed seats that heat and cool, the Jaguar also features a 375kW supercharged V8 of 5.0 litres' displacement and pulling up 625Nm of torque. With this sort of muscle, the big luxury sedan will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 4.9 seconds.

"With its spectacular looks and performance, this XJ competes with a much wider range of challengers than any previous XJ," says Jaguar Australia general manager Kevin Goult. "The XJ is far from a compromise in performance and maintains very high levels of expected luxury."

Over at the Maserati stand, the Quattroporte GT S is sure to leave a similarly indelible impression, with its 4.7-litre V8 rated at 323kW of power and 490Nm of torque.

"The drivetrain and chassis ensure that the Quattroporte is more than capable of withstanding performance comparisons with sports cars, let alone other saloons," says Maserati Australia and New Zealand general manager Glen Sealey.

"The driving pleasure is accompanied by the rich baritone roar of its engine, while enveloping its occupants in the highest levels of comfort and luxury."

The Maserati executive describes the Quattroporte as "the benchmark" in its market segment, but Jaguar has previously gone on record with the opinion that the new XJ can take sales away from the Maserati, so it's shaping up to be a fight to the death between these two.

AIMS will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from Friday, October 15 until Sunday, October 24.

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