Long-wheelbase Jaguar loves a good stretch (pictures)

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

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

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

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

The Premium seats boast power adjustment and massage functions.

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

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

Twenty-six speakers are scattered throughout the cabin.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

An optional Visibility package adds steerable headlamps and cornering lights.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Map data features traffic information and crisply rendered graphics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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