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Long-wheelbase Jaguar loves a good stretch (pictures)

Like a big cat the 2014 Jaguar XJL stretches out, giving second-row passengers premium seating and even more room to stretch their legs.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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1 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The 2014 Jaguar XJL is the long-wheelbase variant of the automaker's largest model.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

Nearly 5 inches of additional Jag has been added to the chassis' midsection.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

That translates directly to 4.9 inches of additional legroom for backseat passengers.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The optional Premium Rear Seat option adds dual 10.1-inch monitors as part of a rear-seat entertainment system.

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5 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The Premium seats boast power adjustment and massage functions.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

A wide center console splits the seats, giving plenty of shoulder room to passengers.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

Our example is equipped with a 1,300-watt Meridian Reference audio system.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

Twenty-six speakers are scattered throughout the cabin.

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9 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The front seats are also a nice place to sit, thanks to optional massage functionality and heated and ventilated surfaces.

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10 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The dashboard and doors feature a rich variety of materials and textures.

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11 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The large steering wheel feels good in the hand, but it's almost spoiled with the inclusion of a pair of plastic paddle shifters.

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12 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The 8-speed automatic transmission is controlled via Jaguar's rotary drive selector or the aforementioned paddle shifters.

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13 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

Under the hood is a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that puts out 340 horsepower.

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14 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

Despite a bit more weight, the XJL's performance is nearly identical to that of the standard-wheelbase models. Zero to 60 happens in 6.1 seconds.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

An optional Visibility package adds steerable headlamps and cornering lights.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The Visibility package also adds automatic high-beams, which use this sensor to detect oncoming traffic.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The digital instrument cluster was nice when the XJ debuted in 2010, but now the graphics seem a bit lackluster.

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18 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

Switching the power-train to its "Dynamic" mode causes the virtual gauges to glow red.

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19 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

When navigating, the turn-by-turn directions can be displayed in the instrument cluster. However, this readout doesn't show you how far away the turn is.

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20 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

Jaguar's infotainment system is aging gracefully. Navigation is standard on the XJL.

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21 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The features are organized logically and can be quickly accessed with physical buttons below the screen.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

Map data features traffic information and crisply rendered graphics.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

I like the rounded air vents and the chrome trim around the cabin.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The optional Illumination package adds blue lights to these gauges but hardly feels worth the money.

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2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The XJL is no sports car, but that's hardly the point. Comfort is priority no. 1 here.

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26 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The gently sloping roof gives this big sedan a coupelike profile that is surprisingly attractive.

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27 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

The elongated wheelbase also adds to the stability of the drive, giving the sedan a planted feel around fast turns and on highways.

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28 of 29 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD

However, the Jag seems a bit overpriced and out-teched when compared to the likes of Audi and BMW.

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For fans of old-school opulence, the Jaguar XJL is a high luxury, high-priced status symbol.

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