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Jaguar XJ: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Jaguar XJ is a full-size flagship luxury sedan known for combining limousine-like comfort with sleek styling and sharper handling than a typical big luxury car. Its modern era emphasized aluminum construction, rich cabin trim, and strong supercharged engines.
The XJ has long served as Jaguar’s big luxury flagship, but it has never followed the usual formal big-sedan formula. The final X351 generation paired a low, dramatic shape with a contemporary cabin and a stronger focus on driver involvement. Standard- and long-wheelbase versions let it balance personal luxury with serious rear-seat comfort, while high-performance models pushed that same character further.
Strengths
- Its low, sleek design gives it a distinct presence without relying on the formal look common among large luxury sedans.
- The XJ blends a polished ride and richly trimmed cabin with handling intended to keep the driver involved.
- Long-wheelbase XJL models provide genuine rear-seat space, reaching 43.7 inches of rear legroom in 2019.
- Supercharged V6 and V8 engines give the later X351 lineup strong performance, with output reaching 575 horsepower in the 2019 XJR575.
- Its aluminum body was a defining part of the modern XJ and helped distinguish it from more conventional flagship sedans.
- The 2016 refresh brought a more modern touchscreen system, LED lighting, and heated and ventilated seats throughout the range.
Who it's for
The XJ suits someone who wants the comfort and presence of a large luxury sedan but finds the usual choices too reserved. Standard-length models make sense for an owner who plans to drive, while the roomier XJL better fits passengers who will spend meaningful time in the back seat. It is also a natural fit for shoppers who value distinctive design and personality over blending in.
Jaguar XJ lineup
Pick the core XJ, or the R-Sport in later years, for the most straightforward driver-focused version of the flagship. The XJL Portfolio stretches the body for more rear-seat room and leans toward chauffeured comfort. Supercharged trims add stronger V8 performance, while the XJR and later XJR575 are the most aggressive members of the family; the 2018 XJR575 made 575 horsepower. The XJ50 and final-run XJ Collection are special editions for buyers drawn to anniversary or end-of-production significance rather than a fundamentally different mission.
Jaguar XJ generations
From 2009 to 2019, the XJ spans two generations. The current X351 Generation arrived for 2011, following the 3rd Generation — X350/X358 (2009).
X351 Generation (2011–2019)
The X351 replaced the traditionally styled XJ with a dramatically different aluminum body and a more modern cabin. It launched with V8 power in standard- and long-wheelbase forms, then gained a supercharged V6, AWD, an 8-speed automatic, and a 2016 styling and technology refresh.
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2019Trim changes
The XJ50 50th-anniversary edition joined the lineup, followed by the U.S.-only XJ Collection for the final 300 cars. Screen graphics and voice navigation were updated.
2018Trim changes
The 575-hp XJR575 became the performance flagship. The lineup also gained a newer 10-inch touchscreen system and faster 4G Wi-Fi.
2017
The XJ carried over after the 2016 refresh, aside from minor cosmetic details.
2016Mid-cycle update
Jaguar refreshed the front and rear styling, added standard LED headlights, and upgraded the touchscreen, digital gauges, audio, and seating features.
2015
The lineup carried over without significant changes ahead of the 2016 refresh.
2014Trim changes
The new XJR replaced the Supersport as the performance flagship. Long-wheelbase models also received rear-cabin upgrades.
2013Trim changes
A major mechanical update brought the XJ’s first AWD system, a supercharged V6, an 8-speed automatic, a smoother suspension tune, and upgraded cabin technology.
2012Trim changes
The long-wheelbase, non-supercharged model was renamed XJL Portfolio. Supersport models gained more rear-seat comfort and entertainment equipment.
2011New generation
The all-new X351 debuted with an aluminum body, completely new styling, a modernized cabin, two wheelbase lengths, and a V8-based lineup.
3rd Generation — X350/X358 (2009)
This was the traditionally styled full-size XJ that came before the X351. The 2009 model was its final U.S. model year.
