A look back at the armoured Jaguar XJ
Last year Jaguar launched an armoured version of its stunning XJ luxury car at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show.
The robust XJ Sentinel offered the ultimate in discreet protection, being virtually indistinguishable from the standard XJ model, yet featuring a state-of-the-art armouring package which provided occupants with up to B7 levels of ballistic protection.
“The XJ Sentinel was designed and developed in partnership with industry leaders, and incorporates the very latest armoured vehicle systems to deliver extremely impressive levels of protection, while maintaining a very discreet appearance,” said Jaguar Managing Director Mike O’Driscoll at the time.
“The XJ Sentinel is the ultimate armoured luxury limousine. It offers governments, security organisations and private individuals, the highest level of security, with advanced design, refined performance and a beautifully-crafted cabin. The XJ Sentinel will be the vehicle of choice for the most discerning,” he added.
Jaguar engineers focused on ensuring that the XJ Sentinel retained the real-world usability of the standard luxury car. Based on the long wheelbase XJ, the armoured vehicle maintained that model’s luxurious interior package, its compelling blend of comfort and agility, and convenient servicing using regular dealer equipment.
The Jaguar XJ’s aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium body structure also made it possible to offer a very generous 500kg payload for passengers and lage without compromising vehicle performance.
The comprehensive occupant protection offered by the XJ Sentinel was not achieved at the expense of comfort or practicality. Jaguar engineers ensured that the armoured model retained the supreme luxury and real-world usability which are core features of the standard car.
The design of the armoured inner cell had been optimised to maintain the extremely spacious interior package of the long wheelbase XJ, which provided rear seat passengers with a full metre of legroom.
With its elegant and contemporary style, the cabin surrounded occupants with beautifully-crafted leather and veneer surfaces, creating a supremely relaxing, comfortable and luxurious environment.
About the Author: Stephen Gransville is a writer and fan of the luxury car
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