Some cars don’t just age well—they mature like fine whisky. They develop depth, character, and a quiet sort of confidence that modern machines often lack. The 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) is one of those cars. You don’t simply walk up to it; you approach it, the same way you would approach an old friend who carries both wisdom and mischief behind his eyes. And when you turn the key, you can feel the mischief wake up first.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L AJ-V8 Supercharged |
| Horsepower | 370 hp |
| Torque | 387 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| 0–60 mph | ~5.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (limited) |
| Fuel Economy | 14–21 mpg |
| Curb Weight | ~3,900 lbs |
| Suspension | Adaptive CATS system |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs with ABS |
| Steering | Speed-sensitive power steering |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Notable Features | Leather interior, wood trim, supercharger, sport suspension |
| Original MSRP | ~$69,000 |
| Current Market Value | Varies widely by condition |
The 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) generation of the XJR is special. It represents a perfect moment in Jaguar history—when old-world British luxury met new-school performance. Before touchscreens took over dashboards, before engines lost their voices, and before driving became a science experiment, the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) delivered power the old-fashioned way: through a supercharged V8 wrapped in a shape that can only be described as automotive poetry.
Before we explore the driving feel and the personality of this uniquely charismatic machine, let’s ground ourselves in the essential number.
A Luxury Car With the Heart of a Street Fighter
The first time 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) you slip behind the wheel of a 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308), you immediately understand that this isn’t a typical old luxury sedan. It’s a sophisticated British gentleman who happens to have a supercharged temper. Where most luxury cars of its time whispered, the XJR growled. Where others focused solely on comfort, this one blended it with enough speed to embarrass sports cars.
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning the key—yes, an actual key—and hearing the AJ-V8 roar to life. It’s not obnoxious. It doesn’t scream. It produces a rich, velvety hum that escalates into a supercharged whine when you prod the throttle. You feel the power under your right foot even before you leave the driveway.
This 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) blend of refinement and aggression is what gives the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) its distinct identity. It’s a car built for long drives, late-night journeys, and high-speed escapes down empty highways. It transforms mundane commutes into cinematic moments.
Exterior
The exterior design of the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) is one of its strongest traits. Jaguar has always believed in design that flows rather than shouts, and the X308 embodies that philosophy perfectly. You get the long hood that stretches forward like a prow. You get the quad headlights that give it a distinguished face. You get the pronounced grille, framed in chrome, announcing that this is not just a car—it’s a statement.
The 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) proportions are classic and elegant. The roofline slopes gently toward the trunk, creating a silhouette that feels both athletic and regal. The subtle side skirts and unique wheels differentiate the XJR from the standard XJ, but never in a flashy way. It remains understated, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.
The design doesn’t try to impress you with drama or aggressive angles. Instead, it wins you with harmony. Like a tailored suit or a fine fountain pen, the beauty of the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) lies in its details, not in theatrics.
Interior
Open the door, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels like stepping into an old, prestigious library—except this one can do 155 mph and has a supercharger humming beneath the floor. Jaguar has always prided itself on craftsmanship, and the X308 shows why.
The leather seats are soft and supportive, the kind you sink into rather than simply sit on. The wood trim—real wood, mind you—wraps across the dashboard like polished artwork. The cabin smells like luxury, feels like luxury, and whispers luxury even when you’re just parked.
The gauge cluster is simple but elegant. The center console has real buttons, real knobs, and a design that prioritizes the driver’s engagement, not digital clutter. Everything feels intentional, purposeful, and timeless.
Rear passengers are treated well, too. Legroom is respectable, materials are top-notch, and the cabin insulation keeps the noise out while letting the supercharger’s whine in at just the perfect moments.
The interior of the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) isn’t just a place to sit. It’s a place to experience.
Features & Technology
Though it comes from a pre-digital era, the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) offers technology that was considered advanced for its time. You get automatic climate control, power seats with memory, a premium sound system, and traction control.
