The Jaguar X-Type (codename X400) went into production from 2001 to 2009. It was the first compact executive car produced by Jaguar Cars since the Jaguar Mk 1 of 1955. The smallest of the Jaguar model range, the X-Type was marketed in saloon and estate variants and featured the first estate manufactured in series production by the company in 2004. The estate was officially known in the United States as the "Sportwagon”.

The X-Type was manufactured at the Halewood Assembly Facility near Liverpool. It was initially available in all-wheel drive, instantly distinguishing itself from other competitors in the entry-level luxury saloon car sector. The engine choices were a 2.5L or 3.0L V6 petrol paired with either a five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. A front-wheel drive model was introduced in 2002 with a 2.1L V6 engine.

A 2.2L diesel engine, with particulate filter, was eventually introduced in a 2007 facelift along with a new six-speed automatic transmission and Jaguar Sequential Shift, a system that gives the driver the option of one-touch manual gearchange control via steering wheel mounted paddles. The revised X-Type featured a significantly refreshed exterior styling with larger front and rear bumpers and new door mirrors with integrated turn indicator repeaters.

Production for the X-Type ended in 2009. In March 2014 Jaguar confirmed its replacement will be named the Jaguar XE set to be launched in 2015.