Anglophiles extolled the swoopy, long-hooded good looks of this consummate Grand Touring car, the only Jaguar that was still in production and designed under the personal guidance of Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons. They also praised its genuine 150-mph performance, smooth acceleration and viceless handling.
Competition for the Coupe came from the Lexus SC 400 (since 1992), Mercedes-Benz E320 (since 1994), S500 and S600, and BMW 850Ci. The only comparable convertibles were Mercedes' E320 cabriolet and SL-Class 2-seaters.
Year-to-year changes[]
1995[]
The major changes for 1995 took place under the hood, where both the 4.0-liter dohc I6 (the XJ6's counterpart) and the 6.0-liter sohc V12 (the XJ12's counterpart) have been extensively revised. The I6 got new pistons, cylinder head and engine management system, as well as lighter valves and individual ignition coils for each spark plug. Horsepower was up from 219 to 237. The 6.0-liter V12 had similarly improved power, with 301 hp versus last year's 278. The I6 was mated to a German ZF 4-speed automatic, while the V12 used an excellent 4-speed automatic that Jaguar bought from General Motors.
Other enhancements for '95 included variable assist power steering on the I6. V12s got a 6-disc CD changer, heated seats, an engine block heater, headlamp washers, new 20-spoke aluminum wheels, and a rear spoiler with built-in brakelight. The rear seats on all Coupes have been redesigned to provide more space and were now similar to those on the Convertibles.
With wood and leather interiors as tasteful as they were traditional, the XJS was truly a contemporary classic.
1996[]
Only the I6 engined convertible went on sale for this model year, while the V12 engine was completely discontinued and the 2-door coupe went on a one-year hiatus, before being replaced by the Jaguar XK8.
Retail prices[]
- $51,950 (1994 Jaguar XJS Coupe)
- $59,950 (1994 Jaguar XJS Convertible)
- $69,950 (1994 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe)
- $79,950 (1994 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible)
As of October 17, 1994:
- $53,400 (1995 Jaguar XJS Coupe)
- $61,550 (1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible)
- $72,350 (1995 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe)
- $82,550 (1995 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible)
As of mid-1995:
- $68,650 (1995 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe)
- $78,850 (1995 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible)
As of September 22, 1995:
- $61,570 (1996 Jaguar XJS Convertible)
Gallery[]
