2007-2008 Jaguar XK Series: Road Test

Jaguar XKs are well known for performance, especially in supercharged form. Base XKs are satisfyingly responsive at any speed. A test convertible accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. XKRs are faster still: a test coupe reached 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. Both are aided by Jaguar's quick-acting automatic transmission, which does not hesitate to downshift for effortless highway passing. Steering-wheel paddles are easy to use and provide even faster gear changes. Fuel economy is marginal in regular form, dismal with supercharging. A test base coupe averaged 20.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. A base convertible averaged 17.4 mpg with more city use, and 16.6 in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. A test XKR coupe averaged 13.2 mpg, also including performance runs. All XKs require premium-grade fuel. With standard 18-inch tires, the well-controlled base suspension delivers a firm but comfortable ride, devoid of jolts and highway float. A base coupe with 20-inch tires, or any XKR, exhibits more impact harshness over sharp ridges and ruts, but they're still never punishing. Convertibles are free from undue body quivers over bumps. Handling is a Jaguar hallmark, led by quick and precise steering. Base models are confident and balanced in the grand-touring manner, rather than razor sharp in the sports-car mold. Little body lean is evident, even in fast turns. Here, 20-inch tires combine with added rigidity of the coupe body style for crisper responses and added grip in turn. XKRs are sportier still. Braking is strong and linear. Jaguar's engines growl nicely during acceleration, but cruise quietly. Coupes have suffered slight wind hiss from closed side windows. Relatively little wind rush is noticeable in a convertible with the top down. Top up, it's nearly as quiet as a coupe. Some tire noise is evident in both-especially with 20-inch tires-but never obtrusive. Controls and gauges are well-placed, but the navigation screen washes out in direct sunlight on convertibles. In all models, the navigation system absorbs some radio and climate functions, slowing and complicating their use; redundant audio controls help. A bigger issue is illegibility of the instrument-panel screen in direct sunlight-a real obstacle 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. Front occupants can expect plenty of headroom and legroom, with comfortable seats. The standard power tilt/telescoping steering wheel helps most drivers find a comfortable position, but the car's low build hampers entry/exit. Visibility is generally good, except rear roof pillars in both body styles interfere with over-the-shoulder vision. Strictly a token gesture, the back seat is best used for parcels or toddlers. Entry/exit requires significant contortions. Carrying luggage demands careful packing. The new hatchback design eases access to the coupe's luggage area, which has slightly greater overall volume than the convertible's trunk. Neither body style has folding rear seatbacks, however. Optional run-flat tires omit the spare tire, freeing up additional cargo space beneath the floor. Cabins lack small-item storage space.

Value for the Money
An enticing blend of grown-up performance and sporty luxury earns the XK Recommended status. The XKR adds even more performance and sharper handling. Rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz SL and Cadillac XLR offer the security of power metal retractable roof, but the XK convertible's fabric top is well insulated and consumes less cargo room when folded. On the new-car market, Jaguar's base XKs slot attractively between comparable versions of the BMW 6-Series and the Mercedes-Benz SL500/550, while XKRs are significantly cheaper than an M6 or SL55. Resale values have trailed those of Jaguar's rivals, so used-car prices may be more appealing.