Hi everyone,

I need some assistance in selecting between an AWD 2013 XJ and XJL. The Base XJ I am looking at has the Portfolio package, so to me, it looks like the only things different between the 2 models is 5 inches of backseat legroom and about $3,000. I have test driven both cars and really did not notice any difference between them. I will also point out the obvious and say there was a considerable difference sitting in the backseat of the XJL compared to the XJ, but I really do not have too many backseat passengers.

Since I am new to the forum, and not a current Jaguar owner, I would appreciate any advice you can provide. Basically, I do not want to buy one model and then have remorse for not getting the other version.

Thank you in advance.

Malone

 

I have the XJL, personally i think the xjl looks sleeker than the XJ. I have a 14 month old baby, so the extra leg room in the back is priceless with a car seat. I would always choose the XJlL over the XJ.

 

Hi, I have the XJL as well and also think that it looks longer and sleeker than the normal car, everyone also comments on the limo like space in the rear.

 

Besides the extra 5 - 6 inches of rear legroom, the largest difference is the visual one. We had a thread here a few months ago polling people, asking which model they visually preferred. The long wheelbase XJL won that poll by a large margin. I also own the XJL and much prefer the longer, sleeker silhouette of the car. I personally do not like that the rear doors are narrower than the front doors on the XJ model. That is a visual miss-match.

When I drove the delaer's loaner XJ I could detect a handling difference where the short wheelbase XJ was noticably more agile.

I would guess, observing history of Jag short vs. long wheelbase models, that the L model will always be more popular, therefore, should hold slightly better resale values.

Albert

 

XJL does have more balanced lines. But, since you stated you never have rear passengers, go for the shorter wheel base XJ.

Are the driving dynamics important to you?

I would think the Xj would be more agile (also mentioned by Albert) and pugnacious to take on corners with more ease..

 

I sought out the SWB XJ since I do not have rear passengers 90% of the time. I did not want to feel like a chauffeur (no offense to my XJL friends)

I think the XJ is a bit sportier (Jay Leno thinks so too). Personal preference in the end.

 

I have three children, so am frequently 5-up in my XJL. Those extra inches of room basically make the middle seat usable for anyone who's more than 4' tall.

I also prefer the look of the longer car, but I suspect that your brain would "adopt" the visuals of whichever car you bought.

 

Being a single guy with no kids, I'm pretty sure I'd go for the SWB. And I'm pretty sure I'd want a supercharger. I used to have a SWB 1995 XJ6, I never regretted the shorter rear legroom (my passengers were chuffed to be in a Jag for the first time), but I did end up wanting more power.

Congratulations on soon having a freaking fantastic XJ, whichever you choose. I'm envious beyond measure and happy for you.