Trim levels: XJ6 XJ Vanden Plas XJR XJ12

MSRP: $53,450 $62,200 $65,000 $77,250

Notes: Jaguar's sedan was completely redesigned for 1995, the fourth complete redesign of the XJ series. In Europe, but not in America, the sedans were availiable both as Jaguars and Daimlers. The new sedan was built with a great deal of input from Jaguar's corporate parent, Ford Motor Company. This allowed the company to thoroughly re-engineer the car in a way that had not been possible with the XJ40. Strong visual links to previous Jaguar sedan models were provided: the long hood, classic grille, and 4 separate headlamps were all traditional design cues. The new sedan was also much more aerodynamic. Four models were available in the United States. XJ6 and Vanden Plas models were powered by Jaguar's classic four-liter inline six, producing 245 horsepower. Both included such features as cruise control, power seats, dual airbags, leather seats, wood trim, wool carpeting, and stereo/cassette; the VDP added a power sunroof and front-seatback picnic tables. The XJR dispensed with some luxury fittings, but added a limited-slip differential, traction control, CD changer, and heated seats. More importantly, it incorporated a supercharged version of the Jaguar I6 motor; the first hyperaspirated engine ever to emerge from the British marque. Finally, the range was topped by the XJ12, powered by Jaguar's 12-cylinder engine. All four used four-speed automatic transmissions; XJR and XJ12 models used a heavy-duty GM model. Manual shifting was possible via Jaguar's J-gate transmission. Although large sedans on the outside, the interior of these cars was so small that the EPA rated the XJ family as compacts.

Series: 1995-2003

PERFORMANCE