Jaguar XJR (X351) Review - Jaguar's savage hidden RS model - BEARDS n CARS

The X351 shape Jaguar XJR is a surprisingly rare sight even on UK roads, which begs the question - why? With a 540 horsepower supercharged V8, a smooth, refined ride and savage performance, surely these should be in high demand, especially given their shockingly reasonable used prices.
I believe this is a case of incorrect naming and marketing covering up a decidedly more exotic vehicle than its name would suggest. So let's take a deeper dive into my hot take of why the final generation of Jaguar's iconic XJR doesn't seem to hit the mark in the same way as its forbears...
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[@wings25gti]

"A sledgehammer with a leader handel" is a beautiful saying !

[@AaronP220]

I absolutely LOVE my 2015 XJR L. You hit the nail right on the head. This car should have had the S designation. Having driven a 2015 XK-RS and XF-RS side by side to my XJR L, the XJR editions absolutely deserved the S designation.

[@ashtondimovski7074]

Interestingly, the XJR is a relatively common Jaguar on the roads here in North America. Perhaps not so much out in the sticks, but the towns and rich people areas, I see several of them. But I’ll say this to anyone who’s iffy about the styling: look closer. The grill? Straight up S1 XJ. The rear haunches? Traditional XJ from day one. The ride height? Jag. The drive? Jag. The interior? Arguably both Jag and the best in the business - the quality you get mixed with the price you pay makes it world beating even now. I admit, I prefer the X358 styling or more accurately the X300/X308 - I own an X300 so that should tell you loads - but compared to the XJ40? This feels more overtly like a Jag turn the squared off Germanic styling that the XJ40 had. And you know, there’s the heritage this thing has - its legitimately a descendent of the E-Type. The XJ, XK and F-Type are the last genuine descendants of the E-Type and now that we only have the F-Type left, we must take the time to appreciate the pedigree and heritage that gives us. Certainly, the S-Class or Lexus LS are more pillowy rides. Sure the Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series have more toys. But the drive - the Jag trounces them. They’re all built from the ground up and the beginning of their history as big cars. That means they’re effectively barges. And they all copy each other, or rather, the S-Class. The Jag refuses to follow the crowd. Much like the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera, it’s concerned about being an engaging drive. And all three of those cars I mentioned here do that better than all the rest, but in different ways. They are, for all intents and purposes, four door sports cars or grand tourers. They convey style, power and drama, along with good taste and sophistication. Hence why, even though I don’t much like the Porsche, anyone who drives one gets mad respect from me because I know they’re buying it with intent and love, as opposed to “status symbol”.

[@thalo9237]

Well stated! 💯👍🏼

[@FleetAdmiral215]

These are so underrated in any guise & so rare on the roads .Great video

[@HSGAutomotive]

Absolutely, insane amount of car for the money, and waaaaaay more dependable than a Bentley for the money

[@vincentdagostino6431]

I had a 2000 xjr,great car.I would love to get one more one day.I drove 6 different xj's over the years, my favorite car.

[@emiliospowerballer1441]

That has to be one of the most convincing reviews of any car review I have seen so far

[@HSGAutomotive]

Ahah well thanks!

[@r3ik2]

Fantastic job with this review, as always!

[@eatsblades]

I do love a nice Jag. I really like the X350. These I've yet to try

[@edwardmurray8507]

My dad's got an XJR like the one in the video - zero supercharger whine is a let down. Still a cool car, though.

[@f-u-nkyf-u-ntime]

I have the 3.0ltr supercharged portfolio XJ and for sure it isn't the R but still an outrageous amount of car for the money. Best car I've ever owned.

[@jumolbureanu2415]

Bonkers!😂

[@jumpstart9473]

On my 5th jaguar, the modern XJ is absolutely the pinnacle of the line. Its hard to accept Jaguar ceased building these. Aside from their 2 seaters I will have to go elsewhere to find the XJs level of luxury. The current Jaguar sedan is far to pedestrian and dare i say a bit agricultural in comparison .

[@Keeasha777]

Great video Michael

[@HSGAutomotive]

Thanks b ❤️

[@vailydragon]

Welcome home - Eventually!!

