2018 Jaguar XJ Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Jaguar XJ continues to be the eccentric choice among large luxury sedans, bristling with power and graced with five-star cabin appointments. Competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series might have more advanced features, but it’s hard to top the XJ when it comes to cutting a shapely path through traffic. The choice of supercharged V-6 and V-8 engines provides the XJ with tire-squealing speed—that is if such behavior doesn’t seem to out of touch with this car’s refined demeanor.

What's New for 2018?

The cabin of the 2018 Jaguar XJ now features a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, which replaces the previous model’s 8.0-inch interface. At the top of the range, the new XJR575 model (reviewed separately) is added to the lineup and serves as the most powerful XJ.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• R-Sport: $76,395
• Portfolio: $85,495

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The XJ's base engine is a 3.0-liter 340-hp supercharged V-6, while a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 that produces 470 horsepower is available. Don’t discount the V-6 , however. This powerplant doesn’t have the sheer grunt or acoustic drama of the V-8, but it’s impressively strong when a jolt of acceleration needed, and it can be paired with optional all-wheel drive. Both engines come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It should come as no surprise that the XJ delivers a smooth and cossetting ride—that seems a given with this class of luxury vehicle. One plot twist is how nimble the XJ is. When pressed hard, it feels like a much smaller sports sedan thanks to its overall agility.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior of the Jaguar XJ sets it apart from more left-brained competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz S-class, BMW 7-series, and Audi A8. Filled with leather, wood, and metal trim, the XJ’s cabin has an old-school look and feel to it, but it never feels stodgy or out of touch with modern times. The front seats are wonderfully supportive, and space in the second row easily accommodates at least two adults. Granted, the swooping roofline means taller folks might have to duck a bit when getting inside. Legroom back there is fine in the short-wheelbase variant, though choosing the long-wheelbase version is the better pick for anyone who plans to spend most of their time being chauffeured in their posh Jaguar. At around 15 cubic feet in capacity, cargo space is a bit less than in other large luxury sedans.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The XJ is newly equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen that comes standard with navigation, two USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 20-speaker Meridian HD audio system with satellite radio. Unfortunately, this year’s upgrade to a larger screen does not bring along Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity—a shame for this class of vehicle. Available tech options include a dual-screen rear entertainment system, a 26-speaker Meridian stereo, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. While Jaguar’s infotainment systems have been dramatically improved compared to previous efforts, the unit in the XJ can still experience lag when scrolling through menus and various commands.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Jaguar XJ’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.