Jaguar XJ

Overview: Is the Jaguar XJ a Good Luxury Sedan?

The Jaguar XJ, a nameplate with a rich history dating back to the 1960s, represented the pinnacle of Jaguar's sedan lineup. This overview focuses on the final XJ generation (X351) sold in the U.S. from the 2011 through 2019 model years. Designed under the direction of Ian Callum, this XJ marked a significant departure from its predecessors, embracing a more modern and sleek design language while maintaining Jaguar's reputation for luxury and performance. This design was strictly a four-door offering; the XJ Coupe was a thing of the past, along with the sporty Jaguar XJ-S. Immediate predecessors include the XJ40, X300, X308, and X350/356/358 generations.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Jaguar XJ cars for sale.

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Related: Which Used Year Model of Jaguar XJ Is The Best Value?

Key Features

The Jaguar XJ offers:

• Full-size sedan body style
• All-aluminum body structure for reduced weight
• V6 and V8 engines, including supercharged options
• Available long-wheelbase (LWB) variant for increased rear legroom
• Adaptive dynamics suspension system
• Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) on select models

Trims

Jaguar offered the XJ in several configurations, which evolved over its production run:

• Jaguar XJ (base model)
• Jaguar XJ R-Sport
• Jaguar XJL Portfolio (long-wheelbase)
• Jaguar XJ Supercharged
• Jaguar XJR (high-performance variant)
• Jaguar XJR575 (ultimate performance model, introduced in 2018)

Exact trim names and availability varied slightly by model year.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Jaguar XJ interior typifies British luxury with a dashboard adorned with rich wood veneers and a cabin covered with supple leather. The front seats, available with heating, cooling, and massage functions, offer exceptional comfort for road trips. Later models feature Jaguar's InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, with a responsive 10-inch touchscreen dominating the center console. With up to 26 speakers, the Meridian sound systems deliver concert-hall quality audio.

The long-wheelbase (LWB) variants provide limousine-like rear accommodations, with available individual rear seats separated by a center console. Cargo space is competitive for its class, with 15.2 cubic feet of trunk capacity in the standard wheelbase models.

Review: Why Are Jaguars So Cheap?

How It Drives

Behind the wheel, the Jaguar XJ delivers a driving experience that balances comfort and sportiness. Engine options varied over the years but typically included:

• 3.0-liter supercharged V6: 340 hp (base engine in later years)
• 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8: 385 hp (early models)
• 5.0-liter supercharged V8: 470-575 hp (depending on trim and year)

The XJR and XJR575 models, with their high-output supercharged V8s, offer blistering performance. The XJR575 can reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 186 mph. The potent twelve-cylinder engine from the XJ12 was reserved for the history books.

The XJ's aluminum construction contributes to its relatively lightweight, enhancing agility and efficiency. The adaptive suspension provides a supple ride in everyday driving but can firm up for more dynamic handling when desired. While not as overtly sporty as some German rivals, the XJ strikes an excellent balance between luxury cruiser and sports sedan.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) didn’t evaluate the Jaguar XJ.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, owners give the Jaguar XJ top marks, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. The feedback includes high praise for the car’s styling, comfort, reliability, quality, and performance.

Learn More: Are Jaguars Reliable? A Complete Breakdown

Jaguar XJ FAQs

What is the life expectancy of a Jaguar XJ?

With proper maintenance and thoughtful ownership, a Jaguar XJ can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles, possibly more. However, individual experiences may vary based on care and usage.

Are Jaguars XJ expensive to maintain?

Yes, the Jaguar XJ can be expensive to maintain compared to non-luxury brands. As a high-end vehicle, it requires specialized parts and services, which can increase costs. In addition, parts can be challenging to locate.

What is the Jaguar XJ price?

A review of CoPilot national listings shows that a used Jaguar XJ costs $10,000 to $48,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.

Is the Jaguar XJ a reliable car?

Although the Jaguar XJ's reliability has improved, it may still experience more issues than some competitors. Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity.

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