First Drive: 2016 Jaguar XJL
Of all the statement-making cars on the market today, of which there are plenty, there's perhaps none more understated than the 2016 Jaguar XJL.
Like other extended-wheelbase luxury sedans on the market, the XJL has a commanding presence, but it's not over the top.
It's proud without being loud; in your face without being overbearing; and confident without being cocky.
This thing is cool in that Daniel Craig-as-James Bond way.
Unlike almost everything else in the Jaguar stable, including the standard wheelbase XJ on which it is based, the XJL is less about the driver and more about the passenger.
If mobile cigar lounges were a thing, the XJL, and particularly the XJL Portfolio, would account for a good chunk of them.
(Seriously. It even comes with ashtrays in the rear armrests if you're keen on the idea.)
No matter which of the five available interior trim selections you make, the XJL feels warm and inviting, particularly in the back seats, where the five-inch stretch in the wheelbase compared to the standard XJ translates directly into five inches of additional legroom for rear passengers.
To give you an idea of just how long the Jaguar XJL is, consider that its 124.3-inch wheelbase is only four inches shorter than a crew cab Chevrolet Colorado short box, while its overall length, at 206.9 inch, is less than six inches shorter.
A very scientific experiment revealed that, with the driver's seat positioned to comfortably accommodate my 6-foot-3 frame, a case of 28 bottles of beer can be easily placed in the rear passenger footwell.
A full suite of audio and climate controls are within reach despite the additional legroom, while the $700 electric rear side window blinds add a degree of privacy at the touch of a button.
If the luxurious confines of the $99,000 Portfolio trim just don't cut it, the $8,500 "Premium Rear Seat Package" can be added, which includes massaging rear seats, fold-down tables and dual 10.2-inch LCD entertainment screens.
In short, the XJL has it all and then some.
The car's passenger-centric approach doesn't mean the XJL isn't nice to drive, though, because it is.
The supercharged 3.0-litre V6 is responsive, the transmission is smooth, and the chassis feels engaging despite its elongated proportions.
Oh, and it's fast.
Jaguar claims the 4,153-lb. behemoth can run from 0 to 100 km/h in a scant 6.4 seconds.
Doubting that time is futile, with the XJL feeling surprisingly athletic despite its size.
The all-wheel drive system, standard on all Canadian XJL models, puts power exactly where the car needs it, while the Adaptive Dynamics system, which was also installed on the 2016 Jaguar F-Type S Convertible we reviewed last summer, worked wonders.
The system, which "continuously modifies suspension damping rates for increased stability and comfort," helped in making the car's weight almost unnoticeable.
Unlike the tendency of some luxury cars to feel almost like they are floating down the road, the XJL finds a way to feel planted in a sports car-like manner while absorbing road imperfections like they're not even there.
And the driver's seat—well, sublime wouldn't even begin to describe it.
The quilted leather is supple and comfortable, the adjustability is seemingly endless, and the standard massage function makes it feel like you're in a rolling spa.
Headroom, however, is another story.
At least the suede headliner felt nice against my noggin.
Our tester also suffered from a right rear passenger window that refused to budge using either set of controls, even after performing a factory reset.
Regardless of the few hiccups, the XJL is classy, cool and cordial.
Chalk it up as a win for Jaguar.
Base price: $99,000
As tested: $110,850 (freight included)
