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Most large luxury sedans prioritize comfort and smoothness over nimble handling. The 2019 Jaguar XJ is different. It's still luxurious, with a well-appointed interior and many of the high-end features that are expected from this category. But its all-aluminum construction, adaptive suspension and powerful engine options ensure occupants know that Jaguar's priorities also include engaging performance.

Also, Jaguar is one of the few manufacturers to still offer standard and long-wheelbase bodies, as well as rear- or all-wheel-drive powertrains for many of their trims. For example, the XJ R-Sport is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive with the standard body, while the XJL Portfolio and XJ50 are two long-wheelbase models that are also available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The long-wheelbase models get about 5 more inches of length between the front and rear wheels, which translates into more interior room, especially for backseat passengers.

The XJ, however, comes with some minor downsides. While Jaguar has steadily improved the usability and capability of the infotainment system, it's still behind what the competition is putting out. Nor does the XJ have some of the latest safety and technology features found on the recently redesigned German flagship sedans. Even so, we think the XJ stands as a stylish and desirable pick.

2019 Jaguar XJ configurations

The 2019 Jaguar XJ is a sporty full-size luxury sedan that seats up to five and is available in regular XJ and long-wheelbase XJL models. Trims consist of the R-Sport and the Supercharged for XJ cars and the Portfolio, Supercharged, XJR575, and the new XJ50 3.0 and XJ50 5.0 for the XJL.

All versions have supercharged engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions and come standard with rear-wheel drive. The R-Sport, Portfolio and XJ50 3.0 share a 3.0-liter V6 (340 horsepower, 332 pound-feet) and can be equipped with all-wheel drive. The two Supercharged trims and XJ50 5.0 model come with a 5.0-liter V8 (470 hp, 424 lb-ft). The XJR575 gets a higher-output V8 (575 hp, 517 lb-ft).

It may be the base model, but the R-Sport comes very well-equipped with standard 19-inch wheels, an adaptive and self-leveling suspension, adjustable drive modes, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, automatic wipers, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, a panoramic sunroof, power soft-close doors, keyless ignition and entry, and a power trunklid.

Safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and, for rear-wheel-drive XJs, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

Inside the R-Sport you'll find leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, driver-seat memory settings, and a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel. A 10-inch touchscreen anchors the infotainment system featuring navigation, Bluetooth, voice controls, Jaguar's InControl app suite, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system with a satellite and HD radio, a CD player, digital music storage and a USB connection.

Options and packages available for the R-Sport include the Comfort package that adds upgraded front seats with massage functions, front passenger-seat memory settings, four-zone climate control, and a power rear sunshade. Other notable options are a surround-view camera, parking sensors, an automatic parking system (RWD models only), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, adaptive cruise control, an upgraded Meridian sound system, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel.

The Portfolio model is the equivalent base trim of the long-wheelbase XJL. In addition to the 4.8 inches of rear legroom gained, you'll get the features from the Comfort package as standard. The options list for the Portfolio is similar to the R-Sport, with the addition of a Premium Rear Seat package that includes reclining rear seats with footrests as well as massage and memory functions, extra-cushy winged headrests for all seats, power rear side-window sunscreens, fold-down tray tables, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The V8-powered Supercharged trim, again available in both the regular and long wheelbase, includes the Portfolio model's standard equipment, along with unique exterior trim, an active locking rear differential, tauter suspension tuning, and 20-inch wheels with performance tires. All of the R-Sport and Portfolio options are also available on the Supercharged model.

Topping the range is the fire-breathing XJR575 model and its high-output V8. If that isn't enough to get excited about, you also receive exclusive 20-inch wheels, XJR575-specific exterior and interior body details, a carbon-fiber engine cover, premium paint colors (an extra-cost option on lesser XJs), R-specific suspension tuning, an active exhaust system (varying the amount of exhaust noise), sport seats, aluminum paddle shifters, a heated steering wheel, a suede headliner, and unique carbon-fiber interior trim.

Finally, the new-for-2019 XJ50 is a special edition commemorating the Jaguar XJ's 50th anniversary. It features unique exterior and interior elements, such as special trim, colors and finishes, that distinguish it from the other XJ models.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Jaguar XJL Portfolio AWD (supercharged 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current XJ has received some revisions, including an updated infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, voice command to the navigation, refreshed screen layout and graphics, and new safety features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's XJ, however.