Jaguar celebrates 50 years of XJ50 legendary sedan

By Theodore Opara Jaguar is marking 50 years of its flagship XJ luxury sedan – the choice of business leaders, celebrities, politicians and royalty for five decades – with the launch of a new special edition model. Revealed at the Beijing Motor Show, the Jaguar XJ50 celebrates half a century of trademark performance, technology and luxury. The Jaguar XJ competes in the same segment with Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series According to Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design: “The XJ is the ultimate expression of saloon car luxury and refinement and has been for half a century. We couldn’t let such a landmark pass without recognising 50 years of Jaguar comfort and performance and the XJ50 is as desirable as it is understated. From its soft-grain leather upholstery to its distinctive alloy wheels, the enhancements are designed to showcase its traditional strengths – its unmistakable presence, trademark refinement and engaging driving dynamics.”

In sub-Sahara Africa, the special edition will be available in both standard and long wheelbase with a 221kW 3.0-litre petrol diesel engine. The exterior updates for the XJ50 include Autobiography-style front and rear bumpers. These mark the anniversary edition out alongside purposeful new 20-inch Venom wheels, a black front grille and unique badging to the rear and side vents, while the striking colour palette includes Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue and Rosello Red. Inside, the luxurious cabin features soft-grain diamond-quilted seats with an embossed leaper on the headrests and an XJ50 logo on the centre armrest. Unique intaglio branding and XJ50-badged illuminated treadplates also differentiate the anniversary edition, alongside anodised gearshift paddles and bright metal pedals. The new XJ50 will be introduced to the sub-Sahara Africa market along with the rest of the 2019 model year XJ range in September. The special edition will be available alongside the high performance XJR575, XJ Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio, R-Sport and top-of-the-range Autobiography models. It comes in different powertrains ranging from 3.0 supercharged petrol to 5.0 litre engines. The XJ Series 1 started the distinctive dynasty in 1968 and for nine generations, the luxury sedan has been turning heads around the world. Whether transporting VIPs and politicians, or acting as the preferred vehicle for business leaders and royalty, the XJ has been a mainstay on our roads for five decades.

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