Jaguar XJ6/XJ12/XJ8

Year-to-year changes

1991

At the beginning of the '90s, one of Jaguar's 4-door sedans, the XJ6, was available as either a base, Sovereign, or Vanden Plas model.

1992

A limited-edition Majestic sedan was added for this year.

1993

The Majestic and Sovereign sedans were never seen again as of 1993.

1994

A new XJ12, introduced this year, was basically the same machine as the XJ6 Vanden Plas, but with a silky-smooth 313-hp V12 engine. It competed with the big BMW 750iL and Mercedes S500 and S600.

1995

The XJ sedans were restyled and re-engineered for 1995. They were made to look more like the traditional XJ sedans, with four round headlamps that flow into hood and fender bulges, a softer grille and body-color bumpers. Trapezoidal taillights evoked previous Jaguar sedans, too. The line has grown into a 4-model series.

The 6-cylinder XJ6 competed with the BMW 5-series, Lexus LS 400, Infiniti Q45 and Mercedes E320 and E420, Cadillac Seville and Lincoln Continental. It was also available as the upgraded Vanden Plas, with a fancier interior, more luxury touches and chrome trim.

1996

This was the last model year for the XJ12.

1997

A new XJ6L was introduced for this model year, again for a limited time only before the XJ6 was completely dropped. However, the Vanden Plas survived to the next model year.