1986 Jaguar XJ (XJ40/XJ81) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Jaguar XJ40’s width, approximately 1770 mm (69.7 inches), places it comfortably within the full-size luxury sedan segment of its time. Compared to competitors like the BMW 7 Series (E32) or Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), which typically ranged from around 1780 mm to 1820 mm (70.1 to 71.7 inches), the XJ40 is slightly narrower but still offers an ample cabin space for passengers. Jaguar balanced width with a sleek and aerodynamic silhouette, making the car elegant yet practical for urban and highway use.

The Jaguar XJ40 has an approximate height of 1400 mm (55.1 inches), which is fairly typical for luxury sedans of its generation. This height supports a comfortable headroom within the cabin for both front and rear passengers, contributing to a spacious feel inside. It also offers reasonable roof clearance for garage accommodation and parking facilities. The lower stance compared to some bulkier sedans enhances aerodynamic efficiency without compromising overall interior space.

The wheelbase of the Jaguar XJ40 is approximately 2880 mm (113.4 inches). A longer wheelbase like this typically translates to improved ride quality because it helps smooth out road imperfections, providing a more comfortable ride for occupants. Additionally, it creates more interior room, particularly benefiting rear-seat legroom which is crucial for a luxury sedan. This length contributes to the XJ40's reputation for combining sportiness and comfort in a balanced package.

The curb weight of the Jaguar XJ40 ranges around 1700 to 1800 kg (3747 to 3968 lbs), depending on the specific model and configurations. This weight is typical for a luxury full-size sedan with robust construction and comprehensive equipment. While the weight contributes to a solid and stable feel on the road, Jaguar’s chassis tuning and suspension systems are designed to deliver agile handling and responsive performance. The balanced weight distribution also enhances driving dynamics, ensuring the car remains composed even at higher speeds or through corners.

Yes, the Jaguar XJ40 generally fits into a standard residential garage. Standard single-car garage dimensions typically range around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) in width and about 4.8 to 6.0 meters (15.7 to 19.7 feet) in length. Given the XJ40 is 4980 mm (196.1 inches or roughly 16.3 feet) long and approximately 1770 mm (69.7 inches or 5.8 feet) wide, it should comfortably fit within standard garage dimensions. However, clearance depends on garage door width and internal space for ease of entrance and exit, so garage specifics should be checked prior to parking.

Compared to its predecessor, the Jaguar XJ6 Series III (produced until 1992), the XJ40 introduced a slightly larger footprint. While the exact dimensions differ by variant, the XJ40 is generally longer and wider, offering improved interior space and comfort. The XJ6 Series III measured approximately 4890 mm (192.5 inches) in length, making the XJ40 about 90 mm (3.5 inches) longer. This increase facilitated better legroom and a more modern design language while maintaining Jaguar's traditional luxury and performance attributes.

The Jaguar XJ40’s interior space is competitive with other full-size luxury sedans from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its longer wheelbase (2880 mm or 113.4 inches) provides ample legroom, particularly for rear passengers, rivaling cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) and BMW 7 Series (E32). The cabin is designed for a plush, comfortable experience, combining generous seating space with premium materials and craftsmanship. While some rivals might offer marginally more width or rear headroom, the XJ40’s overall interior space holds strong in its class.

The Jaguar XJ40 sedan features a traditional trunk configuration providing practical cargo space suitable for a luxury sedan of its era. While exact trunk capacity figures are typically around 400 to 450 liters (14.1 to 15.9 cubic feet), the space is well-proportioned to accommodate luggage for long trips or daily needs. The trunk opening is large enough for ease of loading and unloading, and the flat floor design maximizes usable space. This cargo capacity strikes a balance between passenger comfort and storage utility.

The Jaguar XJ40 brought several significant advancements over its predecessors, including a modernized, angular design language that departed from the rounded shapes of earlier XJ models. Technologically, it introduced improved electronics and onboard systems, such as digital instrument clusters and an upgraded climate control system. The XJ40 also benefited from chassis enhancements that improved handling and safety features. Interior materials and finishes were elevated to emphasize luxury and craftsmanship, setting new standards for Jaguar sedans during its production run from 1986 to 1994.