Jaguar luxury sedan XJ celebrates 50th anniversary

The Jaguar XJ / Courtesy of Jaguar

By Jun Ji-hye

Jaguar is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its flagship luxury sedan the XJ by introducing the latest XJ50, which will be available here next month.

The XJ is the British luxury brand's pinnacle saloon car that has the cutting-edge Touch Pro connected technology.

The XJ was released in 1968. For four years after its birth, it was the world's only four-door, V12-engine sedan that was mass produced. It had a maximum speed of 225 kilometers per hour.

After that, the model was released in several versions, such as standard and long-wheel base, becoming the symbol of British luxury cars.

In 1975, a two-door coupe was released. The firm introduced the so-called J-Gate automatic transmission in the XJ40 in 1986.

The special XJ50 model aims to distinguish itself from other XJ models.

The latest model will represent the sedan's intrinsic performance, technology and magnificence, the firm said.

Ian Callum, a Jaguar design director, said the XJ has been standing out clearly from other luxury sedans through its beautiful design, high performance and comfort.

“The XJ50 is valuable enough to mark the anniversary,” Callum said.

The company said the special edition “delivers the refinement of a luxury car with the responsiveness and driver involvement of a sports car, with a refined engine, a lightning-fast transmission and a range of advanced driving technologies.”

The XJ50 features unique 20-inch Venom wheels, while the dashboard and front armrest feature the XJ50 logo.

The seats are covered in soft leather with a diamond quilted pattern and twin-needle contrast stitching.

The XJ50 is available in four colors _ Fuji White, Santorini Black, Rosello Red and Loire Blue.