Driving Review - 2013 Jaguar XJ L Supercharged - In Depth Test Drive - Review

Autosavant's Kevin Gordon reviews the 2013 Jaguar XJL Supercharged. Here, Kevin provides his impressions of the car and runs its extensive list of features. Stay tuned for part 2 where we focus on the car's technology.

[@MichaelCeres]

I owned a XJ 5.0, and upgraded to a XJ Supercharged. It's an incredible machine. I love Jag.

[@kr900]

I was able to review the XJL Supercharged in 2011- it is absolutely a car that feels special in everyday use. Awesome.

[@desimunda116]

I've driven this car and a couple other luxury cars and Kevin is completely right. There is something about this car just feels more special. Even though some of the other ones come with more "toys", this one is the one that feels better to live with on a daily basis.

[@juanequis6951]

This is a drivers car. My 2012 XJ L super sport is addicting with its 510 HP, superb ride with handling that connects you to the road, where you can precisely feel the smallest control inputs. This awesome car will do what you ask of it and then some.

[@GALLACTO]

Thanks Juan and Paras I was actually in the market for a 20/2018 Maserati Quattroporte but after watching this video and reading ur posts there's absolutely now way I could walk away from buying one of these. I'm looking at 2016 & above and I can't believe how much you can get in the $30k to $35k range. My Goodness

[@Axethales]

Fantastic review - loved it! I just picked up an XJ while waiting for my local dealership to source me the XJL I'm hoping to get the super charged variant as the exhaust note is just sweet.

[@johntechwriter]

A thoughtful, well-rounded review of the premier executive sedan of its time. Unlike its German rivals, and like the Jaguar sedans before it, this car adds to its luxury and performance, the added virtue of in-your-face sex appeal. When people ride in your Jag XJ (I’ve owned three), they have difficulty expressing why this big car feels so . . . desirable. Just as it’s in our DNA, so it is with this car: it moves with you and you with it. Whichever generation has the privilege of owning this generation XJ will have the satisfaction of experiencing a high point of the luxury automotive species. On the used market these babies are being given away. You are only one step short of, for the price of a used Camry, attaining one of the finest automobiles ever - and that one step is to find a non-dealer, independent Jaguar service shop who are as honest as they are wise.

[@horravel]

very good review and lots of perspectives given...when i watch reviews I dont want to see the guys face but rather see the cockpit view from rear seats...in this video this wasnt neglected..well done

[@ronhoover704]

exterior design looks incredible

[@empowermph]

sometimes Benz and BMW seem overly engineered with technology that we rarely use, and cause lots of expensive computer repairs when they break down, which they profit immensely from. Im a techie, I need my tech, but I like that Jag dialed the tech down, just went with LCD screens, killer sound system, and left the rest as traditional analog car. A very intriguing option.

[@msmarauder37]

This is an amazing car, I must say. My husband has the XJL and I have the XF. My husband has these lab top holders on his back seats tho.

[@Tbland0930]

I love that in 2013, people (even professional automotive journalists) think you have to hold the start button. But pretentious drivel aside, this was a very well-done review.

[@clock959]

thanks kevin. great as always

[@kewlztertc5386]

This $100k+ Jag, can be yours for under $17k. What a great investment!

[@Adam-lh9gj]

17k if you live in the UK. Here in sweden its still at least 30-35k

[@kewlztertc5386]

@@Adam-lh9gj everything is more expensive in Sweden. Your country is successful, and with that success comes inflation.

[@stefanlofven2986]

@@kewlztertc5386 Well things get more expensive when you earn more money, but the US is very cheap compared to Sweden although both countries have very similar average wage.

[@Autosavant]

You would need the supercharger to compete with the 750 with its 4.4 twin turbo V8. The car without the supercharger is still nice and fast, but it is a big step up in performance with it.

[@nickmageebrown1981]

Beautiful, may not be as technical ad the german cars but looks and drives superb and its a jag...... Amazing to think that jag. nearly went bust just before the new xk came out. Lived in Coventry and makes me proud to know they are still devrloped on the old factory site. Type in xkr-s. Thats a dirty sound!

