WASHINGTON —Most of the large luxury sedan class is now focused on the latest in high-tech gadgets rather than styling. Jaguar seems to buck the latest trend and puts a premium on high style inside and out. Those seeking high style at the top of the list should check out the XJL.
When you think of large luxury sedans, you’re going to most often see silver, gray or black. I knew this was going to be different when an Italian racing red Jaguar showed up for me to drive. The outside is more expressive than the German sedans, with curves and a sloped roofline. The XJL is a longer, wheel-base version of the large sedan, and it pulls off the stretched look rather nicely. It has the long hood and body, with a short trunk. Large 20-inch wheels really help the look of this sleek large cat. For 2016, there is a refreshed front and rear end, and it does bring the look up-to-date. There are also new headlights and a new taillight design. The aluminum trim around the windows and the front grill is just enough to help the styling without overdoing it. The stylish body lines seem to hinder rear vision at times.
This is the $83,200 Portfolio model — a more loaded trim level — so the luxury touches inside come standard. Some of that luxury includes a large, panoramic roof, as well as heated and cooled front and rear seats — plus, the front seats have massage functions. Those seats are very nice, and the quilted leather is high quality. It’s the stylish interior that sets the Jaguar apart from most of the large luxury sedans. This XJL has interesting shapes, and is not as monotonous as its competitors. There are nice materials, real wood and aluminum trim. It’s not as much wood as in Jaguars of the past, but it’s still very British inside, and the smell of wood and leather is intoxicating.
One thing the XJL fixes is rear seat leg room. Compared to the XJ, it adds an extra five inches or so. Only the trunk space may be down a bit, compared to some others. The NAV is better than the past, but maybe not as good as the competition, and there are fewer high-tech features. However, the 825-watt Meridian sound system has rich, full sound, and the Virtual LCD instrument cluster is a nice touch.
My tester came with the supercharged V6 and 340 horsepower, which is probably enough for most drivers. I never felt the need for much more power. But for those who crave more, there is a 470 horsepower or 550 horsepower supercharged V8. Better fuel economy is a benefit, if you go with the base engine. I managed 23.8 miles per gallon for the week and 368 miles of mixed driving, easily beating the 21 miles per gallon on the sticker. As big as this Jaguar XJL is, it drives like a smaller, lighter sedan. The Jaguar uses a lot of aluminum in the body, so this big sedan is lighter than most of the competition, making for a more lively ride. It’s a nice cruiser that devours miles, in a quiet peaceful cabin. Only larger bumps seem to slightly upset the ride, but it’s nothing that really detracts from the finest comforts.
The 2016 Jaguar XJL Portfolio is the British alternative to the German luxury sedans. With a different take on what a luxury sedan should be, the XJL is a stylish and expressive sedan that likes to stand out in the crowd.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
