Jaguar XJ (X300) is a full-size executive sedan of the new generation, created on the basis of the previous Jaguar XJ40 model.

About Jaguar XJ X300

The new Jaguar XJ luxury sedan (Project X300) was the first car developed and launched after Ford Motor Co. took over the brand.

It first appeared at the Paris Motor Show in October 1994 and received favorable reviews from automotive experts, despite the fact that some of them were critical of the novelty of the XJ (X300) declared by Ford.

The main problem with Jaguar's new executive sedan was quality. Despite the excellent technical characteristics of the Jaguar XJ40, which became the basis for the XJ (X300), the build quality of the Jaguar XJ40 was poor.

In the late 1980s, Jaguar's reputation as the best in the executive class was at a low point and was continuing to deteriorate. The new owner of Ford Motor Company had to solve not only technical and technological problems, but also reputational ones.

Technological problems were to be solved by investments in new equipment and assembly technologies, and reputational problems were to be solved by a new model of a Jaguar brand executive car.

Ford spent £200 million to achieve these goals, including £110 million to resolve technical problems at the Castle Bromwich and Browns Lane plants. Ford Motor Company invested £90 million in the development of the new car from 1991 to 1994.

Ford Motor Company hoped that investments in new technology, replacement of outdated equipment, reconstruction of the assembly line and luxurious interior design of the XJ (X300) would help solve the problems of the new Jaguar model.

Although the new model was developed on the basis of the Jaguar XJ40, much of what was used in the work on the X300 project was done for the first time.

For the first time, a CAD system was used to develop the body design of a Jaguar car, and a robotic welding line was used for the first time to produce the body of a Jaguar XJ (X300).

At the same time, the new model retains the body design characteristic of Jaguars, independent rear suspension and Jaguar V12 and AJ16 engines. But overall it was a different car, especially in terms of build quality and technical design solutions.

New devices and units

The new executive Jaguar XJ (X300) has received several new devices, some of which have already become standard in the next model.

• V12 and AJ16 Supercharged engines
• General Engine Management System (GEMS)
• Nippon Denso Distributionless Ignition Unit (DIS)
• Cast crankshaft for Jaguar V12 engine
• Magnesium alloy valve covers
• Lightweight engine pistons
• Climate control system optional
• On-Board-Diagnostics System optional
• SRS airbags in the front seats are optional

Jaguar XJ X300 Overview

The XJ X300 was produced with two types of bodies on a long and short wheelbase and in various configurations. The Jaguar XJ (X300) model and its modifications were produced from 1994 to 1997.

Production ended in August 1997, due to the development of a new executive sedan model called Project X308. In total, from 1994 to 1997, 92,038 Jaguar XJ (X300) cars were produced in various modifications.

Jaguar XJ X300 Technical Specification

Engine: AJ16 with aluminum head:
Common to all XJ6 (X300) models is a steel exhaust system with catalytic converter
DOHC 3.2 liters (3239 cc, 211 hp, 155 kW), bore and stroke 91x83 mm, compression 10.1:1, combustion chamber with aluminum roof, Nippondenso ignition.
DOHC 4.0 liters (3980 cc, 241 hp, 177 kW), bore and stroke 91x102 mm, compression 10.1:1, combustion chamber with aluminum roof, Denso ignition.
DOHC 4.0 liter Supercharge, (3980 cc, 326 hp, 240 kW), Eaton M90 supercharger, bore and stroke 91x102 mm, compression 8.5:1, combustion chamber with aluminum roof, Nippondenso ignition.
SOHC 6.0 liter V12 (5993 cc, 318 hp, 239 kW), bore and stroke 90x78.5 mm, compression 11:1, Marelli Electronic ignition.

Body: load-bearing four-door welded monocoque type with programmable deformation zones.

Transmission: Five-speed manual Getrag 290. Four-speed automatic ZF-4HP-22, ZF-4HP-24 and GM 4L80-E (XJR, XJ12, Daimler Double Six)

Suspension: Both (front and rear) suspensions are independent, with longitudinal and transverse arms, with stabilizers.

Control: Rack and pinion, with ZF Servotronic hydraulic booster with and without electric drive. Four-spoke steering wheel. SRS airbags for driver and front passenger (optional).

Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes with hydraulic booster, ABS anti-lock braking system and traction control system (TCS).

Wheels and tires: Pirelli P4000E 225/60 ZR16, XJ Sport Pirelli P6000 225/55 ZR 16, XJR Pirelli P Zero 225/45 ZR17. Steel wheels on all models except the Sovereign and XJR, which had light alloy wheels.

