2012 Jaguar XJL Supersport

EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: That firm push in the back isn't just the built-in seat massager--that's what 510 hp and 461 lb-ft will do for you. It's enough to give you a wonderful, warm feeling--oh, wait, that's the seat heat. Whatever.
Here's the thing: If you want or need a big luxury liner with all the extras, right down to the fold-down tray tables for your back-seat passengers, and serious power and performance, this wild 2012 Jaguar XJL Supersport kitty is a strong contender. Pricey, but then it's a supercharged, maximum-performance Jaguar sedan. If you want to save some green, there's the house-trained XJ at only $82,000 in the Portfolio trim, with the standard 385-hp naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 under the hood. So tame.
Though I've said in the past I'm a pushover for Jags of old, including the box-on-box XJs, this styling is starting to really grow on me. It's sleek yet strong, edgy yet elegant, all from the same flowing sheetmetal. Maybe it's the design stretched over a longer wheelbase that helps--that's a question for Ian Callum next time we see him.
Regardless, there's something about this Jag that says class--first-class, all the way. From the moment you settle into the vented leather driver's seat and punch the starter button, there's drama. The shifter knob rises from the center console, while the steering wheel adjusts quietly into perfect driving position. We've complained enough about too many functions being embedded in the touch-screen system, so I'll leave that for another day. Suffice to say, if you'd simply spend the extra money for a driver, you could ride in the power-adjustable rear seats and never have to be bothered with such intricacies.
But if you're driving yourself, you'll want to click the shift knob to "S," tap the checkered flag to set the chassis to dynamic mode, grab first gear via the paddle shifters and prepare to launch. The car jumps off the line with authority--maybe more than some might prefer, especially if your tea cup isn't properly covered and secured. Out on the road, the XJ is one steady ship, cruising at speed without really being bothered by the everyday bumps in the road. That's not to say everything is done in isolation--on the contrary, there's ample feedback to the driver, and in sport mode, the engine and steering responses are markedly quicker. There's just not a lot of untoward outside noise intruding to upset the calm of the cabin.
Are there better luxury sedan choices for your $120,000? Sure, and you should sample the big Audis, BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes, not to mention what Lexus and Infiniti might have to offer. But make sure you at least take a ride in the XJL Supersport. It could have you saying, "Home, Jeeves."

2012 Jaguar XJL Supersport
Base Price: $118,575
As-Tested Price: $120,875
Drivetrain: 5.0-liter supercharged V8; RWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 510 hp @ 6,000-6,500 rpm, 461 lb-ft @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,220 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 17/17.5 mpg
Options: Accessories with advanced EBA package including adaptive cruise control and advanced emergency-brake assist ($2,300)