I posted this in the "S" type forum and they recommended me to come here.

I have started my search for the next car and really like the Jaguar look. I have looked at the dimensions of the headroom and leg room but that oftentimes doesn't tell the complete story. Since I am 6"5" and 290 am I going to be able to fit in an XJ8. I have heard that the 2004+ Jags are larger at least in the back - would the passenger section be that much different from say a 2003 model? Also, do the long wheelbase models such as the 2005 L's have any more room in them or are they just longer?

Any help or suggestions whether it be for this car or for any other affordable luxury cars would be appreciated.

 

The X350 is a big car but not that big on the inside, bigger that an S-Type mind. Having said that I am 6” 7’ and I can fit into my 2006 X350 with loads of room to spare. I cannot sit behind myself but someone with shorter legs probably could. My car is a standard wheel base car so the long wheel base would give about another 5”’s or so.

My last car is one of the current Audi A8’s a D3 standard wheel base and this is massive inside and I could easily sit behind myself. I did not like the Audi that much to drive mind and so much prefer the Jag.

Philip

 

Keep in mind that the Jag is known for a cockpit seating experience, so the natural sweet spot is closer to the dash than on similar cars. My girlfriend does not like sitting that close when she sits as passenger.

 

I am 6'3", 255 lbs...and fit very comfortably into my 2006 XJ8 VDP.

 

The interior room on the XJ line was increased in the 04. The L does have additional room between the front and rear seats, but I don't know it they increased the front room.

 

Thanks to all that have replied - I'm no stranger to the cockpit design as I own a 2005 Saab (born of jets) 9.5 which i fit in remarkably well believe it or not. Its always a crap shoot with cars as I fit in the Saab and VW Golf but not in such monsters as a Buick Roadmaster. What I was looking for was a potential sporty and luxurious ride that would be less than 18,000. Of course, now I am going to have to reconsider my position since my 9.5 Saab Arc with 45,000 is worth less than $9,000. And you all thought Jags depreciated badly.

I'm also no stranger to premium gas and synthetic oil changes. One question though - I had my front breaks done with new pads and rotors (OEM) and it was around $450. How much would that cost on a 2005 XJ8. Are Jags that much more expensive to repair?

 

I had my front brakes and rotors done on my 04 XJ8 and it cost about $800 at a Jag dealer. You could definitely get it done for less at a private shop.

As for the size issue, I'm 6'4" and about 205lbs (I was 240 when I bought it) and it fits me very well. I had a 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero; the XJ8 was an excellent upgrade in every way. It makes the Saab feel like you were driving a Honda Civic; not that there is anything wrong with that...

 

I have a '06 XJ8 and am 6'2". I fit comfortably behind the wheel as everyone else who has responded, but my only gripe would be that my right knee rests about 5mm below the key fob in the ignition. I figure just one spastic move attack will break the key off....

 

I'd say you should go sit in it beofre you set your heart on one...I was looking at a 2006 XJ8 and found that the driver's seat side wings (whatever you call them) were just too rigid - and made sitting uncomfortable. The 2008 I purchased has much softer 'wings' which are not a problem. Also, the seat goes way back for you much taller folk - I have this set as my entry/exit position (grin).

- Brian

 

I'm 6'4" 250lbs. and I feel like I barely make it into my 2006 VDP. I was a bit surprised that a car that is this long didn't have more legroom for the driver. What saved it for me is that the pedals can be adjusted, so if you go to test drive be sure to put them as far back possible. Someone already posted the issue regarding the key position. I have the same concern. My knee is barely below the key and if my leg was any longer physics would force my knee up to the key position. Someone else mentioned that the side panels on the lower seat cushion feel too stiff. I don't know if it's that they're stiff or if its just the geometry but I agree. For extended driving it can become a bit uncomfortable but not horrible. If I could put the lower cushion of my Volvo S80 seats in my VDP I would be in heaven!

 

The standard and LWB X350's are the same size up until the B post behind the driver.The extra length is rear passenger legroom as said around 6" or so.
You'll notice LWB cars have huge rear doors which look as long as the front doors whereas the std car has shorter rear doors.
One gripe I have is that I am 5'10" and only have 29.5" inside leg yet I get my big boots stuck under and around the pedals even when adjusted back when getting out of the car.
The LWB also has the rear entertainment centre as standard I believe (at the cost of the centre seat).
The difficulty with front legroom is a small price to pay though for the space to be able go 10 pin bowling in the back even when the front seats slid right back.

 

I am 6'4 and managed to make myself comfortable in the 98 XJR. Could have used a little more room around my 13D feet tho.
Made myself fit and loved every minute of it!

 

Big and tall myself...well tall, 6'5". The X350 interior style is very different than the X308. You'll sit comfortably in a 350 where you might be cramped for headroom in the 308. Same with the XK8 - XK. I force myself in the XK8, but sit more comfortably in the XK.

 

People are often proportioned differently - this is especially an issue on various motorcycles where different leg lengths or torso lengths are really evident between riders of the same height. So it is best you test drive one for yourself.

That said, I agree with the majority of others here - you should fit fine.

I am 6'5", 240, and I barely fit in my 2000 XJ8 (X308). With the seat laying quite a way back (possible because of long arms), my head still brushed the top. In comparison, I have lots of room in my 2007 XJ8 (X350). The telescoping steering column and moveable peddles make it much easier to custom fit this car to a tall driver (and a short one, too - my wife is only 5'4").

Forget the S type - that car is a joke for tall drivers - I couldn't drive one if it was free! On the other hand, the X type is pretty amazing - it may be a somewhat junky entry-level model, but it has more head room in it than the X350 (I can even wear my cowboy hat in one of those). That really surprised me considering how much smaller the overall car is. Good luck,
Goose

 

Thought I'd update this thread with one "Big Guy" concern I have discovered with my 'new' 2007 XJ8 - foot room on the gas peddle.

Since many big guys have proportionately big feet, this could be a significant issue for some. I wear 13B boots - note the "B" - it is important. Now 13s are not particularly big when it comes to Big Guys, and B is quite narrow. Even so, I find that there is very little room between the side of my shoe and the brake peddle, even when my foot is resting all the way against the transmission hump. I have found myself concerned several times about making sure my foot was not catching the edge of the brake peddle. It seems that guys with particularly large feet might be forced into considering some sort of modification to the brake peddle. Just another good reason to check out a car in person before you get too attached to the idea of owning one!

As to the question about possible alternative cars for big guys, I was recently given a 2008 Mercedes E350 as a loaner - although that car is smaller on the exterior, I was amazed at how much room it had inside - seemed bigger in every respect, at least for the driver. But I wouldn't own one - the very harsh ride, excess road noise and gutless performance just can't be compared to the big cat.

I love this car, I do appreciate the extra headroom over my 2000, and my wife really prefers having something that is not "old", but I honestly prefer the looks of the X308 better. If I was buying just for me, I think I'd be focused on finding a sweet low-mileage 2003 - that would probably be the perfect car for me. Love the cat,
Goose

 

I wear an 11 EEEE shoe. Yea, I know duck feet!! I have had this problem on most cars, but it doesn't seem to be as bad in my 04 XJ8 as some other cars. Maybe it is a "boots" issue.

 

I recently bought a 2006 Super V8 "Portfolio Edition". This is the LWB with the added HP of the "R" (actually 10 HP more....400 HP). There is enough leg and head room in that car for a whole basketball team! Look into one, you will like it.

 

I'm 6'1 and 260+, and I fit fine. It would be nice if the seat went a LITTLE farther back and the steering wheel came out a bit more, but I've never been what you'd call uncomfortable.