Interior, exterior: The designers retained the main lines of the XJ40 body, but made them smoother. Chrome trim around the body pillars, windows and trunk. Wood-trimmed dashboard and interior pillars, leather seats. Electric steering column, windows, mirrors and antenna, heated glass, front window and headlight washer. Audio system standard and Hartman Kardon CD player on Sovereign models. On-board computer, electronic adjustment of both front and rear seats, airbags. Jaguar Sovereign models feature additional equipment and trim. High quality leather, rear reading lights, front seat back picnic tables, wood steering wheel.

Electronics: In addition to the standard set of electronics mentioned above and previously installed on the Jaguar XJ40, noteworthy is the On-Board-Diagnostics System. It was first installed on Jaguar executive cars.

Dimensions: Wheelbase on SWB cars – 2870 mm, on LWB cars – 2995 mm. Length 5025 mm and width 1800 mm for SWB and 5150 mm and 2075 mm respectively for LWB. Height: Comfort SWB 1314 mm, Sport SWB 1307 mm, XJR 1303 mm, Comfort LWB 1333 mm, Sport LWB 1326 mm.

Weight: XJ6 1800 kg, XJR 1975 kg.

Jaguar XJ X300 Models

Jaguar XJ (X300)

The base model of the line with a body on a short wheelbase was equipped with Jaguar AJ16 engines - inline six, 3.2 and 4.0 liters and a Jaguar V12 engine with 6.0 liters.

A distinctly conservative body with a smoothly sloping trunk line, long and low. A distinctive feature of the base model, by which it is unmistakably recognizable, is the combination of careful chrome window trim and black pillars. Central locking and remote control of trunk and gas tank locks, windshield and headlight washer. Audio system, on-board computer, electrically adjustable driver's seat, wood trim on the dashboard.

Jaguar Sovereign (X300)

The Sovereign, like the XJ (X300), was equipped with an AJ16 inline six with a volume of 3.2 and 4.0 liters.

Improved equipment: power leather seats, adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, climate control and a set of tools under the hood. Aluminum wheels, air conditioning from Nippondenso, electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats with memory for three positions. Electric steering column, heated mirrors, headlight washers.

A distinctive feature is the chrome pillars in addition to the chrome windows of the base model.

Jaguar XJ Sport (X300)

Designed for young buyers. XJ Sport is a model with a stiffer suspension, wider 8-inch wheels, modified seats, and a stiffer suspension.

It was produced with both long (LWB) and short (SWB) wheelbases. It was marked with the “Sport” emblem mounted on the B-pillar. It was marked with the “Sport” emblem mounted on the B-pillars and on the rear panel of the body.

Jaguar Executive (X300)

Like the XJ Sport, it was aimed at younger buyers, but with standard suspension. It was offered on the European market from mid-1996 and was considered as the final version of the base model of the X300 project.

It was equipped with a Jaguar AJ16 engine, a manual transmission, leather interior trim, a steering wheel that could be made of leather or wood, wide wheels and air conditioning.

Jaguar XJR (X306)

Externally it was different from other models of the X300 project.

Sports model with AJ16 Supercharge engine with 326 hp. and with a mechanical Eaton M90 supercharger. Sports suspension, large 17-inch wheels, Getrag manual transmission or GM 4L80 automatic.

ZF Servotronic steering with power steering, Pirelli 225/45 ZR17 tires, airbags, ABS.

Jaguar XJ12 (X305)

Model with a 6.0-liter Jaguar V12 engine, as confirmed by V12 emblems on the B-pillar and rear panel.

The first Jaguar equipped with the On-Board-Diagnostics System (OBD) - an on-board diagnostic system. GM 4L80 electronically controlled automatic transmission and stiffer than standard suspension.

The first Jaguar X305s were produced with a short wheelbase, and starting in mid-1995, cars with a long wheelbase (LWB) appeared.

Jaguar Vanden Plas (X300)

Jaguar Daimler cars were supplied and sold under this brand in the USA. High-quality interior trim, traditional Daimler car grooved radiator surround and trunk lid.

Jaguar XJ6 (X330)

In mid-1995, Jaguar introduced another new addition to the lineup, the XJ (X330). The X330 model was produced on an extended wheelbase and a body increased in length by 150 mm.

The interior layout is four- and five-seater with the console raised by 25 mm above the rear adjustable seats.
This body type was available for all XJ (X300) models in the corresponding configuration, with the exception of the XJR (X306) and XJ6 (X300) Sport models.

Equipped with Jaguar AJ16 and Jaguar V12 engines and a ZF 4HP-24 automatic transmission.

Although the X330's larger size made it look less proportional than the base X300, it was a success. Especially for clients who preferred not to drive themselves.

Jaguar XJ X300 Photogallery