To compete with bullet-proof Mercedes S-Class Guard and BMW 7-Series Security models, Jaguar has launched the XJ Sentinel. Apart from that Sentinel badge, the car is virtually indistinguishable from the standard XJ, and it attracts less attention than the Bimmer and Merc as well, so basically it’s safer than both of them!
Jaguar is very confident of this car which has been developed by “industry specialists”, they offer a full three-year 50,000 mile factory warranty, along with comprehensive after-sales support. It is based on the long wheelbase version of the XJ and loses none of its luxuriousness in the process of becoming bullet-proof.
Since armoured cars are heavier than standard models, they are usually powered with tuned engines. But this Jag gets the same 5.0-litre V8 Petrol AJ-V8 GEN III with 383 PS and 515 Nm of torque. Jaguar says that due to its aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium body there is no compromise on the performance, but 0 to 60 in this car takes 9.7 seconds and it has a top speed of about 120 mph. That’s slow!
XJ Sentinel comes as standard with Up-rated suspension with active dampers front and rear, Jaguar High Performance Braking System, Strengthened 19″ Aleutian Alloy Wheels with 245/45 19″ Dunlop Self Supporting Technology, and Run on Flat tyres (RoF). You also get an extensive range of exterior paint colours, interior colours themes and optional equipment.
“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 Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars.
“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.
Comprehensive Armouring System
The XJ Sentinel is equipped with a purpose-built armouring system which has been specially developed to ensure that the vehicle offers outstanding occupant protection, while being almost impossible to detect from outside the car.
Constructed from specialised high strength steels with Kevlar backing, the armoured inner cell was engineered in partnership with Centigon, a leading global specialist in vehicle armouring. The XJ Sentinel offers ballistic protection up to B7 level (BS EN 1522 level FB7 and BS EN 1063 BR7-), blast protection against 15kg TNT equivalent detonated within close proximity of the vehicle, and substantial under floor grenade protection.
To ensure that the armouring meets the latest national and international standards, the protection offered was certified by QinetiQ, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation.
Engineered Without Compromise
Just like the other models in the highly-acclaimed XJ range, the Sentinel has been engineered without compromise to deliver sophisticated performance, peerless vehicle dynamics and reassuring levels of active and passive safety.
The Sentinel is based on the long wheelbase XJ saloon powered by the refined and responsive 5.0-litre 385PS AJ-V8 Gen III naturally aspirated direct-injection V8 petrol engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
This powerful and sophisticated powertrain ensures that the XJ Sentinel is capable of swift and agile performance, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds and achieving a top speed of 195km/h.
The Sentinel’s chassis, which features the advanced Adaptive Dynamics system with continuously variable dampers, has been comprehensively uprated to cope with its increased body weight. Jaguar’s dynamics specialists have tuned the suspension and steering to ensure that the armoured model offers the same qualities of poise and agility found in the standard XJ.
Impressive stopping power is provided by a new high performance braking system which has been sourced from the formidable 510PS Supercharged non-armoured XJ model, while active safety is further improved by the XJ’s full array of advanced traction and stability systems.
To enhance passive safety, the Sentinel retains full functionality of the standard XJ restraint system, including dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, side thorax airbags and side curtain airbags.
Total Luxury and Real-World Usability
The comprehensive occupant protection offered by the XJ Sentinel has not been achieved at the expense of comfort or practicality. Jaguar engineers have ensured that the armoured model retains the supreme luxury and real-world usability which are core features of the standard car.
The design of the armoured inner cell has been optimised to maintain the extremely spacious interior package of the long wheelbase XJ, which provides rear seat passengers with a full metre of legroom.
With its elegant and contemporary style, the cabin surrounds occupants with beautifully-crafted leather and veneer surfaces, creating a supremely relaxing, comfortable and luxurious environment.
A generous 500kg payload – maximised by the XJ’s lightweight aluminium body structure – means that the Sentinel is comfortably able to accommodate four occupants along with their luggage and additional security equipment.
This day-to-day practicality provides government organisations, security forces, businesses or high net worth individuals with a discreet yet highly desirable form of armoured transportation.
Complete Support Package
XJ Sentinel customers benefit from a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase.
A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. A wide range of specialised optional security and vehicle features are available and can be tailored to meet individual requirements.
Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full support package including driver training and on-site servicing from dedicated specialists when required.