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2009Trim changes
The limited-production Super V8 Portfolio joined the lineup. Navigation and Alpine surround sound became standard across the range.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Jaguar XJ.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Jaguar XJ?
The Jaguar XJ is a full-size, four-door luxury sedan and Jaguar’s flagship of the period. Used examples include standard-length models and stretched XJL versions designed to give rear passengers more room.
What is the Jaguar XJ known for?
The Jaguar XJ is known for sleek styling, lightweight aluminum construction and a more driver-focused feel than many large luxury sedans. Its other signatures include supercharged engines, a richly trimmed cabin and, on X351 models, a panoramic glass roof.
Does the Jaguar XJ come as a hybrid?
No. The 2009 and 2011–2019 U.S. Jaguar XJs use gasoline engines. Older cars have V8 power, while the X351 range includes supercharged V6 and V8 engines.
Does the Jaguar XJ have all-wheel drive?
Yes, some X351 models have all-wheel drive. Jaguar introduced a rear-focused AWD system with the 340-hp supercharged V6 for 2013. Many other XJs are rear-wheel drive, so check the exact used car rather than assuming from its trim name.
Is the Jaguar XJ roomy enough for rear passengers?
Yes, especially in XJL form. The standard-length XJ seats five and has useful rear room, while the stretched XJL provides substantially more legroom and often adds rear climate controls, shades, tables or upgraded seats.
Are all used Jaguar XJs from the same generation?
No. The 2009 XJ belongs to the traditionally styled X350/X358 generation. The dramatically redesigned, aluminum-bodied X351 arrived for 2011 and continued through 2019 in the U.S.; its 2016 update changed the styling and cabin technology but was not a new generation.
Is the Jaguar XJ meant for the driver or the rear passengers?
It can suit either role. Standard-length XJs and trims such as R-Sport, Supercharged and XJR lean toward the driver. Stretched XJL models place more emphasis on rear legroom and passenger comfort, especially Portfolio and Supersport versions.
Jaguar XJ Reviews
What owners are saying about the Jaguar XJ.
4.3
Jaguar XJ
(149 reviews)
“The interior space is too closed off and to narrow. Not enough room compare to a BMW 750, And the drive of the car has a Japanese car feel to it NOT an European car.”
“There really is no other car in the same class. The Jaguar XJ has an outstanding look.”
“The XJ is a very nice luxury car that doesn't seem to make you feel like it is your grandfathers car. There are options of performance engines and that is what I really like about this car. you don't have to sacrifice luxury for performance, you can have both”
“All kinds of problems. Had a coolant leak less than 4 months in. Engine blew up. Also smaller problems like transmission and seat mechanics. Would never recommend.”
“I would like to tell them that this is a beautiful luxury / Sports car. This vehicle turns more heads than any other car that is on the road today.”
Sources
- media.jaguar.com — 2018 / 10 / Technical Press Kit 2019 Jaguar Xj
- media.jaguar.com — 2017 / 09 / Technical Press Kit 2018 Jaguar Xj
- archive.jaguar.com — 2019 / 10 / Whats New Jaguar 2019 2020 Model Year Highlights
- media.jaguar.com — 2019 / 11 / New Collection Special Edition Model Joins 2019 Jaguar Xj Line
- media.jaguar.com — 2019 / 07 / Jaguar Land Rover Accelerates Electrification
- archive.jaguar.com — 2015 / 06 / 2016 Jaguar Xj
- archive.jaguar.com — 2017 / 09 / Technical Press Kit 2018 Jaguar Xj
- media.jaguar.com — Node / 1386
- archive.jaguar.com — 2013 / 11 / 2014 Jaguar Xj
- archive.jaguar.com — 2013 / 06 / Jaguar Xjr Makes Canadian Debut Motorexpo Toronto
- archive.jaguar.com — 2012 / 08 / 2013 Model Year Jaguar Cars
- archive.jaguar.com — 2013 / 03 / 2014 Jaguar Xjr Unveiled New York Auto Show