A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.4
Comfort & Interior
4.7
Running Costs
3.2
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Jaguar XJ represents the pinnacle of British luxury saloon engineering, offering an intoxicating blend of sophisticated refinement and powerful performance. This flagship model showcases Jaguar’s commitment to creating executive cars that deliver both prestige and driving pleasure. The XJ stands apart from rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class with its distinctive aluminium construction and elegant design language. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a range of supercharged engines that provide effortless acceleration while maintaining the whisper quiet cabin that defines luxury motoring. The XJ excels in delivering a supremely comfortable ride quality, cutting edge technology, and the kind of build quality that justifies its premium positioning. Whether you’re being chauffeured or taking the wheel yourself, this executive saloon offers an uncompromising luxury experience that few competitors can match. For those seeking a distinctive alternative to German luxury saloons, the XJ provides British elegance with modern sophistication and impressive performance credentials that make every journey feel special.
What's the Jaguar XJ Like to Drive?
The Jaguar XJ offers a choice of supercharged engines that deliver refined power with effortless grace. The entry level 3.0 litre V6 produces around 340 horsepower, providing smooth acceleration and a refined driving character that’s perfect for relaxed cruising. For those wanting more excitement, the 5.0 litre V8 delivers up to 550 horsepower in the XJR variant, transforming this luxury saloon into a genuine performance machine capable of 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
-
Engine
3.0L V6 Supercharged / 5.0L V8 Supercharged
-
Power Output
340 - 550 bhp
-
0-60 mph
6.4 - 4.4 seconds
-
MPG Combined
25 - 35 mpg
- Boot Space
- 520 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Jaguar XJ: Comfort & Features
Open the door and the XJ immediately announces its luxury credentials. The cabin is a masterclass in premium materials and attention to detail. Soft leather covers almost every surface, complemented by genuine wood veneers and brushed aluminium trim pieces that feel substantial and perfectly finished. The seats are supremely comfortable, offering extensive adjustment and heating, cooling, and massage functions in higher specifications. Even the rear seats provide limousine like comfort with generous legroom and individual climate control.
The Jaguar XJ is a masterclass in British luxury, blending refined power with opulent comfort. Its aluminium construction and elegant design set it apart, while the V6 and V8 engines deliver smooth, responsive performance. The cabin is a sanctuary of premium materials, though running costs and practicality lag behind rivals. A compelling choice for those prioritizing prestige over efficiency.
Is the Jaguar XJ Expensive to Run?
As a flagship luxury saloon, the Jaguar XJ comes with running costs that reflect its premium positioning. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on the engine choice, with the V6 models achieving around 30 to 35 mpg in mixed driving, while the powerful V8 variants typically return 25 to 28 mpg. Insurance costs will be substantial due to the high purchase price and performance capabilities, typically falling into the highest insurance groups. Servicing costs are also premium, though Jaguar’s network of specialists ensures quality maintenance.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
|
Jaguar XJ
|
BMW 5 Series
|
Mercedes E-Class
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £65,000 | £62,000 | £64,000 |
|
Performance
|
|||
| Engine | 3.0L V6 340hp | 2.0L 4-cyl 184hp | 2.0L 4-cyl 194hp |
| Power | 340 bhp | 184 bhp | 194 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
|
Running Costs
|
|||
| MPG Combined | 32 mpg | 42 mpg | 40 mpg |
|
Practicality
|
|||
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 530 litres | 540 litres |
|
Standard Features
|
|||
| Key Features | Distinctive styling, Air suspension, Premium interior | Advanced tech, Efficient engines, Sporty handling | Refined ride, Spacious cabin, Strong residuals |
Jaguar XJ Practicality & Boot Space
For a luxury saloon, the Jaguar XJ offers impressive practicality wrapped in an elegant package. The 520 litre boot is spacious enough for a family holiday’s worth of luggage, and the wide opening makes loading heavy items straightforward. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split configuration, allowing you to carry longer items when needed. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage compartments for daily essentials, including a useful centre console compartment and door pockets sized for bottles and personal items.
Absolutely love my XJ. The interior is like nothing else on the road and it drives beautifully. Yes, it drinks fuel, but the experience is worth every penny. I get compliments everywhere I park it and it never fails to make me smile.
The Jaguar XJ represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring, combining distinctive styling with exceptional comfort and impressive performance. It offers a genuinely unique alternative to German rivals, with character and presence that’s impossible to ignore. The advanced technology, premium materials, and sophisticated engineering create a driving experience that feels truly special every time you get behind the wheel.