Jaguar Announces 50th Anniversary XJ Model, the "XJ50"
Jaguar XJ 50 | The Jaguar XJ50
Jaguar Announces 50th Anniversary XJ Model, the "XJ50"
On April 25, Jaguar Land Rover unveiled the "XJ50," a special model commemorating the 50th anniversary of its flagship "XJ," at the Beijing Motor Show 2018.
Text by HARA Akira
A Synthesis of 50 Years of Innovation Across Eight Generations
The Jaguar flagship saloon,XJhas been a representative model of the luxury saloon, loved and chosen by business leaders, celebrities, politicians, and royalty worldwide since the debut of the "XJ Series 1" in 1968, spanning eight generations.
The "XJ50," based on the current X351 model announced this time, represents the culmination of innovations in performance, technology, and luxury developed over the past 50 years. It is available in two body types: standard and long wheelbase, with a choice of two powertrains: a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged gasoline engine (340PS) and a twin-turbo V6 diesel engine (300PS).
The exterior features newly adopted Autobiography-spec bumpers front and rear. Additionally, 20-inch "Venom" wheels, a black front grille, and exclusive badges on the rear and sides highlight its status as a 50th-anniversary model. Four body colors are available: Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue, and Rosello Red.
The interior is enhanced with diamond-cut soft grain leather, headrests embossed with Jaguar's "Growler" logo, and a center armrest bearing the "XJ50" logo. Further exclusive features include illuminated treadplates with an "JAGUAR" logo crafted using intaglio printing and an "XJ50" badge, anodized gearshift paddles, and bright metal trim.
The XJ has maintained its position as a world-leading saloon, from the first generation which uniquely featured a 12-cylinder engine and boasted a top speed of 225 km/h as a four-seater production model just four years after its debut, to the introduction of the "Series II" in 1975, the first two-door coupe. Subsequent models include the "XJ40" in 1986, which adopted the "J-gate shifter" and self-levelling suspension, and the current model, which achieved a 40% weight reduction compared to the 2003 model by employing an aluminum monocoque body shell. The XJ has also garnered attention on screen, appearing in "007" films, and has earned significant cultural recognition.
Ian Callum, Design Director who established the current Jaguar design language with features like the wraparound rear screen and cat-claw-like taillights, commented, "Even after half a century, the XJ remains true to its heritage while masterfully blending beautiful design, exceptional performance, and exquisite luxury, continuing to be a standout presence. The XJ50 is a fitting tribute to the XJ's 50th anniversary, and we are proud to consider it one of the world's most stylish sports saloons." Details regarding the planned release and pricing of the XJ50 in Japan have not yet been announced.



