1997 Jaguar XJ (X308) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Jaguar XJ (X308) has a width of 1799 mm, which is about 70.8 inches. This width balances sleek exterior styling with ample interior room, allowing comfortable seating for four to five passengers. The width contributes to the car’s stable handling characteristics and a commanding road presence typical of a full-size luxury sedan. It also impacts parking and maneuvering ease in urban environments.

The height of the Jaguar XJ (X308) varies between 1333 mm and 1345 mm (52.5 to 52.9 inches). This low roofline enhances the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and enhancing fuel efficiency for its class. While the relatively low height contributes to a sporty and elegant silhouette, Jaguar carefully designed the cabin to maintain ample headroom for both front and rear passengers, supporting the luxurious comfort expected in this model.

The curb weight of the Jaguar XJ (X308) ranges between 1730 kg and 1845 kg (approximately 3814 to 4067 pounds). This weight reflects the vehicle's construction using robust luxury components, sound insulation, and safety features, resulting in a solid yet agile sedan. The weight distribution and mass contribute to the car’s smooth ride quality, stability, and handling characteristics, which are crucial for a premium executive sedan.

The Jaguar XJ (X308) has a maximum weight capacity of 2260 kg (about 4980 pounds). This figure encompasses the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and any additional load. Staying within this capacity ensures safety, optimal handling, and mechanical integrity. It allows the sedan to comfortably transport five passengers along with a reasonable amount of luggage without compromising performance or safety.

The luggage capacity of the Jaguar XJ (X308) ranges from 410 to 430 liters (approximately 14.5 to 15.2 cubic feet). This space is generous for a luxury sedan, providing sufficient room for several suitcases or shopping bags, making it suitable for long-distance journeys as well as everyday use. The large trunk size complements the car's overall practicality, ensuring that passengers have space to store their belongings comfortably.

With a length ranging from 5023 mm to 5149 mm (197.8 to 202.6 inches), width of 1799 mm (70.8 inches), and height around 1333-1345 mm (52.5-52.9 inches), the Jaguar XJ (X308) generally fits into a standard home garage common in many regions. Typical single-car garage dimensions are about 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width, so this car’s size allows adequate room for opening doors and maneuvering, but precise garage dimensions should always be checked to ensure comfortable parking.

The Jaguar XJ (X308), introduced in 1997 as the successor to the XJ (X300), maintains a very similar footprint with subtle increases in certain dimensions. The X308 generally continued the length and width close to the X300 but introduced updated styling and technologies. Weight slightly increased due to added safety features and luxury amenities, with curb weight rising within the typical range of 1730 to 1845 kg compared to the slightly lighter X300. Overall, the X308 preserved the classic XJ size but improved refinement and performance.

Compared to contemporaries like the BMW 7 Series (E38) and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220), the Jaguar XJ (X308) offered competitive dimensions with a length of around 5 meters and a similar width close to 1.8 meters, placing it firmly in the full-size luxury sedan category. Its luggage capacity of about 410-430 liters is on par or slightly better than many rivals. The X308 emphasized classic British luxury with spacious headroom and shoulder room, combining traditional elegance with performance. While slightly narrower than some German rivals, it delivered a distinctive presence and comfort.

The Jaguar XJ (X308) came with various tire sizes, including 225/60 R16 98W, 235/50 R17, 235/50 R16, and 255/40 R18. These sizes offered a balance between ride comfort and handling precision. Larger diameter tires with lower aspect ratios, such as the 255/40 R18, enhance cornering stability and sporty handling, while higher profile tires like 225/60 R16 tend to improve ride softness by better absorbing road imperfections. This variety allowed Jaguar to cater to different customer preferences for performance or comfort without compromising luxury standards.