2008 Jaguar XJ World Debut

Switzerland will be the place to be next week, when the 2007 Geneva Motor Show officially kicks off, but we’re still getting plenty of new car news leading up to the big event. Today, Jaguar unveiled the 2008 XJ. The company’s flagship sedan receives some new body work, most noticeably a more aggressive grille and a side vent borrowed from the XK coupe.

The seats are new and provide more rear legroom. Otherwise, things look very much the same. The car should drive the same, as the engine choices have not changed; there are two V-8s, a 300-hp version and a 400-hp supercharged one.

If you’re into Bluetooth phones, the new XJ can handle up to five with its in-car phone system. There’s also an optional GPS antitheft device to track down your wayward Jag. Expect to see the new XJ at dealers this August. Full photo gallery below.

Comments

looks good but its soooooooooo old

I'm wondering why they haven't added AWD to this car in all these years? I think this would really boost its appeal. Any thoughts?

The exterior looks very classic and elegant Jaguar. Nice lines and agressive look. However, the backseat looks very mid-90's when compared to the new S-class, or LS460. Also the interior buttons and quality are way too close to that of the X-type. If you are spending 3x more for this car, it needs to look and feel better. And Jaguar...NO MORE J-GATE, EVER!

Jag needs an overhaul from top 2 bottom, they are still stuck in the past literally and figuratively. The XK coupe and 'vertible are good start, but still have a long ways to go.

Car looks like somthin outta the 60's, could appeal to corporate executives or people that has money to buy these cars. Tho i wonder how unreliable these cars will be.

I've seen a lot of auto media comment that the Jaguars have "dated" styling. I'm younger (26) and I think the styling would better be described as classic. I enjoy some of the modern styled cars like the newer Cadillacs, etc but Jaguar's "niche" is the classic British styling. If they put out of a vehicle that looked "new and edgey" like everything else out there, they would lose their biggest bargaining chip. I have to admit, I'm a British car wacko (MGs, Rovers, Austins, Triumphs, etc), but I don't think the XJ needs to be toyed with.

The J-Gate & the interior's gotta go we know it will probably continue looking like the classic ones on the outside but how does it plan on competing with cars like the Lexus LS, BMW 7-series or Mercedes S-class with dated stuff?

I just bought a Super V8, this is the top of the range of XJ's and I have only driven Jags all my life, once you have owned one there is nothing to compete against, I suggest to all those critics go and test drive one and when you are done then comment, my partner has had BMW, Mercedes and Audi's and after he drove mine, he whent and bought a Jag, if you read the car magazines, they love having the car on the fleet and hate returning it, I wonder why ........... :)

Jag doesn't need to change its style, it would lose its special charm. It the same as if Volvo would change the boxy style what identifies their car as safer than other cars or Pontiac the sporty style.

People buy Jags because they like their style and doesn't want to be seen in another car without Jag personality.

The XJ is a thing of beauty,and as far as coolness goes its infinitely cooler than a BMW or a Benz because the jag gives you the same feeling of luxury and quality while giving the impression that its not trying as hard as the others. The jag has everything you need, voice navi, heated seats (front and rear included stock! Benz and BMW charge an arm and a leg) and self-leveling suspension. Jags, XJ's especially, come with so much class and style, they're just nicer to look at and be inside of, not to mention drive. But I have to admit the best thing a jag gives is that feeling of British charm, you either appreciate or don't.

I am just finishing up a 2 year lease on my 05 Jaguar Vanden Plas. I have not had one single problem in 2 years. This is the best car I have ever owned. I am 25 years old and don't feel that Jags are for older people. Jaguars are for people who are different and dont want the typical Benz or BMW. I was going to oder the S550 4 matic, but have decided to lease the new 08 Vanden Plas. Once you drive a Jaguar and I am not talking about a X or S Type, but a true XJ, you will not want to drive anything else.

I'm wondering why they haven't added AWD to this car in all these years? I think this would really boost its appeal. Any thoughts?

Better priced than the A-8, LS460 and S550. Reliable. Classic but updated lines that make it different from than crowd. Last but not least, absolutely, positively, beautiful! Virtually no downside here!