2019 Jaguar XJ release date, specs news: Next-gen flagship sedan will be 'something quite special'

A promotional image for the 2018 Jaguar XJ.Jaguar

The Jaguar XJ is long overdue for a replacement. While specific details have yet to be revealed, the British luxury automaker's design director, Ian Callum, revealed that the next-generation flagship sedan will be a vehicle worth looking forward to.

Jaguar is said to have spent a significant amount of time deciding on how to evolve the XJ's flagship design for the next generation of cars. Now, it seems that the automaker has reached a decision with regard to the future of the luxury car.

"We've gone through a lot of debate on the XJ and come up with something quite special," Callum said in an interview with Car Magazine.

Though the Jaguar executive declined to reveal specific details, he revealed that the next-generation XJ will stay true to the nameplate's design principles.

"As we work on the next one, I'll make sure it holds onto the values of the first one and the latest one," Callum added.

The XJ nameplate will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018 and Jaguar has plans to commemorate the momentous occasion in a big way. However, Callum confirmed that the next-generation flagship sedan will not be unveiled during the celebrations.

Instead, reports suggested that the redesigned XJ will arrive sometime in 2019.

According to Autocar, the upcoming XJ will usher in a new design language for Jaguar. The vehicle will be built on the automaker's D7a aluminum architecture with some of the panels and structures being replaced with lightweight carbon fiber elements.

As for the powertrain options, the new XJ is rumored to come with an all-new Ingenium V6 engine which will be available in diesel and gasoline forms. There's also a possibility that a hybrid and all-electric version will be offered.

The cabin is expected to feature a luxurious and aggressive design. It will likely come with the latest digital displays for the instruments and infotainment system.

Overall, the 2019 XJ will most likely be a luxurious offering that is designed to lure in a new generation of customers.