Jaguar XJ Review: We've read the reviews so you don't have to
finder.com.au

Jaguar XJ review

The comprehensive Jaguar XJ review

Avatar
Alex Jeffs
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

finder.com.au is a personal finance comparison site that provides you with the tools you need to make better decisions. Learn
how we work and how we make money.

finder score: 73.33%

Avg. critics score: 73.33%
3 critics
How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of Car Advice, Car Showroom and Cars Guide to bring you the finder.com.au score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the three different expert ratings you see below.
finder.com.au is personal finance comparison site that provides you with the tools you need to make better decisions. Learn
how we work and how we make money.

What's in this guide?

Critic reviews

WebsiteRatingNotable quotes
CarAdvice75%"A gorgeous throwback with personality to burn it may well be, but there's nothing overly logical about it, ergo its rating."Read more
Car Showroom70%"It's a breathtakingly-pretty, well-equipped, and blindingly-fast super-saloon, with all the tech you'd expect to see from something so modern as well as a sense of real occasion."Read more
Cars Guide75%"It's a wonderful thing and even more wonderful that Jaguar continues to build it. Long live that supercharged V8 and the XJ is a great home for it."Read more

Get a better deal on a Jaguar XJ

CARDEALS2ME Logo

Browse the best deals available for the car you want at dealerships near you with CARDEALS2ME. Fill out this form to sign up to the platform for free.

By submitting this form, you agree to the Finder Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use

CarDeals2Me acts as a motor broker using our buying power and dealer relationships to save private buyers up to 25% off the price of new cars. Offers made over the system are for guidance only and actual binding offers are made in writing to your nominated email address for acceptance. All prices quoted include dealer delivery, stamp duty, CTP and registration as well as any other on-road costs. As a client, you pay the dealer directly the agreed price and the dealer pays us a referral fee. We have no bias towards any make or model or any particular dealer except for the one that delivers the lowest price.

By submitting this form, you agree to the CarDeals2Me terms and conditions.

CARDEALS2ME works with a range of dealerships in all states and territories to help buyers find the best driveaway deals on new cars.

  • Free to use platform.
  • Get results in just 2 hours.
  • Finance option available.

How does the Jaguar XJ compare with its peers?

Data updated regularly
Name Product Number of seats Maximum Power Price (from) Finder Score Read Review | Find a deal
Audi A8
Audi A8
5 seats
250 Kw
$192,000
82.33%
Read Review
Find a Deal
on Georgie’s website
Jaguar XJ
Jaguar XJ
5 seats
375 Kw
$201,326
73.33%
Read Review
Find a Deal
on Georgie’s website
Chrysler 300C
Chrysler 300C
5 seats
350 Kw
$59,950
67.25%
Read Review
Find a Deal
on Georgie’s website
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

The complete Jaguar XJ review

Jaguar XJ Pricing

Based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price, the Jaguar XJ Premium Luxury costs $214,360. The Portfolio variant is $239,193, the R-Sport is $239,923 and the Autobiography is $307,483. The price tag for the XJR575 is $310,103.

Overview

The Jaguar XJ is an icon of the British motoring industry. The XJ is the model Jaguar describes as its “pinnacle saloon car” – a description which, coming from a manufacturer most of us associate with luxury and opulence, gives you a fair idea of what to expect from this sleek and exclusive model.

The XJ has been on sale in Australia for some time and has been generally well received by local motoring journalists. Not only is the XJ beautiful to look at, it’s also comfortable, well equipped and impressively fast. It also comes with that old-world British charm that the Jaguar badge is famous for – charm that has swayed plenty of buyers who’ve grown to love the manufacturer over the decades.

However, in the face of stiff competition from a number of newer and well-credentialed rivals, such as the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7 Series, does the Jag still have what it takes to earn a place in your garage?

Let’s take a closer look at what the reviewers said to find out.

Exterior

Before diving into the details, we should take a moment to give the XJ a once-over from a purely aesthetic standpoint. The XJ's sleek, dynamic look impressed all the reviewers.

Described as being well-proportioned, the XJ's exterior was a little controversial in some circles when it was first introduced in 2009. But thanks in part to a mid-life revamp, it still looks modern and easy on the eye.

From the aggressive front grille to its extended length and unique looks, the XJ has an imposing presence that helps set it apart from its main rivals.

