Jaguar XJ XJ40/XJ81 6 2.9 (167 Hp)
Overall Rating
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)
XJ40/XJ81 Overview:
Jaguar XJ (XJ40/XJ81). A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
6 2.9 (167 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A marginal improvement over the 159 Hp version, but still largely underpowered for the XJ40. It's smooth but lacks the effortless acceleration expected from a luxury sedan of this caliber.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the lower-output 2.9L, fuel economy is not a standout feature. The engine often needs to be revved higher to maintain pace, impacting efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant styling that stands out
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials
- • Smooth, refined ride quality, excellent for long journeys
- • Powerful engine options (4.0L and 6.0L V12) offer effortless performance
- • Classic Jaguar driving experience and heritage
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across most engine variants, especially the V12
- • Potential for electrical gremlins and complex maintenance issues
- • Some early engines (2.9L, 3.6L 185hp) can feel underpowered for the car's size
- • Susceptibility to rust, particularly in older models
- • High running costs, including parts and specialized labor
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(XJ: 1985 - 1992).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Jaguar |
| Model: | XJ |
| Generation: | XJ40/XJ81 |
| Modification (Engine): | 6 2.9 (167 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1986 |
| End of production: | 1990 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 167 Hp |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |















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