The XJ story started way back in 1968 with the Series I model and continued with seven subsequent generations, the most recent being introduced in 2009. The X351 is still around and while some would argue it’s getting a little bit long in the tooth compared to other fullsize luxury sedans, the XJ still has what it takes to turn heads. To celebrate 50 years of the XJ, Jag is now rolling out at the Beijing Motor Show an anniversary edition suitably called “XJ50.”
Available in both standard- and long-wheelbase configurations, the commemorative luxobarge gets new front and rear bumpers similar to what the high-end Autobiography version features. It rides on a fresh set of 20-inch Venom alloy wheels and comes with the compulsory model-exclusive badging adorning the rear and side vents. At the front, the grille has been blacked out. Customers will be able to pick from Rosello Red, Santorini Black, Fuji White, and this lovely Loire Blue shade.
Inside the posh cabin, the luxed-up Jaguar benefits from soft-grain diamond-quilted seats with fancy headrests with an embossed leaper. The central armrest is adorned with the “XJ50” logo you will also find on the illuminated treadplates to further set it apart from the regular model. To spice things up even more, there are bright metal pedals and anodized gearshift paddles.
There’s no word yet about availability outside homeland U.K. where it can already be ordered from £74,280.
Looking into the XJ’s future, the ninth generation of the lavish sedan will be bigger and sportier. It’s unclear when it will be launched, but with Jaguar saying the firm’s next launch will be the XJ, it will likely be out in the years to come. Don’t expect an S-Class rival because Jag has said the next XJ is not being developed to go after Mercedes’ flagship. Instead, it will be more of a driver-focused sedan and will usher in new technology for the brand.
Source: Jaguar
XJ50 CELEBRATES FIVE DECADES OF JAGUAR'S LEGENDARY SALOON
- New Jaguar XJ50 marks half a century of the flagship luxury saloon
- XJ50 commemorates eight generations of innovation in performance, technology and luxury
- Anniversary edition celebrates one of the world’s great saloon cars, which has been favoured by business leaders, celebrities, politicians and royalty
- Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK and exported to 100 countries
- Jaguar XJ50 is available to order now, priced from £74,280 in the UK
Whitley, UK, 25 April 2018 – Jaguar is marking 50 years of its flagship XJ luxury saloon – the choice of business leaders, celebrities, politicians and royalty for five decades – with the launch of a new special edition model. Revealed at the Beijing Motor Show, the Jaguar XJ50 celebrates half a century of trademark performance, technology and luxury.
Available in both standard and long wheelbase with a 3.0-litre diesel (300PS) powertrain, the exterior updates for the XJ50 include Autobiography-style front and rear bumpers. These mark the anniversary edition out alongside purposeful new 20-inch Venom wheels, a black front grille and unique badging to the rear and side vents, while the striking colour palette includes Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue and Rosello Red.
Inside, the luxurious cabin features soft-grain diamond-quilted seats with an embossed leaper on the headrests and an XJ50 logo on the centre armrest. Unique intaglio branding and XJ50-badged illuminated treadplates also differentiate the anniversary edition, alongside anodised gearshift paddles and bright metal pedals.
“Spanning half a century, the Jaguar XJ remains true to its heritage with a wonderful balance of beautiful design, intelligent performance and indulgent luxury that ensures it stands out from the crowd. This is a car worth celebrating and the XJ50 pays homage to a giant within the Jaguar brand that we believe is one of the world’s most stylish sporting saloons.”
Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design
The XJ Series 1 started the distinctive dynasty in 1968 and for eight generations, the luxury saloon has been turning heads around the world. Whether transporting VIPs and politicians, or acting as the preferred vehicle for business leaders and royalty, the XJ has been a mainstay on our roads for five decades.
Innovating since its arrival, the XJ has epitomised the forward-thinking approach that has set Jaguar’s luxury saloon apart over the past 50 years. Four years into its life it became the world’s only mass-produced 12-cylinder four-door car and, with a top speed of 140mph (225km/h), it was also the fastest four-seater of its time.
Further models followed, sporting both standard and long wheelbases, as well as two and four-door body styles. The Series 2 was the first to offer a two-door coupé model in 1975 and the XJ40, in production for eight years from 1986, introduced the celebrated ‘J’ gate gear shifter and self-levelling suspension.
A revolutionary aluminium monocoque bodyshell helped reduce the XJ’s weight by 40 per cent from 2003, before the current XJ model brought additional technologies such as all-wheel drive and a virtual instrument cluster. With the introduction of Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum’s now iconic design language, it was also launched with a wraparound rear screen and distinctive cat claw inspired rear lights.
Constantly evolving while remaining one of the world’s truly great saloon cars, XJ has enjoyed a series of high-profile screen appearances. Starring roles in movies like Love Actually and The Long Good Friday, as well as the James Bond franchise, are proof of the XJ’s enduring cultural appeal.
The XJ50 is a fitting tribute to the enduring style and performance of Jaguar’s luxury saloon. It is available to order now priced from £74,280 in the UK.
