Jaguar reveals XJ50 Anniversary Edition

Half century of Jaguar's iconic saloon marked with... a diesel special edition?!

Here's a question: has there ever been a cooler big saloon than the Jaguar XJ? Sure, the old Mercs were quite something in their time, and the original A8 was groundbreaking, but arguably nothing has struck the right chord with the right people for so long as an XJ. Even nearly 10 years after its launch, the current car looks great and is unashamedly driver focused - a cool aspect in itself, given the drive towards autonomy.

Anyway, deflecting attention away from the fact that car hasn't yet been replaced is this, the XJ50 Anniversary Edition. No prizes for guessing that this car celebrates half a century of XJ production, nor are there any for knowing that there have been eight generations of XJ in that time. Highlights since 1968 include a period as the world's only mass produced 12-cylinder four-door car, the two-door XJ coupe from 1975 and the aluminium monocoque technology from 2003.

Back in the present day and the XJ50 doesn't usher in anything quite so dramatic, though as mentioned Jaguar must have one eye on its replacement. Marking out the XJ50 from those big Jags that aren't anniversary specials are features such as 20-inch wheels, new XJ50 badges, a black grille and bumpers from the Autobiography. The interior continues that theme, with an embossed leaper on the headrests of the diamond quilted seats, plus a smattering of XJ50 insignia where you'd expect to find them.

The sole powertrain option for the XJ50 is the 300hp 3.0-litre diesel, which will disappoint a few who fancied an XJR based valedictory edition. It will be offered in short and long wheelbases, with a colour palette of Fuji White, Santorini Black, Loire Blue and Rosello Red.

Ian Callum said of the XJ: This is a car worth celebrating and the XJ50 pays homage to a giant within the Jaguar brand that we believe is one of the world's most stylish sporting saloons." Obviously he would say that, having designed it, but here we'd be inclined to agree - it really does look fab.

Should you wish to join in the 50th birthday celebrations, the XJ50 costs from £74,280 and can be ordered now. However, should you be an impatient party person, you probably don't need reminding that there are some outrageously good deals available on secondhand XJs - take a look here.