[@ishnabu]

Such a good review i wish all reviews were this honest and detailed

[@brainards11]

I just love this car!

[@MrPatriiicio]

Great review sir!

[@jermelkidd3230]

Great review!

[@bmwmsport11]

no the supercharged jag 5.0 is meant for the 760li or S600/63AMG.

[@982Bero]

Great machine and great Auto

[@hakonfinsland6866]

I have had a XJ 5,0 with 510 ps( 2011) and now i have XJR with 551 ps (2014). Stunning cars and turning heads all over....And the SOUND......by more jags...

[@thomascecil90]

my dad has it i feel like a president in it

[@aadityanaik6497]

Wow an actual man's car

[@carnut9193]

Is this Transporter 4? The car and you look the part.

[@lamontwaters510]

I don't know why but "full angry mode" 😡 with the red gauges just makes me laugh lol

[@user-rw3zk8xx3x]

is Amazing car i loved Normally bmw and i haven't bmw aswell but thus car look likely better then 7 series

[@aadityanaik6497]

And the V8🔥🔥🥵

[@ScottyJ1122]

Good Morning, great review I am an Englishman and to me the best designs in the luxury car have been the Jaguar XJ and the Cadillax CT5, the other brans are very good cars but for me there designs are a bit boring.

[@evans4you]

which is better value the supercharged or the supersport? I've heard people comment that the additional performance in the supercharged versus the nomally aspirated is not worth the extra money especially in the torque department. How does this compare to a 750i or 750iL?

[@jamesstockbauer1245]

Exhaust has a flutter at the end mine does not do that. Not sure why the rev might be too high at red line

[@Axethales]

+James Stockbauer I think he had all the gremlins off and was in race mode.

[@saketgedam4319]

I own this proudly. And I tell u its way ahead than merc and bmw that most u drive.

[@juanequis6951]

Indeed, as my 2012 XJ L super sport has it over the Benz 550 or the BMW in all respects. Plus is 10 times nicer looking,beautifully styled exterior that comes with an opulent/decadent interior to die for. Unlike sterile, all look alike German crap.

[@dylansandile6801]

I think this is a great car and if it had some of the tecnology in the s class it would be the best. But id still have this any day over the s class

[@juanequis6951]

The only tech over the 2011-2013 Jag XJ L Super Sport or the base Potifoleo models only amounts to gadgets that are overly complicated and only aggravate you. The big Cat is hands down the best all a round luxury car in its class, plus fastest with the nicest exterior/ interior. Only a Benz S 600 ($170K) has more.

[@chrisb5443]

I am choosing between this and a 2013 S550, any input from anyone? Thanks...

[@juanequis6951]

By all means go with a 2012-13 XJ L Super Sport=510 HP. Mine is a total BEAST. Plus handles like a much smaller car since it only weights 4339 lbs from it aluminum body, which put it 400-600 lighter than a Benz or BMW in this cars class. Now about that 5 liter, twin Roots Eaton supercharger that makes for unreal acceleration due the unreal low end 461 ft lbs torque at the unbelievably low 2500 rpms. Which makes this awesome luxury car feel like a muscle car with' it's INSTANT throttle response that produces the smoothest response ever at any speed. Plus sounds like a super car, even with its 90 degree crank. The rides firm, but very nice that has very precise steering, road feel with the under steer and over steer countered by a double wish bone front suspension. Plus a complex, very efficient rear end with air bags to keep this WONDERFUL car level, along with the differential's computers keeps the correct amount of torque going to the correct wheel. In 27,589 miles, it has purred and growled like the perfect big cat predator, with only the CD needing replaced(warranty). No German car can perform like this Jag unless you get a S 600 and pay approx.170 K when these cost approx.123K ( 510 HP Super Sport). Deal of the century, plus it's decadent,opulent interior (wood cut from same tree as the grain runs only one way with a lazer signature, along with the sleekness of a F-22. (Benz in no way looks as pretty as this big cat with Mr. Iam McCallums brilliant, one of a kind awesome and progressive unique design. Drag coefficient of a super low .029, almost like like a fish! The 6 speed ZF when shifting with the paddles is very fast & positive while up shifting or down shifting. Even in drive you can use the paddles. This new big Jags simply a world class luxury/race car with TV on back of head rest & 4 climate zones (all seats cooled and heated with massaging front seats, and reclining rear seats. Plus ramps for the folks feet in the back that only come with Bently's and the Super Sport. Hope you get the picture, GO CAT!

