In a world where we are constantly striving to get rid of excess and make do with what is enough, the Jaguar XJ L 2.0 seeks to optimise the game where luxury is concerned
Story: Aninda Sardar
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
The Jaguar XJ L is an imposing vehicle without a shadow of doubt. Its stately elegance, born out of sleek proportions, is indeed a visual delight. We love driving it too, for it’s a powerful car that is dynamically capable. Recently, however, we got our hands on the less powerful XJ L 2.0i, powered by the same petrol-sipping twin-turbo unit that sits under the bonnet of the equally svelte XF.
If you’re already thinking that this car probably isn’t as fast as the more powerful diesel variant, well, I’d have to say you’re correct. No, the XJ with the two-litre petrol engine does not feel as sprightly as the three-litre diesel variant. Although the difference in peak power is just 35 PS, the 2.0i puts out a healthy 240 horses while the 3.0 V6 D punches out 275, the more telling factor is the massive difference in the torque outputs of the two engines. Where the diesel unit puts out 600 Nm of peak twist, the petrol sibling releases 340, and, as a result, the latter doesn’t have the same grin-inducing effect as the former.
That said, the engine is refined and smooth with nary a vibration creeping in, irrespective of the engine revs. Power delivery is fairly linear and cruising is a piece of cake. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts without much shift-shock, even though it takes a fraction of a second longer to choose cogs than we would have liked. Especially when putting power down to the tarmac via the rear wheels.
What is rewarding, however, when you want to push this car hard, is its dynamics. After all, other than their hearts, there’s nothing to separate the petrol and diesel variants of the Jaguar XJ. So whatever made the XJ endearing to us in the first place continues to hold true for the one with this optimised heart. The XJ costs Rs 1.13 crore, on road in Pune and at that price, quite frankly, it’s not a bad bargain. Indeed that makes it the most affordable long wheelbase luxury sedan you can buy in India, albeit only in petrol guise.
