Interested in how the 3L V6 S/C compares to the V8. I realize the V8 will be more powerful, but interested in whether the 3L V6 S/C can deliver decent performance.

We will be upgrading our 05 VDP to a 2012 or 2013 XJL in a few months. I have seen a couple 3L V6 XJL's...I really haven't considered a V6...I don't want to get an XJL that cannot perform adequately.

TIA

 

watch this video:
basically he says its not too bad....but its not the same. it doesnt have that amazing V8 roar.

the only way to get a real answer is for you to drive both of them back to back and decide if the V6 is "good enough"

personally....i wouldnt do it

 

Oh hell no...

 

I wanted give room for an actual XJ owner to respond before i would post my input......

I think you would be very disappointed with the V6 SC engine - espcially in the XJL. Autoblog had done a review on it and it's supposed to be very close 0-60, but there is no replacment for a V8.

Plus, the baritone growl the engine makes is what makes so special.

Jaguar website still shows XJs come equipped with a NA V8. If they don't, go for the V8 SC.

 

The V6 still has pep, but I have to agree that it does not compare to the 5.0L. I am pretty sure that they have discontinued the NA V8 as of 2013 due to the fact that the 3.0L output is supposed to be comparable (at least in terms of horsepower). It won't make much difference in Atlanta but the AWD is absolutely fantastic in snow (only available on the 3.0L right now).

 

the NA V8 is only for cars that are NOT AWD.

im guessing the logic behind that is there was no room to fit a V8 and AWD system in the front.

I dont see them having plans to discontinue the V8 any time soon....however it would be nice if they decreased size and added twin turbos like everyone else is doing

 

As far as I know, if you purchase the XJL Portfolio the V8 still comes standard. The V6 appears to be standard on the XJ base model.

Albert

 

The review from Autoweek is stupid.
1. They are revving Supersport which has a louder exhaust than base V8 as base V8 doesn't sound the same.
2. They are saying Supersport is 550 bhp, while Jaguar says it is 510 bhp.
3. The goofy reviewer is driving with hood slightly open at 2:03?
4. The V6 goes 0-60 in 5.7 seconds which is very quick and very conservative estimate.

If you dislike the sound, just get a tuned exhaust (F-type has the same V6 and it sounds great). But if you are looking for something really quick, then Supercharged or Supersport is for you otherwise V6 is more than enough for daily driving.

 

Yeah I watched the video a few times and definitely agree on all points. The unclosed hood was pretty funny.

A test drive is probably the only telling way to be sure if its adequate for your needs but if your already asking my assumption is that you will be disappointed. If you don't mind me asking, what are you driving now?

 

My fault I see you have a '05 VDP, I would think the V6 S/C would be adequate unless you want a noticable increase in performance from the VDP when you move up to the '12 XJ

 

2013 Jaguar XJ V6 First Drive

 

Wow a 4 cylinder version? I wonder how an option like that would sell here in the U.S. V6 S/C seems to have enough to keep most drivers happy but I'm wondering why no SWB V8 is available anymore.

There have been so many changes to the XJ lineup over these first few years its hard to keep up.

 

I took one for a test drive and thought is was fine for everyday driving. It was responsive and had good kick when you needed it. It was not a speed demon though. I just bought a supercharged version, since I wanted a "practical toy" I love the big V8 and the growl. However I don't put heavy miles on my cars.

To be honest, I think the SC V6 is better as a daily commuter, then the SC V8 even though it is "more boring" Although I have to admit, given a choice I would get a naturally aspirated V8 over the SC V6; except if I lived in snowy climates and needed AWD. Would still chose a V6 XJ over a V6 Audi A8!

 

Our local dealer had an open house on Saturday showcasing the AWD XJ and XF. We currently have an 09 XF with the NA V8, so I am acustomed to the V8 (and the growl). My wife and I took a long test drive in an XJ with the V6 SC with AWD (as stated above, the V6's are paired to the AWD, you can't get a V8 with AWD or a V6 without AWD). As commented above, the V6 SC has adequate performance, but the growl was not there. Living in the northeast, I would be perfectly happy with the V6 and AWD when it comes time to trade in 'Jeeves'.

 

Drove one at the Jaguar Alive event at FedEx field yesterday. It was smooth and adequate for most normal driving but definitely not exciting. Only way to tell for sure if it works for you is to drive one. Personally, I'm going to drive V8's as long as they make them.

 

i feel a car like this needs to be mated to the best engine. you cant spend $70k+ on a flagship sedan and cheapen out on it

 

I fully agree. A 4-banger, an even a SC V6 seems out of character with this big sedan. The V8 is the perfect motivator, quiet and effortless when it needs to be and powerful when called up on. While I have not driven the SC V6 with this car (have no interest) my experience shows that they do appear quite busy and noisy under heavy throttle when used in big sedans.

Albert

 

i dont mind the noisy part....i actually encourage it. but you're right about the power. i know im driving a land yacht....but i want it to move like a bullet. a forced induction V6 isnt TOO bad.....but it needs to be putting out the power. 400hp at the least

 

The one I drove was quiet. The v6 does not have the normal whine you would expect under hard acceleration. Just a smooth but unexciting rush of acceleration and not much noise.

 

I'd have the 3.0 V6 SC in a heartbeat, mainly because AWD makes all the difference in adverse conditions. Sure, it's completely unnecessary in the summer, but the last 3 winters have been so snowy that we actually have 3-year old snow in some of the snow-ditch sites.

I don't think the main improvement in sound would be a tuned exhaust for the V6, but rather some kind of intake modification. The best thing about the engine sound for me at least is the subtle "rrrRRRRRRR" when crossing over 2000rpm, while the exhaust sound has to be fairly loud to be clearly audible (as a note rather than just a noise). That may get annoying in normal driving, unless it's an active exhaust.

Of course, if performance is your top priority, there's no substitute for the V8 SC