[@FROOB202]

I was coincidentally just thinking about this weird naming by JLR recently. They have standard models, S, R, RS, RS-GT, SVR, R575 and they don't link up at all. standard - 335bhp in F-Type and XJ S - 335bhp in an XE and XF, 380bhp in an F-Type and F-Pace, and also 488bhp in an F-Type R - 503bhp in an XF and XK, 542bhp in an F-Type and XJ RS - 542bhp in an XF and XK SVR - 542bhp in an F-Pace and RRS, 575bhp in an F-Type and RRS R575 - 575bhp in an XJ I'll ignore the several outputs/labels in the L405 because none of them are supposed to be sporty. It's absolutely nonsensical! It should quite simply be 340bhp base, S = 380bhp, R = 503bhp, RS = 542bhp, SVR = 575bhp and get rid of the 488bhp power outputs.

[@nastystew6942]

I loved thos car when it came out

[@garymoreton2981]

You need to drive the xjr 575

[@VertigoGTI]

Big fan of this car, and not as common in parts of the US as you think they'd be. While somewhat polarizing, I happen to love the styling of the X351. I do feel there are some missed opportunities: The digital cluster is so plain that it makes you wonder why they didn't just go with analog gauges. The infotainment bezel is so large and it makes you question why they didn't install a larger one to better fit the opening (yes, I'm aware they offered a larger one in its final years, but why did it take so long?). Lastly, I think an AWD option would've helped out with sales, if only to reduce 0-60 times. The only reason I don't have one is insurance costs. $1220 every 6 months is hard to justify after paying $210 for the same duration.

[@-A-lm5xb]

You know something, I think you have a good point about the R-S name. I didn't realise this was a 550bhp car.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Simultaneously a shame and a great thing. Not so great because a lot of people who'd probably love one don't realise what it really is. Great because a lot of people who'd probably love one don't realise what it really is - which makes them cheap

[@davidqbs]

The only argument against this is the creation of the XJR 575

[@chazboyle9456]

i have the 5litre autobiography 510bhp version what a car full rear seat pack tv the full monty ony 18 were made from 15-on

[@davidedney2323]

I've got a 2010 Supersport with the 510ps version of that engine, it's a superb car and very under the radar because it's indistinguishable from a 275bhp soot chucker. Much nicer interior in the Supersport too.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah that's the one I'm keen to review as well, I feel it falls more in line with what the XJR represents

[@davidedney2323]

They're all twitchy in my experience, not just the XJR. After getting my first (diesel) X351 I noticed everyone who drove it was twitchy on the motorway for a while until they tuned into how responsive it was. Once you tune into it the way it moves is fabulous for a big car, but I can well imagine it alienated a lot of large car buyers. With the S/C cars, particularly if you're used to the lag and soft throttle response of a turbo (petrol or diesel) the 5.0 S/C cars seem to catch plenty of people by surprise. I love them but I can see why plenty of people would find them a bit full on. @@HSGAutomotive

[@katisop5991]

They once brought a 2.0L XJ to S/Africa 😂😂 Jaguar would have done better as a brand (and so can Range Rover) if they'd quit diesels and anything

[@maz500]

Shepton Mallet?

[@Punisher9419]

Styling just isn't there for a Jaguar for me. If the styling was more older XJ like these would be so much better. Like the X358 cars.

[@edwardmurray8507]

Each to their own - but they were trying to get away from 'older XJ' that was the whole point.

[@Punisher9419]

​@@edwardmurray8507 Yea I think we have all heard that but it always seemed like a very stupid decision to me. Like you said though to each their own, some people really like new Jaguar.

[@borisyurinov4822]

Would you prefer to daily an XKR or an XJR?

[@HSGAutomotive]

In my case I did daily an XKR for around 7 months, purely because of the better looks. But as an overall car the XJ is better

[@borisyurinov4822]

@@HSGAutomotive that's what I've thought. The XKR is so gorgeous, you will be taking it mostly.

[@davidedney2323]

I've got a 5.0 XKR convertible and an XJ Supersport. XKR is a fair bit sharper and having the roof down makes it a very visceral experience but the X351 is a much better car and I'd have it all day long over an XKR Coupe. Convertible though? Much harder call.