What is the Jaguar XJS?
The XJS is a luxury grand tourer, first offered as a coupé and later also as an open-top car. Jaguar designed it for relaxed, high-speed touring, with distinctive styling that set it apart from the marque’s saloons. A cabriolet and then a fully folding convertible broadened the range.
XJS generations
The generation listings identify a second generation, XJ27 (1982–1991), and a third generation, also XJ27 (1992–1996). The XJS began as a coupé, gained a cabriolet soft-top, and later a fully folding convertible. A substantial restyle arrived in 1991. The final years included a 6.0-litre V12 and a 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine. Jaguar Heritage records production ending in 1996, ahead of the XK8.
Engines and power
The EU figures list engines from 3.0 to 5.0 litres, with diesel and petrol fuel types and a listed power figure of 221 kW (300 PS). UK figures show engine sizes from 2.0 to 5.0 litres and power from 177 kW (240 PS) to 375 kW (510 PS). US listings cover petrol engines from 4.0 to 6.0 litres; Canadian listings range from 3.0 to 6.0 litres and include flex-fuel E85.
How economical is the Jaguar XJS?
The lowest UK figure is 5.7 L/100 km on NEDC. The US EPA low is 13.1 L/100 km, with a best listed combined rating of 18 MPG. Canada’s lowest is 11.7 L/100 km on the NRCan 5-cycle test. These results use different procedures: NEDC in Europe, EPA in the US and 5-cycle in Canada. EU registrations totalled 2,388 between 2010 and 2020; the most registered listed engine grouping was the 3.0-litre diesel.
Where was the XJS sold?
Official figures cover the EU, UK, US and Canada. Their periods differ: US figures end in 1996, while UK and Canadian figures extend to 2019. The XJS’s long production life and later presence in national records mean its name appears across a wide span of years.
Questions and answers
Was the XJS only a coupé?
No. It began as a coupé, then gained cabriolet and convertible versions.
What are the listed XJS generations?
The second generation is listed as XJ27 for 1982–1991, followed by the third generation, also XJ27, for 1992–1996.
What is the lowest listed XJS consumption?
The UK NEDC figure is 5.7 L/100 km; the US EPA low is 13.1 L/100 km and Canada’s NRCan 5-cycle low is 11.7 L/100 km.
What was the XJS’s listed UK power range?
The UK figures show 177 kW (240 PS) to 375 kW (510 PS).
