“Nothing short of a masterpiece,” Jeremy Clarkson said back in 2010. And that is exactly how the XJL 5.0 V8 feels, drives and presents itself.
To me, it is quite clear: the X351 is the ultimate XJ for daily use. The best of all worlds, housed in a body that carries pure Jaguar DNA.
The quality is extraordinarily high, just look at that interior and take it in properly. Beautiful leather wherever the eye falls. The seats are trimmed in lovely semi-aniline leather in an elegant Ivory shade. Both the seat base and backrest are perforated, as automatic seat ventilation is present. Then there is the headlining, finished in magnificent Alcantara.
It is the details that complete an interior. Just look at the air vents, finished in chrome. A recognisable design, as the very first XJ also featured vents in a similar style. Another lovely detail is the beautifully executed clock, positioned prominently in the centre of the dashboard. In the evening, it is illuminated with great elegance, just like many other elements throughout the cabin.
And then there is the driving experience. 283 kW, or 385 bhp. 515 Nm of torque. Quite remarkable, the sheer force delivered by the 5.0 V8. Take your place behind the wheel of the XJL, engage Dynamic Mode, and those figures turn into pure sensation.
The dials glow red, the seatbelts tighten gently around you, and the car feels ready for action. I can already hear the sceptics thinking: modern and digital, that is not for me. But trust me, the XJL does not feel digital at all. Quite the opposite.
The 5.0 V8 certainly plays its part, but just as important are the steering, the driving position, and the sense of connection you feel from behind the wheel.
The steering is razor sharp, almost like that of a light sports car. The driving position is spot on. Once seated behind the wheel, the size of the car seems to disappear. From the front seats it is hard to believe just how long this sporting saloon really is.
The X351 represents the crown jewel of the XJ lineage. More Grace, Space and Pace than ever before, if one still wishes to use Jaguar’s famous mantra. The XJL surpasses its predecessors, and in many respects it surpasses its rivals as well.
Are there any drawbacks, you may wonder. Very few. Still, I prefer to mention everything I notice, so that no surprises await during viewing. The wheels show some kerb marks, for example. Here and there a small scratch can be found in the Indigo Blue paintwork, which is only to be expected.
A nice detail worth mentioning. Two years ago I purchased this Jaguar from a member of a well-known Dutch legal family. Shortly after the car arrived here, the current owner visited us, saw the XJL, and was immediately taken by it. His Bentley was traded in on the spot. After the usual servicing and preventive maintenance had been carried out, the Jaguar was delivered, followed by many very enjoyable kilometres. Now that the current owner has retired, the time has come for the XJL to find its next enthusiast.
A wonderful youngtimer, equipped with an abundance of options such as heated and cooled seats, adaptive cruise control, and the well-known wooden picnic tables in the rear.
All very nice of course, but here we prefer to talk about V8 engines, sensation, and pure driving pleasure.
I could go on for hours, but it is better to come and see the car for yourself. You are most welcome in Uden. The coffee will be ready.
Why this XJL?
Real driver’s car
The crown jewel of the XJ era
Beautifully specified
Export.
Premium British Motoring attracts enthusiasts from all over the world, and it shows: around half of our cars find their way to neighbouring countries. Naturally, we take care of the entire process, from purchase to export documentation, with insurance arranged if required. We speak Dutch, English and a touch of German, ensuring a smooth and personal experience.
Technical information.
Registered in: NL, EU
License plate: 54-NSZ-2
Origin: NL
Registration NL: 11-11-20210
First registration: 11-11-20210
Mileage: 177.192km
MOT expiry date: 18-09-2026
Cylinder bore: 5000cm3
Motor type: 8 cylinders in V-setting
Output: 283kW/385HP
Financial.
Jaguar XJ -L 5.0 V8 – Indigo Blue – 274.408km – Y2010Fixed price: €18.950,-
Margin schedule, no VAT deductibleTrading in? Gladly!
