“First and foremost it's a dependable car that is a hell of a lot of fun to drive.”
2018 Jaguar XJ: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Jaguar XJ is the XJR becoming the 575-hp XJR575 performance flagship. This is a meaningful late-cycle update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2018 Jaguar XJ
X351 generation (2011-2019), late-cycle update year after the 2016 refresh.
Jaguar positions the XJ as its flagship sedan: a low, sleek full-size luxury car that mixes handcrafted cabin materials and long-distance comfort with sharper steering and a more athletic feel than many large luxury sedans. It stands apart from German rivals by leaning harder on style and driver appeal, while long-wheelbase versions add genuine rear-seat stretch-out room for buyers who want both elegance and limousine-like comfort.
The 2018 XJ ranges from the sport-styled, V6-powered R-Sport to the long-wheelbase XJL Portfolio, which emphasizes rear-seat room with quilted leather, heated and cooled seats, and four-zone climate control. The V8-powered Supercharged models add stronger performance, while the XJR575 tops the range with sharper suspension tuning, an active sport exhaust, and unique gloss-black details.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The XJR continues under the XJR575 name as a 575-hp performance flagship with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, sharper suspension tuning, an electronically controlled active differential, and an active sport exhaust.
Styling
The XJR575 receives its own gloss-black grille, hood vents, side sills, rear spoiler, and model-specific cabin details. The long-wheelbase XJR is dropped for 2018.
Safety
Rear-wheel-drive versions gain a broader set of standard driver-assistance features, including lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and driver condition monitoring.
Tech
Every XJ moves to the newer Touch Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and faster 4G Wi-Fi connectivity.
2018 Jaguar XJ specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Supercharged, 5.0 Liter | V6, Supercharged, 3.0 Liter | V6, Supercharged, 3.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 5.0 Liter | V8, Supercharged, 5.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Seq Shift & Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Seq Shift & Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Seq Shift & Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Seq Shift & Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Seq Shift & Spt |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 575 hp | 340 hp | 340 hp | 470 hp | 470 hp |
| Torque | 517 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 424 lb-ft | 424 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4190 lb | 4190 lb | 4190 lb | 4190 lb | 4190 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.2 cu-ft | 15.2 cu-ft | 15.2 cu-ft | 15.2 cu-ft | 15.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 43.7 in | 38.9 in | 43.7 in | 38.9 in | 43.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Massage Front Seat | |||||
| Massage Rear Seat | |||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||
| Memory Rear Seats | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Jaguar XJ?
The biggest change is the XJR becoming the XJR575, a 575-hp performance flagship with a supercharged V8, sharper suspension tuning, an active differential, and unique gloss-black trim.
Did the 2018 Jaguar XJ get a new touchscreen system?
Yes. Every 2018 XJ gets the newer Touch Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen, connected navigation, and faster 4G Wi-Fi connectivity.
What safety features changed on the 2018 Jaguar XJ?
Rear-wheel-drive 2018 XJ models gain more standard driver-assistance technology, including lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and driver condition monitoring.
Is the 2018 Jaguar XJ a full redesign?
No. The 2018 XJ remains part of the X351 generation and receives a late-cycle update centered on the XJR575, newer infotainment, faster Wi-Fi, and expanded driver-assistance equipment.
Was a long-wheelbase XJR offered for 2018?
No. The long-wheelbase XJR is dropped for 2018, while the performance model continues as the short-wheelbase XJR575.
2018 Jaguar XJ Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Jaguar XJ.
4.4
2018 Jaguar XJ
(12 reviews)
“Better performance at a better price than similar Aston Martin, Porsche, Maserati, Mercedes or BMW -- all in a most beautiful package. Roomier Back seat than an S-class Mercedes with Maserati killing performance”