Jaguar XK
Ratings
5 stars
Summary
Highly recommended. Stylish, classy and brilliant to drive - the XK puts Jaguar back at the top of the luxury coupe segment.
Review
Don't let the XK's slightly 'sixties-looking front end fool you - behind the shiny E-Type-a like radiator grille lies one of the most technically advanced cars in the world. Constructed from aluminium, the XK is both lighter and vastly stronger than the car it replaces.
The handsome styling works well from every angle, although the shutline at the bottom of the bonnet is maybe a bit obvious - this is due to a clever pyrotechnic system that uses airbags to lift the bonnet in the event of a pedestrian impact. Inside, the XK is reasonably spacious for front seat occupants, with the well-designed cabin finished in a range of soft-feel plastics and thick carpet trim - only a couple of cheap-feeling minor switches coming in for criticism. Technically a "two-plus-two", the XK's tiny rear seats aren't up to carrying anything but the smallest passengers, although they offer a useful addition to the already-generous bootspace available under the rear hatchback. The cabriolet version loses the hatch and a fair bit of luggage space (with the roof down), although it's still class competitive with obvious rivals.
Dynamically the XK is a winner - pliant suspension settings and the option of electronically variable dampers allowing it to combine a smooth ride with high levels of cornering force. High speed progress over rough roads feels effortless, and motorway cruising refinement is impressive, too - both helped out by the sweet-shifting of the six-speed automatic gearbox.
A developed version of the 4.2 litre petrol V8 that did duty in the previous generation XK. It's a great motor - smooth, refined and keen to rev - but it can't disguise a fairly serious performance deficit when compared to the German competition. That is, of course, until you get behind the wheel of the supercharged XKR model whose 420bhp provides truly hair-raising performance and gives a gorgeously hard growl above 4000rpm. Yet it does without any supercar histrionics and is as comfortable as the best executive cruisers.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Handsome, muscular and classy. Front end looks distinctly feline and touches like the twin-air inlet on the supercharged XKR mark out the sportier model.
Handling
4 star
Despite initially light-feeling steering the XK drives brilliantly, with loads of grip and flat, drama-free cornering.
Comfort
5 star
Outstanding suspension allows the XK to combine sporty handling with impressive ride quality. High speed stability is excellent, and refinement is very good at all speeds.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Generally good, although a few areas of the cabin feels relatively low-end compared to some rivals. In the main, a comfortable and luxurious place to be.
Performance
5 star
The 4.2 litre V8 makes some lovely sounds and gives decent urge, but 295 bhp isn't very much by segment standards these days - real thrill-seekers must look to the 420bhp supercharged XKR.
Roominess
3 star
Front seat occupants enjoy plenty of space, although the rear pews aren't up for more than very occasional use. The boot is big and easily accessed through the rear tailgate.
Running Costs
3 star
Decent fuel economy helps to take some of the financial sting from XK ownership - driven gently it will better 25 mpg - but servicing and insurance are pricey.
Value for money
4 star
Generous standard equipment makes the XK look like strong value compared to its relatively spartan rivals - all versions have satnav and power leather seats.
