Quick Drive: 2011 Jaguar XJ-L

2011 Jaguar XJL by Non Stock Photography

This was by far one of my favorite cars that I had the opportunity to drive during our Auto Roundup. It’s no wonder as it was one of the most expensive cars as well, hitting your pocket at around $80,000. The new design of the XJ is beautiful and aggressive and even the “L” (long wheelbase) is a sharp looking car. As you might know, I’m not a big fan of big sedans. Jumping into this XJ didn’t feel like jumping into a large sedan. Although there is loads of room and it’s comfortable, it really drives like a smaller, sporty car. This is helped by the all aluminum body keeping the weight to a minimum.

Inside the car is one of the coolest gear shifters put into any car today. Push down on the circular shifter and it rises up from the console. Simultaneously, the vents on the dash swivel open and the lights across the instrument panel illuminate. One of the new features in the XJ is the all LCD dashboard and console display. The gauges are a crisp and clean design. When you put the car into sport mode and manually shift through the gears, they are represented on the display as small balls that transition back and forth to show you the current gear selection. It’s a really nice touch.

The engine in the one we tested was the 5.0 liter V8 with 385 horsepower. It has one of the best exhaust notes of any sedan we’ve tested yet. Yes, even better than that of the CTS-V Wagon. You can also get the XJ with a supercharger strapped to the 5.0 engine pushing horsepower numbers up to 510. We haven’t had the chance to drive an Aston Martin Rapide, but this XJ could very well be a better car for less money.

Thanks to our friends at Non-Stock Photography for the photos.

Car was driven and reviewed by Adam Moore at the Texas Auto Roundup in conjunction with the .