Engine and performance

Under the bonnet, the XJ comes with either a petrol or diesel engine. At the entry-level end of the spectrum (by Jaguar standards), you get either a 221kW V6 turbo diesel or a 250kW supercharged V6 petrol. The petrol variant boasts 450Nm of torque and will be better suited for urban drivers, while those who cover more ground out on the open road will likely prefer the diesel. The diesel’s official fuel consumption figure of 6.1L/100km – as opposed to 9.1L/100km for the petrol – also drew praise.

If you really want to crank it up to 11, the XJ is also available with a 5-litre V8, tuned for 375kW/625Nm in the Autobiography or 423kW/700Nm in the XJR575. Delivering impressive acceleration and power, the V8 attracted the thumbs up from reviewers. However, with official fuel consumption of 11.1L/100km, it’s a little too thirsty for some.

No matter which engine you choose, it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels. Stop/start technology is also included to improve fuel efficiency.

Engine type
-V8
Drivetrain
- RWD
Engine size/displacement
- 3-litre V6 turbocharged
- 3-litre V6 supercharged
- 5-litre V8 supercharged
Fuel type
- Petrol or diesel
Fuel tank capacity
- 77 litres
Max. torque (Nm@rpm)
- 700Nm @ 1,500-1,750 rpm
Fuel consumption – combined petrol / diesel
-3.0 Litre diesel: 6.1L/100km
- 3.0 Litre petrol: 9.1L/100km
- 5.0 Litre petrol: 11.1L/100km
Max. power (kW@rpm)
-3.0 Litre diesel: 221kW
- 3.0 Litre petrol: 250kW
- 5.0 Litre petrol: 375kW/423kW
Combined CO2 emissions petrol / diesel
3.0 Litre diesel: 159g/km
- 3.0 Litre petrol: 211g/km
- 5.0 Litre petrol: 264g/km
Acceleration
- 3.0 Litre diesel: 6.2 sec 0-100km/h
- 3.0 Litre petrol: 5.9 sec 0-100km/h
Emissions standard
- N/a
Top speed
- 250km/h
Security
- Engine immobiliser
Transmission
- 8-speed automatic

Handling

If you’re a keen driver, the reviewers unanimously agree that this is a car which will make you feel right at home behind the wheel. At 5.13 metres long (standard wheelbase models) and far from a lightweight, the XJ doesn’t look like it will be overly fast or agile. But looks can be deceiving, and this British cruiser thrilled reviewers with its engaging and exciting on-road performance.

Steering is precise and communicative, and the XJ demonstrates poise and excellent control on a variety of surfaces. It’s a balanced and confidence-inspiring drive, and one that might have you seeking out a winding back road on your next Sunday drive. The eight-speed transmission is similarly refined and responsive, equally capable of handling leisurely cruising as well as being driven with a bit of oomph.

That said, some reviewers pointed out that the XJ is perhaps not as smooth and comfortable on rough surfaces as some of its competitors – part of the trade-off of choosing a saloon designed to offer excellent driveability rather than simply the ultimate in luxury.

Interior

Step into the Jaguar XJ and the luxury on offer immediately becomes apparent. The seats are comfortable and wonderfully supportive, while everywhere you look you can see plush carpets, smooth leather and tasteful finishes. The reviewers also liked the hint of retro style to be found in the Jag’s interior.

The InControl multimedia system isn’t perfect but is reasonably intuitive, while sat nav, DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth are all included. Seats come with heating and cooling and you can adjust them in a wide variety of ways – they’re adjustable 14 ways in the Premium Luxury and 18 ways in all other models – while all except the standard wheelbase Premium Luxury get four-zone climate control.

Moving to the rear stalls, there’s ample room for two people and you can carry three easily enough, but the transmission tunnel limits the room available for the middle passenger. Long wheelbase models in particular offer acres of space and a luxurious amount of legroom. Boot space weighs in at 520 litres, and there’s a space-saver rather than a full-size spare tucked under the boot floor.

However, one criticism was the fact that some of the buttons and switches in the XJ feel a little cheap when compared to those on offer in its premium rivals. There’s also a smidgin more road noise and roughness than you’ll find on the Mercedes S Class, but it’s nothing to write home about.

In terms of safety, there are front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as side curtain airbags. There’s plenty of safety and driver assistance tech as well, including emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, blind spot assist and low-speed cruise control for low-traction conditions. Unfortunately, the XJ hasn’t been given an ANCAP safety rating.

