It is inevitable that someday soon an automobile is going to be able to drive itself. Until then, there is always the Jaguar and more specifically, the 2016 Jaguar XJ. It practically drives itself anyway, but you won’t want to miss a thing because this Jaguar makes you feel good behind the wheel and of course, you look good driving it.
For 2016, the folks at Jaguar decided to make some tweaks with a bit of a face-lift debuting a new look on the headlights and the taillights, front and rear fascia changes and a new trim level.
Adjectives to describe the 2016 Jaguar XJ and specifically the XJL Portfolio I drove include class, sophistication, ease, and still with a British twist of course.
The competition in the full-size luxury sedan market includes the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes S-Class, but the Jaguar stands alone with a combination of standard features, driving perfection and just sheer excellence.
Fitting five passengers, the trims for the 2016 Jaguar XJ depend on if you choose the XJ regular wheelbase or the XJL long-wheelbase. The XJ has the R-Sport, Supercharged and the XJR trim and the XJL allows you to choose from the Portfolio, Supercharged or XJR trims.
For the standard base model the R-Sport isn’t bad with 19-inch wheels, adaptive and self-leveling suspension, shift paddles, a rear-view camera, panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers and bi-xenon headlights as well as auto-dimming mirrors. You also get leather upholstery and keyless ignition and entry, heated and cooled eight-way power front seats and a heated steering wheel as well as an eight-inch touchscreen with a variety of technology features and 14 speakers for the sound system.
There is a Comfort package option for the R-Sport that even offers massage functions for the driver and the Parking Assist package has an automatic parking system.
The long wheelbase Portfolio trim that I drove was impressive with all the bells and whistles and what a striking appearance on the road. From the 14-way power-adjustable front seats to the electric rear window sunscreen and reclining rear seats with memory and footrests the ride inside for all passengers and the driver is suburb.
If you go for the Supercharged trim you can choose from the XJ or XJL and you get all the features from the Portfolio trim as well as a supercharged engine, active rear differential and 20-inch wheels including a nice set of performance tires.
For the XJR, again you can choose in either wheelbase and you get the 20-inch wheels, XJR-specific suspension tuning, sport seats and a special interior trim design.
Under the hood the 2016 Jaguar XJ R-Sport and the XJL Portfolio trims have the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque on an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can opt for rear-wheel drive, which is standard or the all-wheel drive option.
The XJ Supercharged has a 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine cranking out 470 horsepower and 424 pound feet of torque or the XJR with a whopping 550 horsepower and 502 pound feet of torque.
For safety its antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side and side curtain airbags along with active head restraints and the rear-view camera and a blind-spot warning.
The optional safety features include the collision alert system and advanced brake assist as well as an optional adaptive cruise control.
The exterior of the Jaguar XJ is all about a sleek elegance. Inside the feeling is even better as you immerse yourself into the XJ experience of leather and ambient lighting. The touchscreen is the brains for all of the necessary functions needed from the climate to the audio to even the phone when connected. The XJ has 15.2 cubic feet trunk space and depending on the wheelbase you will notice the difference in the backseat in the legroom and overall roominess. If you want more room and added comfort the long wheelbase is recommended.
No matter the wheelbase you choose, this Jaguar can drive itself and you will feel comfortable and strong behind the wheel. It’s a quiet ride of course, but the drivers around you will likely be making lots of noise. I got many thumbs up and a number of nods and honks as I drove the XJL Portfolio around town. The strong engine also makes for some head turns if, and when, you need to pass the crowd, which you can easily do. Just smile and remember that it’s the power of the machine and your appreciation for its fine performance that makes the 2016 Jaguar XJ a strong winner in anyone’s competition.
Should You Need to Know: The 2016 Jaguar XJL Portfolio that I drove was able to get from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds with the long wheelbase.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2016 Jaguar XJL Portfolio I drove got 18 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The price tag for the 2016 Jaguar XJL Portfolio I drove was $86,733.
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