Jaguar launched an armoured version of its new XJ luxury sports saloon at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show.

The Sentinel will be available by special order in Egypt from 2011.

The XJ Sentinel is supplied with a full three-year 50,000 mile (80,450 km) factory warranty, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians.

“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 Ahmed El Gharib, MTI Automotive general manager.

“The XJ Sentinel is the ultimate armoured luxury limousine providing 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,' added Eslam Tawfeek, MTI Automotive marketing manager.

The Jaguar XJ’s aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium body structure also makes it possible to offer a very generous 500kg payload for passengers and luggage without compromising vehicle performance.

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.

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.

The new high performance braking system in the vehicle 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.

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.-TradeArabia News Service