Jaguar launched the utterly new XJ in 2009 after Ford sold the British brand to the Indian company Tata Group in 2008.
Ford asked Jaguar to start working on a new flagship model in 2005 under the supervision of Ian Callum as a lead designer. The result was a complete departure from the Jaguar’s XJ classic lines. Moreover, the result was more of a sport-executive sedan than just another premium on the market. It resembled the British brand’s motorsport origins.

With its shape that resembled more of a four-door coupe than a luxury car, the XJ featured a bold front fascia with a silver mesh grille. Its cat-like headlights swept back and underlined with eight LEDs on each side as daytime running lights, the carmaker’s flagship. The XJ showed a front fascia more appropriate for a GT vehicle with its lower apron enhanced by a center grille and two side-scoops. Its profile revealed a long, sloped-down rear windscreen and narrow side windows, while the short trunk lid was flanked by the vertical taillights and adorned by the brand’s flying Jaguar.

Inside, Ian Callum sought its inspiration from luxury boats with a run-around wood veneer that emerged from the door cards to the upper side of the dashboard. Its front bucket seats were designed more for comfort but with enough side bolstering. Between them, a tall center console sported the rotary dial for the gear selector. The bench offered enough comfort for two passengers at the back, but the tall transmission tunnel limited the legroom for a third person.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a range of gasoline and turbo-diesel engines carried over from the XF range. At the launch, it was available with the 3.0-liter V-6 oil-burner and the 5.0-liter V-8 powerplants. Later on, the carmaker extended the range.