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2007 Jaguar XK Series Full Review
Date Published: 12/12/07
2007 Jaguar XK Series Review
Jaguar redesigns its coupe and convertible for 2007 with new styling and aluminum-intensive construction. The XKs retain V8 power and a four-seat cabin, but weigh some 300 lb less than the steel-body 1997-2006 versions, despite being 7 inches longer in wheelbase, 4 inches wider, and an inch longer overall. Coupes adopt a hatchback design with a hinged rear roof section. Convertibles again use a power soft top with heated glass rear window. XK keeps its 4.2-liter V8, but base models now have 300 hp vs. 294. Supercharged XKRs have 420 hp vs. 390. Both reprise a 6-speed automatic transmission, but now with steering wheel paddles for manual operation. ABS, traction/antiskid control, and automatic-adjusting suspension are standard; XKR has sport suspension tuning. All models have front side airbags that provide torso and head protection. Convertibles have rear rollover bars designed to deploy in an impending tip. All XKs have a navigation system, wireless cell phone link, keyless entry and starting, and bi-xenon headlights. Adaptive cruise control is available.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series and Porsche Boxster and Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jaguar XK Series and Volkswagen Eos.
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2007 Jaguar XK Series Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
8 8 9 9 8.1

Base XKs satisfyingly responsive at any speed. Test convertible did 5.9 sec 0-60 mph. XKR faster still: Test coupe did 5.0 sec 0-60 mph. Both aided by quick-acting automatic transmission that doesn't hesitate to downshift for effortless highway passing. Steering wheel paddles easy to use and provide even faster gear changes.
Fuel Economy

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
6 6 4 4 4.6

Test base coupe averaged 20.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test convertible 17.4 mpg in mostly city driving, 21,7 in mostly highway use. Test XKR coupe averaged 13.2 mpg, also including performance runs. All XKs require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
6 7 5 6 4.5

With standard 18-inch tires, well-controlled base suspension delivers firm but comfortable ride devoid of jolts and highway float. Base coupe with 20-inch tires and XKRs exhibit more impact harshness over sharp ridges and ruts, but still never punishing. Convertible free from undue body quivers over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
9 8 9 9 8.6

Base confident and balanced in the grand-touring manner rather than razor sharp in the sports-car mold. Little body lean even in fast turns. Here, 20-inch tires combine with added rigidity of coupe body style for crisper responses, added grip in turns. XKRs sportier still. Steering quick, precise. Braking strong, linear.
Quietness

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
5 5 5 5 4.5

Engine growls nicely during acceleration, but cruises quietly. Coupes suffered slight wind hiss from closed side windows. Relatively little wind rush in convertible with top down--and top up, it's nearly as quiet as coupe. Some tire noise in both--especially with 20-inchers--but never obtrusive.
Controls

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.7

Well-placed controls and gauges. Navigation screen washes out in direct sunlight on convertible. On all, the system absorbs some radio and climate functions, slowing and complicating their use; redundant audio controls help. Bigger issue is legibility of instrument panel screen in direct sunlight--a real problem in top-down driving. Although a few plastic pieces disappoint, cabin materials are otherwise high quality and well-assembled, with standard wood or available aluminum trim each creating its own ambience.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
7 7 7 7 5.9

Plenty of head and leg room with comfortable seats. Standard power tilt/telescope steering wheel helps most to find a comfortable driving position. Low build complicates entry/exit. Visibility good except rear roof pillars in both body styles interfere with over-the-shoulder vision.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
1 1 1 1 .6

Seat best used for parcels or toddlers. Entry/exit requires contortions.
Cargo Room

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
3 2 3 2 2.2

Demands careful packing. Hatchback design eases access to coupe's luggage area, which has slightly greater overall volume than convertible's trunk. Neither body style has folding rear seatbacks, however. Ordering the optional run-flat tires omits spare tire, frees up additional cargo space beneath floor. Cabin lacks small-item storage.
Value within Class

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
7 7 6 6 5.4

An enticing blend of grown-up performance and sporty luxury earns the XK Recommended status. XKR adds even more performance and sharper handling. Rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz SL and Cadillac XLR offer the security of a power metal retractable roof, but the XK convertible's fabric top is well insulated and consumes less cargo room when folded. Price-wise, Jaguar's base XKs slot attractively between comparable versions of the BMW 6-Series and the Mercedes SL550, while XKRs are significantly cheaper than an M6 or SL55.
Total Score

