Jaguar XJ X308 4.0 V8 32V Sovereign LBW (284 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Jaguar XJ:

The Jaguar XJ is a series of mid-size/full-size luxury cars produced by British automobile manufacturer Jaguar Cars from 1968 to 2019. It was produced across four basic platform generations with various updated derivatives of each. From 1970, it was Jaguar's flagship four-door model. The original model was the last Jaguar saloon to have been designed under the leadership of Sir William Lyons, the company's founder, and the model has been featured in a myriad of media and high-profile appearances....(Read more on Wikipedia)

X308 Overview:

Jaguar XJ (X308). With 375 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1730 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.3 s). The top speed reaches 240 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Jaguar XJ (X308) generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features were typical for luxury vehicles of its era, focusing on robust construction and standard airbags for occupant protection.

4.0 V8 32V Sovereign LBW (284 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers smooth and adequate performance for a luxury cruiser, delivering respectable acceleration for its size and era.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is on the higher side, especially in urban settings, reflecting its large V8 engine and luxury focus.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising and long-distance travel, where its smooth power delivery and comfort shine.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Timeless, elegant styling and luxurious interior
  • • Smooth and powerful V8 engines (especially XJR)
  • • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
  • • Excellent value on the used car market
  • • Distinctive British character and heritage

Cons:

  • • Potential for costly reliability issues (e.g., timing chain tensioners, gearbox)
  • • High fuel consumption, particularly for 4.0L models
  • • Dated infotainment and technology compared to modern cars
  • • Some susceptibility to rust in older models
  • • Limited rear passenger space for its size (standard wheelbase)

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(X300: 1994 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Jaguar
Model:XJ
Generation:X308
Modification (Engine):4.0 V8 32V Sovereign LBW (284 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1997
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:284 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:71.1 Hp/l [126mm more]
Torque:375 Nm @ 4250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:AJ26, AJ27 More details about the engine AJ26, AJ27
Engine displacement:3996
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:10 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:17.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.3 sec
Maximum speed:240 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.1 kg/Hp, 164.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.6 kg/Nm, 216.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1730
Max. weight:2260
Max load:530
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:410 l
Fuel tank capacity:81 l
Size:
Length:5149 mm mm [126mm more]
Width:1799 mm mm [1mm more]
Height:1333 mm mm [30mm more]
Wheelbase:2995 mm mm [125mm more]
Front track:1500 mm
Rear (Back) track:1498 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/50 R16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Jaguar XJ rank in your book?