2018 Beijing Motor Show: Jaguar XJ50 revealed

Jaguar has announced a celebratory XJ model – the XJ50 – to mark 50 years of the XJ badge.

It’ll come with a supercharged 3.0-litre engine, either petrol or diesel, but the petrol is our pick for character.

Ultimately, we’d have loved to see the XJR575’s supercharged V8 as the feature presentation. Not really in the spirit of subtlety though, is it?

Jag’s ‘Autobiography’ style front and rear signify the XJ50 as a special car, while badging seals the deal.

Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue and Rosello Red are the four colours available.

Inside, grain-wood and diamond-quilted seats with embossed Jaguar ‘leapers’ on the headrests ensure the car feels special, while illuminated treadplates give the game away upon embarking.

Jaguar design boss Ian Callum says the XJ is the pinnacle of balancing luxury and style in the Jaguar range.

"Spanning half a century, the Jaguar XJ remains true to its heritage with a wonderful balance of beautiful design, intelligent performance and indulgent luxury that ensures it stands out from the crowd.

“This is a car worth celebrating and the XJ50 pays homage to a giant within the Jaguar brand that we believe is one of the world's most stylish sporting saloons."

In 1968 the XJ was born, and within four years Jag had dropped a V12 into it to create the fastest (225km/h) four-seater at the time.

Given the recent downsizing of Jaguar’s engine range in some markets (the loss of the 280kW supercharged V6 from the XE and XF ranges), it’s unlikely that’ll ever happen again.

The new XJ50, however, will be available with the ‘charged 3.0-litre sixer in Australia, good for 250kW. Pricing is yet to be announced, but it’ll be available for order next month.

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