The Top 5 Jaguar XJ Models In History

The Jaguar XJ is a luxury vehicle produced by British automaker Jaguar. The XJ was sold from 1968 to 2019, boasting a rich history that spans five decades.

The XJ served as Jaguar’s four-door flagship model, and rightfully so. Check out some of the best years of the XJ below.

1968 Jaguar XJ: The Finest Jaguar Ever

The year 1968 marked the dawn of a new era for Sir William Lyons’ Jaguar, debuting the first XJ model that proved to be a fitting successor for most of the automaker’s saloons.

Hopes for the 1968 Jaguar XJ were so high, as it was intended to embody all the best features of four Jaguar sedans, including the 240, 340, S-Type, and 420.

The intention to have a multi-purpose vehicle sprung from Lyons’ business background, even going as far as sourcing parts from existing Jaguar models to create the XJ.

Wood and leather accents were the main highlight of the 1968 XJ’s interior, with luxuries like air conditioning, electric windows, and Sundym glass offered as optional features.

Under its hood, the XJ carried the XK’s inline six-cylinder engine, with the 2.8L version as the entry point for the model range. Eventually, the XJ was fitted with V-12s come 1972, making it one of the fastest four-seat sedans in the world.

1968 Jaguar XJ Specs:

• Base engine size:  2.8L I-6
• Horsepower: 186 hp
• Torque: 273 lb-ft.
• 0-60: 10.1s

1974 Jaguar XJ: Style Meets Safety

Following the success of the XJ Series I, the automaker sought to continue the production of the Jaguar XJ, this time introducing the lineup for the second series with the 1974 facelift.

The 1974 Jaguar XJ was unveiled at the 1974 London Motor Show. Initially offered in two wheelbases, the automaker dropped the standard wheelbase for the ‘74 XJ and settled with a shorter one to go with the two-door coupe.

By this time, the XJ (both sedan and coupe) had already been fitted with a meaner engine option than its predecessor一a V12.

The model featured a smaller grille than before as well as an additional inlet below the bumper. It also had a raised front bumper to comply with US crash safety regulations.

Simplified air conditioning and heating systems were also a plus for the Series II一a much-needed upgrade following their subpar performance from the first series.

1974 Jaguar XJ Specs:

• Base engine size: 4.2L I-6
• Horsepower: 150 hp
• Torque: 213 lb-ft.
• 0-60: 7.8s

1979 Jaguar XJ: Outside the Comfort Zone

With the debut of the Series III XJ in 1979, Jaguar did something unprecedented’一it left the redesign project at the hands of Pininfarina, an Italian coachbuilder and external firm.

This was the first time that iterations for the model were handled outside of the automaker’s walls.

The 1979 XJ carried the same engine options as the previous years (3.4L I-6, 4.2L I-6, and 5.3L V-12), but the Series III facelift is where the ‘79 redesign stood out the most.

The interior for the ‘79 XJ was modernized while retaining a Connolly Leather and burlwood dash trim. Flush door handles, a grille with vertical-only vanes, revised roofline, reverse lights, narrower door frames, and a modified C-Pillar were some of the improvements made for the ‘79 XJ.

1979 Jaguar XJ Specs:

• Base engine size: 3.4L V-6
• Horsepower: 162 hp
• Torque: 188 lb-ft.
• 0-60: 11s

2006 Jaguar XJ X356: A Sweet Deal

The 2006 Jaguar XJ isn’t talked about enough. While only a few modifications were made for the model year, the 2006 XJ continues to be a crowd favorite because of its reliability and value for money.

A revised front grille and front fenders were the only notable upgrades from the 2006 XJ’s exterior, but the model’s performance was nothing short of impressive.

A Super V8 portfolio was available for the 2006 XJ. Along with this, standard features such as a new braking system, laminated glass, a speed limiter, and a new tire pressure monitoring system also came with the redesign.

The 2006 Jaguar XJ continues to receive a wave of positive reviews, even as a used car. Many drivers claim that the ‘06 XJ was extremely fuel-efficient for its weight, and regular maintenance was all it took to keep the luxury car performing its best as it racked up mileage.

2006 Jaguar XJ Specs:

• Base engine size: 4.2L V-8
• Horsepower: 300 hp
• Torque: 310 lb-ft.
• 0-60: 6.3s

2009 Jaguar XJ X358: Superstar Status

Traditional styling was carried over to the 2009 Jaguar XJ, but a few iterations were implemented to keep up with the growing demand for high-tech features.

A premium sound system, front parking sensors, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel were only some of the improvements that Jaguar purists have come to love about the 2009 XJ. The 2009 redesign also stayed true to the XJ’s fuel-efficient reputation.

At first glance, you wouldn’t think there was anything special about the 2009 XJ. But in reality, the 2009 XJ carries something that other model years don’t一limited availability.

Only 140 units of the ‘09 XJ in the US carried a Super V8 Portfolio that came with 20-inch wheels and a striking coat of black or gold paint.

2009 Jaguar XJ Specs:

• Base engine size: 4.2L V-8
• Horsepower: 300 hp
• Torque: 310 lb-ft.
• 0-60: 6.3s