- Robust six-cylinder petrol engines
- High quality interior finishes
- Supple ride
- Elegant styling
- 3.2-litre engines lack low-rev response
- Limited rear seat legroom
- Inferior design and build BMW E38 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz W140/V140 S-Class
Overview
Released in November 1994, the Jaguar X300 XJ range consisted of the XJ6, XJR and XJ12 models. The XJ6 models were powered by 3.2- and 4.0-litre AJ16 inline six cylinder petrol engines – with double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and coil-on-plug distributorless ignition – that were mated to four-speed ZF automatic transmissions. The XJR was powered by a supercharged version of the 4.0-litre engine, while the XJ12 was powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine; both the XJR and XJ12 were fitted with General Motors’ four-speed 4L80-E automatic transmission.
Compared to the XJ40 predecessor on which it was based, the X300 XJ was 34 mm longer (at 5024 mm), 74 mm wider (2074 mm), 64 mm lower (1314 mm) and had a 30 mm shorter wheelbase (2870 mm). In 1995, long wheelbase models were introduced – for these vehicles, the wheelbase was extended by 125 mm (to 2995 mm) and total length increased by the same amount. Visually, the X300 XJ could be identified by its fluted bonnet and four circular headlights.
| Variants | W/base | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XJ6 | N/A | SWB | 1994-97 | 3.2-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 161 kW at 5100 rpm | 315 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| LWB | 1995-97 | ||||||
| SWB | 1994-97 | 4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 183 kW at 4800 rpm | 392 Nm at 4000 rpm | ||
| LWB | 1995-97 | ||||||
| Sport | SWB | 1994-97 | 3.2-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 161 kW at 5100 rpm | 315 Nm at 4500 rpm | |
| 4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 183 kW at 4800 rpm | 392 Nm at 4000 rpm | ||||
| Heritage | SWB | 1996 | 3.2-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 161 kW at 5100 rpm | 315 Nm at 4500 rpm | |
| Sovereign | SWB | 1994-97 | 4.0-litre petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 183 kW at 4800 rpm | 392 Nm at 4000 rpm | |
| LWB | 1995-97 | ||||||
| XJR | N/A | SWB | 1994-97 | 4.0-litre s/charged petrol I6 | 4sp auto | 240 kW at 5000 rpm | 512 Nm at 3050 rpm |
| XJ12 | N/A | SWB | 1994-95 | 6.0-litre petrol V12 | 4sp auto | 234 kW at 5350 rpm | 478 Nm at 2850 rpm |
| LWB | 1995 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the X300 XJ range included dual front airbags and ABS, while the XJR model was further equipped with traction control.
Features
Standard features for the XJ6 included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and a trip computer. From February 1995, a CD player was fitted as standard.
Compared to the XJ6, XJR was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, front fog lights, driver’s seat memory settings and alarm. The XJR was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
Compared to the XJ6, the XJ12 was further equipped with leather upholstery and front fog lights.
1997 XJ upgrades
From February 1997, the XJ range was fitted with a security system which included an engine immobiliser, remote control alarm, glass breaking and odometer sensor, battery tamper protection and security shielded locks. Inside, the rear seat bench was restyled and the centre rear seat gained a three-point, inertia reel seatbelt.
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