What is it?
It's the recently uglified Jaguar XJ in long-wheelbase form. It's 125mm longer than standard, all of which has gone into the wheelbase and, hence, rear legroom.
We've tested the 4.2-litre V8 petrol Sovereign which, at £59,390, is only £1760 more than the standard-wheelbase model.
The XJ LWB can also be had with the brilliant 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel, which you'd see a lot more of at Departures were it not for the XJ's shallow boot.
What's it like?
Pretty fabulous. The regular XJ has a beautiful ride that suffers seemingly not at all from the extension to the wheelbase: it's still pillowy without being spongy.
The V8 engine's lovely and the six-speed auto's clever.
This is still one of the nicest luxury cars to drive, but it's not at its finest in the back: legroom is generous but headroom less so, the seats are a touch short in the base and – though the rear chairs recline – they do it over a short range.
Should I buy one?
This one's pretty simple: if you regularly travel in the back, absolutely: the XJ LWB is a lovely car. If you don't, get the XJ SWB, which is also a lovely car.
Matt Prior
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