M does not drive herself. In Skyfall she travels London in the back of a black Jaguar XJ L, and the Jaguar XJ L is the right car for her: large, quiet and slightly formal, an official car that does not need to announce itself.
In the film
Judi Dench’s M is seen in the back seat of a black Jaguar XJ L in the London scenes of Skyfall (2012), where it serves as her official car. Our catalogue records the car with the optional 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels; a 19-inch Aleutian wheel was also offered.
The details
The long wheelbase. Jaguar sold the XJ in standard and long wheelbase forms. It says the long-wheelbase models have over a metre of legroom and a distinct limousine ride, with revised air suspension settings.
An aluminium body. Jaguar describes the XJ as an all-aluminium monocoque, which it says is light and rigid.
The engines. Jaguar’s range page lists a turbocharged V6 diesel and three petrol engines.
Owning it now
Jaguar built the XJ from 1968 until 2019, so there is no new one to order. The XJ L is out of production and found second-hand; the button below runs a search of eBay for it. The long-wheelbase car is one to consider as a used purchase if you want back-seat space: one used 2014 XJL Portfolio was listed at US$18,990. As with any used saloon of this size, check the service history, the air suspension and the condition of the interior before you buy. Black with the larger wheels is the version in the film. For more cars, see our vehicles and the Skyfall page.
In the same spirit
This is not the car from the film, and it was not M’s car. It is a different Jaguar saloon, offered as an alternative in the same spirit.
- Jaguar XF: a smaller saloon from the same maker, for the same quiet, formal presence
Specifications
| Model | Jaguar XJ L (long wheelbase) |
|---|---|
| Colour in film | Black |
| Wheels in film | Optional 20-inch Kasuga alloys (19-inch Aleutian also listed) |
| Body | All-aluminium monocoque |
| Production | XJ range 1968 to 2019 |
| Used price example | US$18,990 for a 2014 XJL Portfolio (at the time of writing, October 2026) |
Background on the XJ is on Jaguar’s own XJ page.
Questions
What car does M drive in Skyfall?
M is driven in a black Jaguar XJ L, a long-wheelbase saloon. She sits in the back.
Can you buy a new Jaguar XJ L?
No. Jaguar’s XJ ran from 1968 until 2019, so the XJ L can only be bought used.
What wheels does the film car have?
Our catalogue records the optional 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels.
For the wider story, see the films page.