[@chrisb5443]

@@juanequis6951 well to be fair and what I can afford it would be the 470hp Jaguar.

[@GALLACTO]

@@juanequis6951 Hi Juan, I am interested in buying the Supersport. However, on my websites they don't mention Supersport just Supercharged so how can I be sure I'm targeting the Supersport XJL version of the car?

[@GALLACTO]

@@juanequis6951 I'm interested in the XJL version. Am I correct in my description?

[@hiramrosajr8231]

18k now baby

[@michaelking4578]

If you are an American you say "under the hood"; British say "under the bonnet". I say "six feet under"....trying to popularize that term so ...you can use it too.

[@jannissen9211]

I know this is irrelevant, but why are you wearing a G-Shock with a suit.

[@vitalykutuzov3331]

Ahahaa, that's a fair point.

[@AAG981]

Some liberties of being self employed.

[@bballbrc]

Ajesh George self broke.

[@AAG981]

Frank Assnot LOL :)

[@martonvarga1926]

wtf does that have to do with being self employed?

[@chirag7979]

why has he wore his watch in his right hand...??? :P

[@muzibourrehman7708]

Mad, I don't know

[@dennisray8904]

We do this when left handed.. stops from banging it on everything

[@xxTheUltimateSaabxx]

I live near Allentown so you weren't too far away from me.

[@Nimrox7]

i love it

[@Sammymackay]

awesome car

[@TheChrisleekay]

I don't normally like watching Yanks doing car reviews but this guy is really good!

[@bballbrc]

Yanks? damn dude

[@TheChrisleekay]

Frank Assnot Is "Yank" offensive?

[@muzibourrehman7708]

Yanks? It's offensive

[@SirDerpingston]

Always sstick to the rules Frank!

[@entropydisorder6359]

its so long... does it drive well?

[@entropydisorder6359]

+Jason Ng Should I just go to cls 550 instead

[@alenakopyan5322]

+Jason Ng Fuck no! If its gonna be a cls63 test them out but between this and cls550, definitely this one

[@empowermph]

+Jason Ng never buy Mercedes, they cut many corners on build quality, on purpose to profit. Its more an expensive Chrysler since the former Diamler merger. Only Germans with no cost cutting mergers, all true heritage & engineering, are BMW and VW (Porsche / Audi : Lamborghini etc.). that's it. The rest are co-owned, driven by profit more than pride & prestige quality. Drive wise, Ive driven the S63 AMG and CLS5, imo they are made for the elderly executive or their wives. They both drive like my grandmas old cadillac deville, even in sport mode, very floaty lke a boat or Lexus. that cushy air suspension. like driving leather sofa. Some may want that, Ive had that in Lexus, now I want performance, heritage, prestige and next level looks in one. If you want performance and driving mechanics, gotta go Porsche, BMW, or consider the Supercharged Jag. I think that will be my choice after all my research and testing. One of the 48 Laws of Power: "Don't Outshine the Master" Sometimes when you want cooperation, you don't want to go with the flashy status class symbol reputation that comes with Benz drivers. In business, it can easily be a bad look about your decision making and priorities. It seems you care more about giving people the impression that you are top tier class, rather than actually attaining it. Its for the insecure wannabes, there are much better options out now, but Benz people still think others will see them driving it and think theyre rich to afford those high repair bills. Not worth it, total liability. This is coming from years of experience being in a Benz vs Lexus family. never buy Benz.

[@MrBeboopman]

Great review... Beautiful car, just so much better than ze germans.. :)

[@davidbolus5742]

Seems quite loud inside when driving.

[@philipbrit13]

It’s very nice however I prefer the walnut. I have seen more wood in a lap dance club - than in this car

[@waliurrahman6029]

Cool

[@robertchuan2066]

This car looks like the canon

[@Veyronp87]

i'd personally rather have a german executive car, but this is good too.

