Industry experts predict that the new Jaguar XJ will have class-leading residual values; better than Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz over the next three years.

EurotaxGlass’s publish the car industry’s residual value bible – the Glass’s Guide – that the trade use to value cars of all ages. Their independent experts predict that a new Jaguar XJ, which will be launched in March 2010, will be worth more than the equivalent Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz after both 12 months and three years of ownership.

Jason King, Head of Market Intelligence for EurotaxGlass’s, said: “The exterior design of the new XJ is certainly stunning, bringing a bold, fresh approach to the luxury car segment. This bold design is sure to appeal to a wider and much younger audience, building on the fine work of the XF in helping the Jaguar brand redefine itself and appeal to a younger buyer.

“We’re not surprised to see the Jaguar going head-to-head with the Mercedes S-class, traditionally the industry-leader for these retained values. The XJ offers interiors, levels of equipment and overall quality more familiar to buyers of models offered by the other great British luxury car brands, like Bentley and Aston Martin, so we are expecting that the appeal of the new XJ will be very strong. This will translate into strong demand from the used car buyer of the future, and our analysis suggests that this strong residual value position will remain for some time.”

For the customer, a strong residual value not only protects your investment, but it also means that car finance packages are more affordable at the time of purchase. The Jaguar is already competitively priced (starting from £53,775), against the best in the segment and having such a strong residual value position means that the XJ will offer an even more attractive cost of ownership.

The research carried out by EurotaxGlass’s suggests that the new 3.0-litre diesel XJ will retain more than the equivalent Mercedes-Benz S-class after 12 months or 20,000 miles and an astonishing 40 per cent of its value after three years and 60,000 miles of motoring, which is better than the Mercedes-Benz by two percentage points.

Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK said: “The Jaguar XJ is a perfect car of choice for every chairman and chief executive in British boardrooms. It is the ultimate package for a sporting luxury saloon. When you add class-leading residual values to the list of the XJ’s attributes I believe that it is the car for Britain’s business leaders.”

Richard Crosthwaite, Prestige Car Editor at EurotaxGlass’s added: “It’s not just the new XJ that has impressed us. The XF has been an amazing success for Jaguar and has been rewarded with cast iron residuals, outperforming the sector. Its used car values are incredibly impressive with a one year value on a diesel XF standing at 80 per cent – the next best comparable in the sector at 72 per cent and the worst is 55 per cent. Let’s hope the next decade sees more of the same for Jaguar – great designs, controlled volume and a truly prestigious and exclusive brand going from strength to strength.”