Jaguar XJS 1975–1991 car dimensions: 4764 mm long, 1793 mm wide and 1274 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,687 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
The cabin uses leather seats and later wood veneer trim for a quiet grand tourer feel. Automatic climate control is standard with the Delanair system that holds set temperatures. Cruise control appears as an option early on and becomes more common later. Power windows and locks are fitted. The 2+2 layout leaves rear seats tight for adults. No modern driver aids like cameras or electronic warnings show up in period specs.
Boot space measures around 407 litres with seats in place. It takes luggage for a week away. The spare and tools sit in the floor and limit flat load area. Rear seats do not fold.
Later models list braked towing to 1500 kg and unbraked to 750 kg. Payload sits near 350 kg. Early cars show no rated towing figures. A Sportspack option stiffens the suspension on some versions. This remains a grand tourer rather than a work vehicle.
Leather-faced seats with good support and recline plus adjustable headrests are standard, later cars adding power lumbar and heated fronts. Automatic climate control keeps the cabin comfortable. Early interiors use vinyl trim without wood. later ones add burl walnut. Front space suits tall drivers well for long trips while the ride stays quiet and smooth. Rear seats fit only small passengers due to limited leg and head room. Tinted laminated glass and electric windows are standard.
V12 fuel use starts high then improves with HE heads
Oil and filter changes every 7500 miles or yearly
Four-wheel discs standard. ABS from 1988
Inertia-reel belts and side intrusion beams standard
Inboard rear brakes until later years
Early V12 models use more fuel than the later HE version with revised heads. Six-cylinder cars from 1983 return better figures overall. Large tanks help offset the thirst on long runs.
Regular oil services keep the durable engines healthy. Inboard rear brakes need careful attention as access is limited. Parts supply remains good for most items and many jobs can be owner-done.
Power discs stop the car well in normal use. ABS arrives as standard mid-run for better control. Belts and body structure meet the safety rules of the period. No airbags feature before the end of this range.
Early cars need close rust checks on floors, sills and arches. Electrics improve after the early years. The car rewards careful upkeep as a refined grand tourer with strong long-distance manners.
Length 4764 mm, Width 1793 mm, Height 1274 mm, Wheelbase 2591 mm (XJS 1975–1991)
Sources: manufacturer data, jec.org.uk, Motor Sport Magazine Oct 1975, Wikipedia, auto-data.net, gazoo.com, carfolio.com.