[@sorryociffer]

Try to do some Maserati reviews....I LOVE their cars....Sexy as hell and sound AWESOME.

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

I like Chrome! :) I'm paying for the Bling Bling!

[@ashbrash6003]

who owns jaguar company?

[@NicolasCageisGod]

Tata, it's an Indian company I think

[@rajathsmurthy6877]

Arshi d ace indians

[@Jez4prez1]

George Washington

[@NicolasCageisGod]

Jez4prez1 'Murcia

[@yurakazakov1996]

TATA MOTORS INDIA

[@TheCarxpert]

XJ is the best luxury performance car in the world, not to mention the most stylish. It's right up there with Rolls Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin...

[@rajethzachariah1504]

True

[@vitalykutuzov3331]

Not really. It can't compete with Astons or Rolls Royces. It can compete with the S Class, but the new S Class is just so much nicer inside.

[@juanequis6951]

Indeed, since I own a 2012 XJ L Super Sport (510 HP) I can state this awesome car in all respects is like driving a 3500 lb.425 HP sports car. 0 to 60=4.2 seconds. Plus looks like NO other car in its class. Meaning the most pretty and stylish new car ever. Only the Aston Marin Rapide compares in looks. For its low price of $122K, theirs Nothing that can offer what this awesome has, or drives like.

[@1970sthrowback]

@@vitalykutuzov3331 you will always look back at the Jag as you park and walk away. Youre not gonna do that will a bland German car. I only have an XF but it has more class than the BMW Audi or Mercedes as good as they may be

[@vitalykutuzov3331]

@@1970sthrowback I have a brand new M4, and I can assure you that I look back at it as I walk away, same as most people on the street 😅

[@sakamoto2240]

PITBULL on a British car

[@johntechwriter]

It’s called “the growler”. The ones in profile are called “the leaper.”

[@amendamein]

nice transporter movie

[@SomeOne-sy6bt]

wow.

[@XforeverlongingX]

THIS is a jaguar?

[@brucesolomon9722]

We get a kick out of the way you talk!

[@debdina]

Tata Jaguar. Indian car.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

what difference does it make still a great british car, do they make any nice cars in your country ? probably not what do you drive a donkey and cart.

[@djkasdjkasdjdjdj]

yeah, a buying a gtr probably wont get me any of those 'social status' thing i guess...

[@stringer-ik1pc]

listen mate, i love your spirit and i apologise for being rude (i"m english) good luck with your GTR wherever you are in the world.

[@muzibourrehman7708]

I am an Indian

[@stringer-ik1pc]

I dont need reminding what an Indian looks like, i live in England where there are millions of them,would you like them back?

[@Ro77cky]

Bet he is a transporter!!

[@chrish8871]

Good job. Pronounced Jag quite right. Or the more caddish Jeeyaaaag version will suffice. We don’t do the Jagwarrr thing old boy. It’s Jag you are... mustn’t one! Hahaww 😆😁👍

[@messin1000]

I Just think it's so funny the way Americans pronounce words

[@djkasdjkasdjdjdj]

its not nice to criticize the most powerful nation in the world

[@482644]

Dud your brain is analog!!

[@amendamein]

frank betrayed with audi.~

[@user-rw3zk8xx3x]

i mean i have bmw sorry

[@eiffuy]

I'm 2 minutes in and the thing isn't even rolling.

[@masterseven4499]

Very beautiful car, wearing a nice suite and and such an ugly piece of plastic on your wrist... A classical "clashing with the style"

[@drhouse211]

Was ein möchtegern jason statham alter.

[@messin1000]

hahahahaha you're funny the most powerful country in the world hehe tell that to Vietnam wait?.........

[@thomassbulivan6352]

Jag..u...ar.... not jagwuar!!!!!

[@XforeverlongingX]

Yuck

[@altops4490]

HORRID DESIGN LOOKS LIKE A JUMBO NISSAN MAXIMA . i'LL KEEP MY CLASSY XJ8