Base cpe w/20-in. whls. Base conv XKR cpe XKR conv Class Average
59 58 56 56 51.1
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
43
Average Score
51
High Score
63
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2007 Jaguar XK Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/01/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 2-door coupe $74,835 $68,100 $665
Base 2-door convertible $80,835 $73,560 $665
XKR 2-door coupe $85,835 $78,110 $665
XKR 2-door convertible $91,835 $83,570 $665
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, automatic roll bars (convertible), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, navigation system, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 10-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, remote access and starting, Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital clock, tachometer, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, map lights, power convertible top (convertible), rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, bi-xenon headlights w/washers, front and rear fog lights, cornering lights, rear spoiler, automatic shock absorber control, 245/45ZR18 front tires, 255/45ZR18 rear tires, alloy wheels.
XKR adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Aluminum interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim.
Steering-linked adaptive headlights, sport suspension w/automatic shock absorber control, 245/40ZR19 front tires, 275/35ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Luxury Pkg.
Base
$3,300
$2,805
Upgraded and extended leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats, heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood/leather-wrapped shifter, 245/40ZR19 front tires, 255/40ZR19 rear tires.
Aluminum Luxury Pkg.
XKR
$2,100
$1,785
Upgraded and extended leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats.
Wood Luxury Pkg.
XKR
$2,100
$1,785
Wood interior trim, upgraded and extended leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats. Deletes aluminum interior trim.
Advanced Technology Pkg.
Base
$2,500
$2,125
Adaptive cruise control, steering-linked adaptive headlights.
Premium Sound Pkg.
Base, XKR
$1,875
$1,594
Upgraded Alpine sound system, satellite radio.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Adaptive cruise control
XKR
$2,200
$1,870
Wood interior trim
XKR
$0
$0
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
Base, XKR
$1,000
$850
245/40ZR19 front and 275/35ZR19 rear run-flat tires
Base
$1,700
$1,445
Requires Luxury Pkg. Deletes spare tire.
245/40ZR19 front and 275/35ZR19 rear tires
Base
$1,200
$1,020
255/35ZR20 front and 285/30ZR20 rear tires
Base, XKR
$5,000
$4,250
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2007 Jaguar XK Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Jaguar XK Series 2-door hatchback Jaguar XK Series 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 108.3 108.3
Overall Length, in. 188.6 188.6
Overall Width, in. 74.5 74.5
Overall Height, in. 52.0 52.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3671 3759
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 10.6 10.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.8 18.8
Seating Capacity 4 4
Front Head Room, in. 37.4 37.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.0 43.0
Rear Head Room, in. 33.3 33.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 23.7 23.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V8 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.2 /256 4.2 /256
Horsepower @ rpm. 300 @ 6000 420 @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 310 @ 4100 413 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed automatic 18/27 17/25
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Jaguar XK Series 2-door hatchback Jaguar XK Series 2-door convertible
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 6/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/500,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance 1/12,000 --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: England
Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Jaguar XK Series
Trim Level:  Base
Arrival Date:  07/20/2006
Engine:  dohc V8
Bodystyle:  2-door convertible
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $73,560
Price as Tested:  $80,835
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  4858
Mileage at End of Test:  5330
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  33.679 gals.
 

Major Options:  N/A

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  17.4 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Kirk Bell In the five years I've been reviewing cars, the XK represents the greatest leap of one generation over the previous one. It is light years ahead of its predecessor in steering and handling. The last model looked great but was nothing special to drive. This one is special from the outside and behind the wheel.

Tom Appel Wow, a jaguar with charm. I thought all the character was extracted from the brand after Ford's takeover. For my garage, I would choose the Jag over the similarly pricey Mercedes SL550. Something about this car makes me want to smoke a good cigar and drive to a picnic. I just won't try and put anyone in the back seat.


Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Jaguar XK Series
Trim Level:  Base
Arrival Date:  07/27/2006
Engine:  dohc V8
Bodystyle:  2-door coupe
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $68,100
Price as Tested:  $74,835
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  4858
Mileage at End of Test:  5330
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  49.53 gals.
 

Major Options:  N/A

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  20.63 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski The redesigned XK is everything a premium grand touring vehicle should be--stylish to look at and easy, yet engaging to drive. If you have the means to afford such a vehicle, put the XK on your shopping list. Just be sure to test out all the wheel size options first.

Rick Cotta In this latest guise, the XK coupe impresses as a stylish, comfortable touring car with the sporting moves of its feline namesake. Demerits for a useless back seat and the slight quality gaffes on our tester notwithstanding, those comfortable in this price range will likely find the XK's qualities commensurate with its cost.

Tom Appel The gentleman Jag is back, and I for one really like it. Usefully quick and appropriately frivolous, the new XK does all a pricey coup should, and with a modicum more stateliness than the Mercedes SL550.

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