Premium LuxuryPortfolioAutobiographyR-SportXJR575
JaguarDrive Control (Normal/Winter/Dynamic modes)StandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Dynamic Stability ControlStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Electric parking brakeStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Adaptive cruise control with Queue AssistStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Standard exhaust systemStandardStandardStandardStandard-
Sports exhaust system----Standard
Rain-sensing windscreen wipersStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Panoramic glass roofStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Dual-zone climate controlStandard (not available on long wheelbase)----
Four-zone climate controlOption on standard wheelbase, standard on long wheelbaseStandardStandardStandardStandard
InControl Touch Pro multimedia systemStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Satellite navigationStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
BluetoothStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
12.3-inch TFT displayStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Rear-seat entertainment systemOptionOptionStandard--
Airbags front and side (driver and front passenger) with side curtain airbagsStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Tyre pressure monitoring systemOptionOptionOptionOptionOption
Emergency Brake AssistStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
All Surface Progress ControlStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Surround camera systemStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Lane departure warning and lane keep assistStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Blind spot assist and reverse traffic detectionStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Driver condition monitorStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard
Park assistStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard

The verdict

All things considered, the reviewers were largely impressed with the Jaguar XJ. With dynamic performance and on-road handling, this luxury tourer offers an involved and enjoyable drive. It’s also ridiculously comfortable, comes with a good range of standard inclusions and will attract plenty of admiring glances wherever you go.

One other major positive singled out by the reviewers is the XJ’s uniquely fun character. It boasts more personality and individuality than some of the German competition, providing a memorable driving experience in what can sometimes be a conservative class.

It’s not what you’d call cheap, but if you’re in the market for a top-spec luxury saloon, then the $200,000-plus price tag isn’t going to phase you. However, you may be tempted by some of the Jaguar XJ’s main rivals – the Mercedes-Benz S Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 all offer comfort, refinement and luxury, not to mention a number of high-level tech features.

You’ll most likely want to consider these options, as well as other contenders such as the Maserati Quattroporte, the Porsche Panamera and even the Lexus LS, before deciding whether the Jaguar XJ is right for you.

Finance a Jaguar XJ
Jaguar XJ insurance options

Compare some options to finance a 2019 Jaguar XJ

Data updated regularly
$
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comparison Rate (p.a.) Monthly Repayment View Details CTA
Plenti Car Loan
Plenti Car Loan
From
4.89%
(fixed)
5.44%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.
Go to site
View details
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
From
4.67%
(fixed)
5.22%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.
Go to site
View details
IMB New Car Loan
IMB New Car Loan
4.99%
(fixed)
5.34%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
Go to site
View details
Credit Concierge Car Loan
Credit Concierge Car Loan
From
3.85%
(fixed)
4.91%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 3.85% p.a. with a comparison rate of 4.91% p.a.
Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.

You'll receive a fixed rate of 3.85% p.a. with a comparison rate of 4.91% p.a.
Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.

Go to site
View details
MoneyForJam Car Loan
MoneyForJam Car Loan
From
3.25%
(fixed)
5.82%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.25% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow between $5,000 and $120,000 with loan terms up to 7 years to finance a new or used car. Get access to more than 40 providers.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.25% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow between $5,000 and $120,000 with loan terms up to 7 years to finance a new or used car. Get access to more than 40 providers.
Go to site
View details
NRMA New Car Loan
NRMA New Car Loan
From
4.99%
(fixed)
5.69%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Go to site
View details
Wisr Secured Car Loan
Wisr Secured Car Loan
From
4.74%
(fixed)
5.01%
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 4.74% p.a. to 16.01% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $63,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.

You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 4.74% p.a. to 16.01% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $63,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.

