Jaguar has just released a new petrol car.
Yes, you read that statement correctly – the auto company that stopped building combustion-engine models in Britain for good in November has unveiled its latest model that runs on unleaded fuel.
As part of the company’s controversial transformation into an electric-only luxury car firm unveiled last year with a maligned ‘woke’ advertising campaign, Jaguar is currently in what it calls a ‘sunset period’ where it will produce no vehicles for a 12-month period.
But this particular car is technically not built by Jaguar.
It’s called the XFL 90th Anniversary Collector’s Edition and is a nod to the brand’s history, which dates back to the SS Jaguar 2.5l Saloon – the first car the legendary British maker released back in 1935.
It is part of a small production in collaboration with Chinese car giant Chery.
And you can’t have one because it is only being sold in country it is made.
Wait, a new petrol Jaguar? This is the just-unveiled XFL 90th Anniversary Collector’s Edition and it’s powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine
The XFL is a long-wheelbase version of the XF saloon that’s produced and sold exclusively in China. That means you can’t have one
The XF for the European market was produced exclusively at the car maker’s Castle Bromwich factory in the west midlands from 2007.
However, along with the XE saloon and F-Type sports car, JLR wound-up assembly last May as it put into action its plans to convert to an electric-only brand.
But with executive models still in high demand in China, the XFL (with the ‘L’ standing for Long wheelbase) is still built in small volumes at Chery’s Changshu plant in a deal dating back to 2014.
The 90th Anniversary Collector’s Edition will be among the last run of Jaguar cars it will churn out.
The XF for the UK market was produced at the car maker’s Castle Bromwich factory from 2007. However, along with the XE saloon and F-Type sports car, JLR wound-up assembly last May as it put into action its plans to convert to an electric-only brand
Under the bonnet is the marque last 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder turbo engine with 300hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and it can reach 62mph from a standing start in a claimed 6.4 seconds
Without options, the XFL costs from ¥489,900. Converted from Chinese Yuan, that’s the equivalent of £50,800
It is available in the choice of three paint colours – British Racing Green, Santorini Black or Seoul Pearl Silver – but only one interior tone of Luxury Black Windsor leather
This is because the factory – which also makes the XEL (a long wheelbase XE) will soon switch to making JLR’s new ‘Freelander’ cars, which – again – will only be sold in China.
These vehicles – carrying the old 1990s and 2000s Land Rover SUV name – will be rebranded Chery EVs, meaning the XFL 90th Anniversary Collector’s Edition might be one of the ultimate petrol Jag.
Without options, the XFL costs from ¥489,900. Converted from Chinese Yuan, that’s the equivalent of £50,800.
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It is available in the choice of three paint colours – British Racing Green, Santorini Black or Seoul Pearl Silver – but only one interior tone of Luxury Black Windsor leather.
Under the bonnet is the marque last 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder turbo engine with 300hp. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and it can reach 62mph from a standing start in a claimed 6.4 seconds.
With a kerb weight of 1,915kg, it’s a quarter of a tonne heavier than the standard XF saloon you could buy in Britain from 2015 to 2024.
This is partly because it is 140mm (5.5 inches) longer than the European-spec exec car.
In total, it’s 5.1 metres long, which is almost the same as the current Range Rover. It’s also 300cm longer than a typical UK parking space.
The XFL is still built in small volumes at Chery’s Changshu plant in a deal dating back to 2014
While the factory has been assembling Jaguar Land Rover produces for its domestic market since 2014, this will change in the coming months
The Changshu plant will shortly start producing ‘Freelander’ cars, which will only be sold in China. These vehicles will be rebranded Chery EVs, meaning the XFL 90th Anniversary Collector’s Edition might be one of the ultimate petrol Jag
The £1billion plant in Changshu was officially opened with Chinese partner Chery Automobiles in 2014
When the factory was first opened, it was expected to produce up to 130,000 vehicles a year
Other features unique to the 90th Anniversary Edition are its 20-inch five-spoke diamond-cut aluminium alloy wheels and back roof, grille and other exterior parts.
It also comes with 16-way adjustable power front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functionality, a Meridian surround sound system, and a host of safety equipment, including blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning and reversing wide-angle detection.
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Jaguar Land Rover delays arrival of major electric model
JLR recently confirmed that Jaguar’s debut all-electric premium model as part of its rebrand will be delayed but is still due to arrive in 2026. The all-new Range Rover Electric has also been postponed until next year.
The first ‘new’ Jaguar EV will cost over £100,000 and offer in excess of 435 miles on a single charge.
It will take the shape of a ‘radical’ GT car and will be the most powerful Jaguar ever.
Last week, JLR’s new CEO – who takes the helm from November – defended Jaguar’s new image in response to scathing comments about the rebrand by US President Donald Trump.
