2012 XJL SC vs base XJ comparison
#1
05-25-2012, 12:24 PM
2012 XJL SC vs base XJ comparison
When I took my XJL SC back to my dealer for servicing, they managed to secure a new base XJ demo for me as a loaner. I drove it for about a week and 400+ miles and this gave me a chance to compare the 2 models.
Color: Polaris White vs. Rhodium Silver Metallic. While the Silver on the XJ looked nice, my white with dark tinted windows definitely turns a lot more heads and acquired a lot of glances.
XJ vs XJL: The longer wheel base gives the car a sleeker silhouette and makes the car appear lower.
The ride: There was little difference in the ride between the XJ with 19" wheels and the XJL with 20" wheels. I had expected that the 20" wheels would provide a slightly rougher and bumpier ride.
The brakes: The XJ base model appears to have smaller discs and calipers. The brake pads must also be different for I observed very little brake dust on the XJ wheels after 400 miles of driving. There was substantial brake dust on the XJL SC after only 30 miles of driving. The brakes on the SC is also much more sensitive.
The power: While the power from the 385hp base engine was more than adequate, the 470hp SC engine just kicked ***.
The sound system. I always thought the B&W system was very nice; but, I never truly appreciated how good it is until I listened to the base stereo for a week and then back to the B&W. Amazing difference in sound quality.
While I think the base XJ is definitely a great car in it of itself, I am very glad and I paid the extra for the XJL SC.
Color: Polaris White vs. Rhodium Silver Metallic. While the Silver on the XJ looked nice, my white with dark tinted windows definitely turns a lot more heads and acquired a lot of glances.
XJ vs XJL: The longer wheel base gives the car a sleeker silhouette and makes the car appear lower.
The ride: There was little difference in the ride between the XJ with 19" wheels and the XJL with 20" wheels. I had expected that the 20" wheels would provide a slightly rougher and bumpier ride.
The brakes: The XJ base model appears to have smaller discs and calipers. The brake pads must also be different for I observed very little brake dust on the XJ wheels after 400 miles of driving. There was substantial brake dust on the XJL SC after only 30 miles of driving. The brakes on the SC is also much more sensitive.
The power: While the power from the 385hp base engine was more than adequate, the 470hp SC engine just kicked ***.
The sound system. I always thought the B&W system was very nice; but, I never truly appreciated how good it is until I listened to the base stereo for a week and then back to the B&W. Amazing difference in sound quality.
While I think the base XJ is definitely a great car in it of itself, I am very glad and I paid the extra for the XJL SC.
Last edited by Holein1; 05-25-2012 at 12:30 PM.
#3
05-26-2012, 09:52 AM
Member
I had the exact same experience. The base XJ/XJL are great automobiles with plenty of speed and a more than adequate 600W sound system. It is certainly more bass-heavy than the B&W and I suppose that is what certain individuals would be looking for. Doesn't quite have the same separation or refinement of tone of course.
I would have been content with the base model, but am ecstatic with the SC. As far as the SS goes...I would probably lose my mind (and my license).
I may have to play with some tuning to see if the extra HP/TQ is necessary.
Great saloons, all!
I would have been content with the base model, but am ecstatic with the SC. As far as the SS goes...I would probably lose my mind (and my license).
I may have to play with some tuning to see if the extra HP/TQ is necessary.Great saloons, all!
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