Go to site
View details
RACV New Car Loans
RACV New Car Loans
From
4.99%
(fixed)
5.69%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
Go to site
View details
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
From
6.99%
(fixed)
7.91%
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 7.91% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% (13.56% comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 7.91% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% (13.56% comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
Go to site
View details
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan
From
5.35%
(fixed)
5.65%
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 5.35% p.a. to 14.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Borrow between $2,001 and $75,000 to finance a new or used car up to 10 years.
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 5.35% p.a. to 14.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Borrow between $2,001 and $75,000 to finance a new or used car up to 10 years.
Go to site
View details
CUA Secured Fixed Car Loan
CUA Secured Fixed Car Loan
6.79%
(fixed)
7.16%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.79% p.a.
A secured loan with a high maximum borrowing amount up to $100,000. Redraw facility and no monthly fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.79% p.a.
A secured loan with a high maximum borrowing amount up to $100,000. Redraw facility and no monthly fees.
Go to site
View details
Latitude Personal Loan (Secured)
Latitude Personal Loan (Secured)
From
5.99%
(fixed)
7.26%
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.99% p.a. and 21.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Lock in a competitive fixed rate when you offer security. Loan can be used for any purpose and repayments are flexible. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.99% p.a. and 21.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Lock in a competitive fixed rate when you offer security. Loan can be used for any purpose and repayments are flexible. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.
Go to site
View details
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
From
3.85%
(fixed)
4.05%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.85% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with
Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.85% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with
Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Go to site
View details
SocietyOne Car Loan
SocietyOne Car Loan
From
6.99%
(fixed)
6.99%
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
Go to site
View details
Driva Car Loan
Driva Car Loan
From
3.95%
(fixed)
5.1%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.95% p.a.
Borrow up to $250,000 with loan terms from 1 to 7 years. Get access to a range of lenders.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.95% p.a.
Borrow up to $250,000 with loan terms from 1 to 7 years. Get access to a range of lenders.
Go to site
View details
NRMA Used Car Loan
NRMA Used Car Loan
From
6.24%
(fixed)
6.94%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.24% p.a.
Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.24% p.a.
Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Go to site
View details
Symple Loans Personal Loan
Symple Loans Personal Loan
From
5.75%
(variable)
6.47%
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
Go to site
View details
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Compare car insurance side-by-side and get quotes

Data updated regularly
Name Product Roadside Assistance Accidental Damage Storm Choice of Repairer Agreed or Market Value
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Awarded the 2019 Finder Award for the Best Value Car Insurance, this policy offers solid coverage at a low cost plus you will get 15% discount on first year's premium when you take out a policy online. Budget Direct’s claims service has received a 4.2/5 based on nearly 5,000 customer reviews.

Who it might be good for: People who want a comprehensive policy without breaking the bank.
Get Quote
View details
Bingle Comprehensive
Bingle Comprehensive
Market
Finder's summary:Bingle consistently comes up as one of the cheaper insurers out there. It only covers the basics, so you don't get to choose your own repairer, you're not covered for personal items in the car and unless you add it as an option, you won't get a hire car if your car is stolen. But this keeps its premiums low.

Who it might be good for: Someone who wants a low-cost option that covers them for the basics.
Get Quote
View details
Coles Comprehensive
Coles Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Coles have two-tiers of comprehensive car insurance to choose from. You'll earn double flybuys points at Coles supermarkets and you can get $10 off your Coles grocery bill every time you redeem 2,000 Flybuys points. If you're over 30, you can get roadside assistance free for a year.

Who it might be good for: Coles customers and Flybuys collectors.
Get Quote
View details
Poncho Comprehensive
Poncho Comprehensive
Agreed
Finder's summary: Poncho works like a monthly subscription – you pay monthly and can cancel and leave at any time. You can also list multiple cars and drivers under one policy, making it ideal for families and groups living together under one household.

Who it might be good for: People who want their car insurance month to month.
Get Quote
View details
Woolworths Comprehensive
Woolworths Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Woolworths catches our eye due to some unique perks like a price-beat guarantee, where it'll beat any current comparable comprehensive renewal notice if you're over 25. You'll also get 10% off your grocery shop once a month and can add roadside assistance onto your policy for just $7.35 per month.

Who it might be good for: Woolworths shoppers and those that want to take advantage of its price-beat guarantee.
Get Quote
View details
Qantas Comprehensive
Qantas Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: You'll be able to choose how comprehensive you want your cover to be with optional extras like choice of repairer and the option of agreed or market value. Plus earn Qantas Points for joining and paying your premium. Sign up by 2 May 2021, you can earn up to 30,000 Qantas Points (points awarded will be based on your premium). T&Cs and eligibility apply.
Get Quote
View details
ahm Comprehensive
ahm Comprehensive
Optional
Both
Finder's summary: ahm comprehensive car insurance lets you choose higher excess to reduce your premiums plus you can get up to 15% off when you purchase a new car insurance policy. T&Cs apply. Additionally, their Fixed Kilometre Plan can save you up to 30% compared to their standard comprehensive cover.

Who it might be good for: People who drive less than 15,000 km per year.
Get Quote
View details
Virgin Comprehensive
Virgin Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Finalists for the 2019 Finder Awards for Best Value Car Insurance, Virgin Comprehensive provides a good level of cover for a decent price. Get 15% off on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new eligible comprehensive car insurance online. T&Cs Apply.
Get Quote
View details
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Pictures: Jaguar

Review by: Alex Jeffs

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site