L!!!!

 

Xj-l

 

The XJL proportionately looks better IMO. And it was built that way from the start. They didnt take the short version and lengthen it. But if you have either you one fortunate person.

 

Xjl!!!!

 

I bought the XJL version.
I wanted the SWB first and thought that it looks better, but now I really appreciate the look of the L version and the extra leg room. The back doors are the same size as the front ones and it does look sleek.

 

I recall seeing somewhere that the original design was the XJL, and the shorter wheelbase was a modification of that design. As a result, the proportions are "correct" for the long wheel base version.

 

Jeff, that is correct, I posted some years ago about this, it was mentioned in an article when the X351 was launched that it was initially designed as LWB hence the doors being roughly equal proportions and then they adapted it to SWB.
Unlike the X350 that was initially designed as SWB and then adapted with longer rear doors to become the LWB.
When you look at the profiles of both the X351 and X350 you can then see this.

 

I'll add another vote for the XJL. The extended length has flowing and graceful lines, where as the short wheel base looks sporty. From a comfort standpoint, I think knee room in the short wheelbase is absurdly lacking in a sedan of that size. That is the deal-killer with me over external proportions.

 

The LWB on the X350 was definitely more stately and elegant than the SWB. But I don't like the extra length on the X351, which I think is even bigger than the LWB X350.

I definitely wanted the SWB for my supercharged model as it looks much more sporty.

 

when i was searching, i definitely thought the LWB looked better from the profile view, like youve all said, it just flows better and looks more elegant. i love my SWB but i do agree the LWB just looks right, and doesnt seem like a longer version of the SWB, like the Audis and BMWs do.

i am also surprised at the lack of rear room when someone tries to climb into the back seat. it seems to be very close to my old CLS, which is ridiculous, and maybe even a slight advantage to the CLS since it had little knee cutouts on the back. However that is the ONLY way the CLS is better than the Jag.

 

I agree the XJL is the better design. A little more classier luxury look. The old axiom that a longer wheelbase meant a smoother ride probably doesn't hold anymore. However, I drive the short wheelbase for a different reason. I need that extra 5" in my townhouse garage. If you don't have a length constraint, go for the L.

 

the one i test drove was an L, and i checked to see if the rear windows went down all the way, because my dog likes to rest her chin on the window sill and she has stubby front legs like a T Rex, so this was weirdly important to me. i was surprised they went down the same amount as the SWB. So she at least gets half a window sill.

youd think with more door they could find more room, but im not a window scientist.

 

I no longer own my Jaguar but when I was shopping for it initially, I compared both configurations side by side at the dealership and, to me, the XJL's lines were sheer perfection. After that realization, I don't think I would have bought an XJ if they had offered it to me half price!

Dwayne

 

Given my "sporty" nature, I generally prefer shorter cars. However, the XJ is my wife's car, so she got to make the decision. Previously, we had a 2001 XJ8, in the standard wheelbase, and on occasion, when friends rode with us, going out to dinner, the rear seat area was a little cramped. Therefore, when we bought a new Jag, my wife wanted the long wheelbase car. In all honesty, I think I've seen only 1 or 2 of the short wheelbase XJs.

 

The XJL hands down. It has a more sleek look to it.

 

Subjective: XJL looks like a GranPa car imo.

 

XJL....

 

Loved my "black" 2005 XJ8L. In all honesty, when I acquired my 2014, getting a XJL Portfolio just seemed like a no brainer. There's really never anyone sitting in the rear of the vehicle, just my spouse and I up front. I just followed suit with what I had previously. However, when I see a "Black" XJL, it does make me think of a chauffer driven vehicle. My 2014 XJL Portfolio is silver and it doesn't remind me of a chauffer driven vehicle. 🤷🏻‍♂️ go figure.

 

For the X351 model, I haven't seen a single XJ on roads here. All of them are XJLs, so yes, I prefer the XJL.

Maybe someone could do a side by side comparison with pictures?

 

Whichever is on your driveway.