Performance

This beautiful coupe and convertible pairing come with a simple choice: how fast do you want to go? To answer this question, sir has two options provided by Jaguar: exceptionally rapid from the standard 300 bhp Jaguar XK or 420bhp supercharged warp speed from the XKR. Both are exceptional, and based on the proven 4.2 litre V8 engine available in the majority of the Jaguar range. Joined to this is the renowned 6 speed ZF automatic with an F1 style steering-wheel mounted paddleshift, and one of the best sport modes we have ever tested, which seems telepathic in its gear selection, and even goes so far as to blip the throttle on downchanges, giving a smoother change when really pushing the car.

Ride & Handling

Jaguar has really mastered the art of producing a car that will ride beautifully, even on the optional (and gorgeous) 20” alloys, and yet will out-handle anything this side of a 911 when the twisty bits arrive. Due in part to the lightweight all aluminium construction, the car feels alive, and the steering positive and direct, resulting in a level of cornering ability that owners of the previous generation of XKs will hardly recognise.

Reliability

Jaguar Cars have fought hard to attain an envious reputation for reliability in the premium sector, and now regularly wins awards for it. The very earliest of the XKs had a few electrical bugs which have now been resolved, and with the aluminium chassis, you are guaranteed never to see a patch of rust. Dealers are top notch too, and always rank highly among the JD Power and Top Gear ownership surveys, to give that all round luxury experience you’d expect when spending 60 grand on a car such as this.

Specifications

The XK & XKR both come with a fantastic list of standard options, and for the money, are incredibly good value, when compared to rivals like the Mercedes SL or Aston V8. Std equipment includes 10 way electric leather seats, Jaguars wonderful 7” touchscreen sat nav, (take note BMW i-drive), keyless start, 18” alloys (19” on the R), a choice of wood or aluminium finishes, and pretty much everything you’d expect. Popular upgrades are the stunning 20” Senta alloys, which aren’t cheap, but will help massively on resale value.

Living with the Car

As an ownership proposition, this makes a very strong case for itself. True, the back seats are laughable for anyone over 12, but you may just be able to squeeze an adult behind the passenger seat if absolutely necessary. The boot is a good size too, (for a sports car) and capable of holding the requisite 2 golf bags. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, the cabin feels spacious and airy and all the controls are well thought out and positioned.

Summary

If you need a car that looks incredible, is great value for money, will waft you to the South of France without blinking an eyelid in supreme comfort, and yet make you feel like a hero should you wish to throw it down the road on a spirited Sunday afternoon, then this is it, look no further. A Porsche may have a very marginal handling advantage, but will break your back on a 100 mile run, whilst the BMW 6 series feels overweight and ugly by comparison, and the Mercedes SL and Aston Vantage seem massively overpriced. Jaguar has produced a worthy winner here, the Jaguar XK has won many a motoring plaudit so far, and truly deservers every one.

Learning Resources

For further information on the Jaguar range visit Jaguar UK: Jaguar UK Website.

For education and to learn about the history of Jaguar Cars see Wikipedia: Wikipedia History of Jaguar Cars.