But what really stands out is Jaguar’s CATS suspension system. This adaptive damping setup adjusts in real-time to changing road conditions. It gives the XJR its signature blend of ride comfort and handling sharpness.
The features don’t overwhelm you. They support you. Everything feels intuitively placed, thoughtfully crafted, and beautifully integrated.
This is luxury from a time when technology was meant to enhance the driving experience—not replace it.
Engine
At the heart of the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) lies one of the finest engines Jaguar ever built—the 4.0-liter AJ-V8 with an Eaton supercharger. On paper, it delivers around 370 horsepower, but numbers alone don’t capture the experience.
Press the accelerator gently, and the car glides forward with dignified smoothness. Press it harder, and the supercharger comes alive. The whine rises, the torque surges, and the XJR lunges forward like something half its size and weight.
It’s not explosive or chaotic—it’s controlled, confident acceleration. The power delivery feels like a wave that builds effortlessly. Before you know it, you’re cruising at speeds that feel illegal in most countries.
The engine is the perfect blend of refinement and potency. It’s one of the main reasons the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) has aged into a cult classic.
Driving Dynamics
Drive the XJR, and you instantly notice how light it feels for a vehicle this size. Jaguar’s engineering team prioritised agility, resulting in steering that feels precise and responsive. The chassis is balanced beautifully. And the rear-wheel-drive layout gives the XJR a sense of athleticism that many sedans still struggle to match.
Cornering is confident. Braking is strong. Highway cruising is effortless. And city driving, surprisingly enough, is smooth and manageable.
The CATS suspension deserves special praise. In comfort settings, the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) soaks up bumps like a luxury limousine. In spirited driving, it tightens up, allowing the car to dance through corners with surprising poise.
It may be two decades old, but it still feels lively, eager, and sophisticated behind the wheel.
Comfort
The XJR delivers comfort in a way modern cars sometimes fail to replicate. Ride quality is buttery smooth. Cabin noise is minimal. Seats are plush yet supportive. Long drives feel effortless, and even rough roads don’t disturb the driving experience.
Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or relaxing in the back, the car pampers you. It’s a rolling lounge with the ability to transform into a performance machine at a moment’s notice.
That duality is what makes the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) special.
Safety – Built With Substance
Safety in the X308 era was focused on structural strength and intelligent engineering. The XJR features airbags, ABS, traction control, and strong crash protection for its time.
More importantly, it feels secure. The heavy doors, the solid steering feel, the planted chassis—all contribute to a sense of confidence.
While it doesn’t have modern ADAS systems, the XJR offers something equally important: predictability.
Price – A Sleeper Luxury Bargain
The market for classic luxury sedans is unpredictable, but the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) remains one of the best-value performance cars you can buy. Depending on condition, prices range dramatically, but well-maintained examples are rising in value as enthusiasts rediscover their brilliance.
This car isn’t just transportation—it’s an investment in driving happiness.
Final Verdict
Reviewing the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) feels less like writing about a machine and more like describing a character—a charismatic, powerful, and endlessly fascinating character.
It’s elegant.
It’s fast.
It’s comfortable.
It’s soulful.
And above all, it’s genuinely special.
If you crave a true driver’s luxury car with personality, heritage, performance, and craftsmanship, the XJR is one of the finest machines ever made. Even today, it stands tall among modern sedans that try far too hard to achieve what this Jaguar accomplished effortlessly.
FAQs – 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308)
Q1: Is the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) reliable?
When maintained properly, yes. Regular servicing and quality parts are key.
Q2: Why is the X308 XJR so special to enthusiasts?
Because it blends old-school luxury with supercharged performance and timeless styling.
Q3: Is the XJR expensive to repair?
Some parts can be pricey, but the car is surprisingly reasonable to maintain if kept in good condition.
Q4: How fast does the XJR feel today?
Still very quick. The supercharged V8 provides torque-rich acceleration that feels modern.
Q5: Is the 1999 Jaguar XJR (X308) a good investment?
Yes. Prices of clean examples are rising, especially low-mileage, well-maintained cars.
