Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Jaguar XJL Portfolio

[Autos_Editor]

Opulence, serenity and speed.
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[Noto]

So much mass for a 4 seater...I still don't fully vibe with this segment as a whole. That said, the XJ always seemed better stated as what it intends to be over the German 3 - it simply looks more expensive.  It'd be a hard decision between this and the S-class for me, but I'd take this over a 7, A8, or Genesis.  The Lexus is compelling for different reasons.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I still hate the generic styling, and based on the sales numbers, it hasn't helped gain any traction in the marketplace. The Audi A8, which was perennially a slow seller has surpassed it, while the S Class still dominates followed by the 7 series and Lexus LS.

[ChaosphereIX]

love this machine, although in this segment I personally would probably go with a Maserati for that Italian flair or an S8.

[Jaeger]

So much mass for a 4 seater...I still don't fully vibe with this segment as a whole. That said, the XJ always seemed better stated as what it intends to be over the German 3 - it simply looks more expensive.  It'd be a hard decision between this and the S-class for me, but I'd take this over a 7, A8, or Genesis.  The Lexus is compelling for different reasons.

In fairness, you could get TWO Genesis for the price of one of these.  But appreciate the inclusion.  A7 for me at this price point.

[carcrazed]

So much mass for a 4 seater...I still don't fully vibe with this segment as a whole. That said, the XJ always seemed better stated as what it intends to be over the German 3 - it simply looks more expensive.  It'd be a hard decision between this and the S-class for me, but I'd take this over a 7, A8, or Genesis.  The Lexus is compelling for different reasons.

In fairness, you could get TWO Genesis for the price of one of these.  But appreciate the inclusion.  A7 for me at this price point.

The Genesis is a brand now. G90, aka Equus, is the "competitor" for XJL.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-genesis-g90-sedan-photos-and-info-news

[theonlydt]

Love the interior - looking forward to what it'll look like on the next generation.

I have failed to understand the rear pillar over the last 7 years. If you black it out for a floating roof, you don't then run chrome trim around it. Also the angle for the black-out is wrong. This is how you do a semi-floating roof:

Anyway, soft-spot for how Jaguars drive, how they feel, and their interior. No Merc S though...

[Triple Bob]

I love this car, drove one a while back in a storm mid-Winter.  At 140kph it was super stable and confidence inspiring, plus being very, very quiet.

Not enough is made of the weight advantage, ~500lbs lighter than an S-Class is significant; it handles very well.

[carcrazed]

I love this car, drove one a while back in a storm mid-Winter.  At 140kph it was super stable and confidence inspiring, plus being very, very quiet.

Not enough is made of the weight advantage, ~500lbs lighter than an S-Class is significant; it handles very well.

Why were you driving a $90K+ car that's not yours at 140KPH in a storm? That's scary. 

[Triple Bob]

I love this car, drove one a while back in a storm mid-Winter.  At 140kph it was super stable and confidence inspiring, plus being very, very quiet.

Not enough is made of the weight advantage, ~500lbs lighter than an S-Class is significant; it handles very well.

Why were you driving a $90K+ car that's not yours at 140KPH in a storm? That's scary. 

It was a press car a while ago, when the V6 AWD was launched.  Had it for a week over Winter. 

[lebowski]

Why were you driving a $90K+ car that's not yours at 140KPH in a storm? That's scary. 

It was a press car a while ago, when the V6 AWD was launched.  Had it for a week over Winter. 

Or put another way, "Because press car." 

[Triple Bob]

Why were you driving a $90K+ car that's not yours at 140KPH in a storm? That's scary. 

It was a press car a while ago, when the V6 AWD was launched.  Had it for a week over Winter. 

Or put another way, "Because press car." 

LOL.  140kph because I was working late and wanted to get home.

[Jaeger]

I've seen a few of these around town and man does it look looooooooong.  Like stretch limo long.    Very cool ride though and a nice change of pace locally from all the S-Mercs.

[lebowski]

LOL.  140kph because I was working late and wanted to get home.

alright, fair enough 


Lightweight "al-yew-minium" chassis aside, this XJ is overwhelmingly "meh" for the money. Beltline too high, rear too forgettable, interior too chintzy-looking....I'd pick any other car in this segment over this one, for any number of reasons. I applaud Jag for taking a brave swing with the styling direction, but to my eye, it was a miss. Tough segment, tough crowd; tough luck.

[sacrat]

I've seen a few of these around town and man does it look looooooooong.  Like stretch limo long.    Very cool ride though and a nice change of pace locally from all the S-Mercs.

That looooooong body, combined with the high beltline I suppose, just makes the wheels look too small, though I doubt they are...

[Triple Bob]

LOL.  140kph because I was working late and wanted to get home.

alright, fair enough 


Lightweight "al-yew-minium" chassis aside, this XJ is overwhelmingly "meh" for the money. Beltline too high, rear too forgettable, interior too chintzy-looking....I'd pick any other car in this segment over this one, for any number of reasons. I applaud Jag for taking a brave swing with the styling direction, but to my eye, it was a miss. Tough segment, tough crowd; tough luck.

I agree, I wouldn't buy this model, but an XJ-R in black...

[OliverD]

I'd take a green short-wheelbase XJR.

[lebowski]

I agree, I wouldn't buy this model, but an XJ-R in black...

Nice - definitely a looker in XJR guise...but I'd still pick a 6-series Gran Coupe or Audi S8 over it. The 6 is gorgeous from every angle, while the XJR, to my eye, just isn't. And the S8 may look dowdy by comparison, but underneath it's an S8 so it's ok 

[Triple Bob]

I agree, I wouldn't buy this model, but an XJ-R in black...

Nice - definitely a looker in XJR guise...but I'd still pick a 6-series Gran Coupe or Audi S8 over it. The 6 is gorgeous from every angle, while the XJR, to my eye, just isn't. And the S8 may look dowdy by comparison, but underneath it's an S8 so it's ok 

God, an Audi wouldn't even get a look in if I was considering getting a 6 Gran Coupe. Agree, they are stunning.

[lebowski]

God, an Audi wouldn't even get a look in if I was considering getting a 6 Gran Coupe. Agree, they are stunning.

Haha, fair enough. But I gotta tell you, even with all of its super-generic Audi styling, in the right colour, I think the S8 has SERIOUS presence, even to non-enthusiasts. My non-scientific study: girlfriend and I were at the auto show back in january, and in the Audi section, the centrepiece was a bright red R8, and next to it, off tothe side, was a matte silver S8 Plus. My girlfriend goes, “oh my god, what model is THAT? It’s stunning!”, and I say:  “the red one? that’s the R8 V10 babe…it’s nice, eh?” and she goes  “oh no, not that, the 4-door next to it- it's gorgeous! THAT’S my new dream car.” Needless to say we are still together