Vehicle Overview
The 2008 Jaguar X-Type gets more standard luxury features for the new model year and keeps its streamlined naming convention from 2007. The engine, drivetrain and many of the mechanical features remain unchanged from the previous year.
All-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission are standard on all models. New standard equipment includes 10-way powered driver and passenger seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat and side mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
An X-Type 3.0 Sportwagon joined the original four-door sedan for 2005.
(Skip to details on the: X-Type 3.0 Sportwagon)
Exterior
Proportion and balance are important in the X-Type’s design. Designers substituted a high tail for the traditional low tail of the past. The X-Type’s styling themes are familiar to Jaguar aficionados and include a forward-leaning grille augmented by some sporty modern touches. Elliptical quad halogen headlights are installed, and fog lights are integrated into the lower front face.
Jaguar’s Dynamic Stability Control electronic stability system is standard. The X-Type rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, and 17-inch wheels are optional.
The luxury package (created thanks to Jaguar’s streamlined naming convention) includes a unique 17-inch wheel design, chrome door mirror caps and automatic on/off headlamps.
Interior
Five people fit in the cockpit-style interior, which features Connolly leather and traditional wood veneer or carbon-fiber trim, depending on the model. New standard features for 2008 include 10-way powered driver and passenger seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat and side mirror, and a self-dimming rearview mirror. Automatic climate control is also standard.
The luxury package offers leather-trimmed seats and burl walnut interior trim.
Under the Hood
Each X-Type is powered by a 227-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 that teams with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Standard features include dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. An electronic stability system is also standard.
Driving Impressions
Because it’s structurally related to the old Ford Mondeo, many have wondered whether the X-Type is an authentic Jaguar. It’s an eager-performing, competent-handling sedan that’s able to carry on the company’s illustrious heritage.
On wet, twisty pavement, the X-Type demonstrates its handling skills at every curve. Responding quickly and surely to steering inputs, the sedan is confident and surefooted at all speeds. Even on moderately imperfect surfaces, the ride is sheer pleasure. Rougher patches can produce some jostling, but the car corrects itself crisply without excessive rebounding.
Acceleration with the 3.0-liter V-6 is vigorous, supremely confident and helped by crisp automatic-transmission operation. Exceptionally quiet, the X-Type exhibits evidence of solid, careful construction. The seats are comfortable and supportive.
X-Type 3.0 Sportwagon
When the Sportwagon went on sale in Europe, it wasn’t clear when — or if — that body style would reach American dealerships. Late in 2004, Jaguar was ready to send it across the Atlantic. Though it’s similar to the sedan up front, the Sportwagon has different rear doors and a unique roof. For 2008, the Sportwagon has its own 17-inch wheels and standard rear park assist. It features a wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel, plus a tailgate with a rear window that can open independent of the gate. Silver roof rails are standard and black roof rails are available as a no-cost option.
The all-wheel-drive Sportwagon has a 227-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 and an automatic transmission. The folding backseat is split 70/30. Four luggage tie-downs are installed in the rear cargo area, which includes a luggage cover and cargo net. A hidden storage compartment includes a 12-volt power outlet and detachable side doors. A cargo net is standard.
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