2008 Jaguar XK Series: Road Test
2008 Jaguar XK Series ▼
- MSRP: $74,835 - $92,035
- Invoice: $68,100 - $83,752
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Our road test for the 2008 Jaguar XK Series includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Jaguar XK Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Jaguar XK Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Jaguar XK Series help you decide if a 2008 Jaguar XK Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
Base XKs are satisfyingly responsive at any speed. A convertible did 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds in our test. XKRs are faster still: A coupe did 0-60 in 5.0 seconds. Both are aided by a quick-acting automatic transmission that doesn't hesitate to downshift for effortless highway passing. Standard steering wheel paddles are easy to use and provide even faster gear changes.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a base coupe averaged 20.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test convertible did 17.4 mpg with more city driving, 16.6 including gas-eating performance runs. Test XKR coupe averaged 16.3 mpg and 13.2 including performance runs. All XKs require premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 4.4 |
With standard 18-inch tires, the well-controlled base suspension delivers a firm but comfortable ride devoid of jolts and highway float. The base coupe with 20-inch tires and XKRs exhibit more impact harshness over sharp ridges and ruts. They're never punishing. Convertibles are free from undue body quivers over bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
Base cars are confident and balanced in the grand-touring manner rather than razor sharp in the sports-car mold. There's little body lean even in fast turns. Here, 20-inch tires combine with the added rigidity of a coupe body style for crisper responses, added grip in turns. XKRs are sportier still. Steering is quick and precise, and the brakes are strong and sure. No opportunity to test an XKR Portfolio.
QUIETNESS
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
The engine growls nicely during acceleration, but cruises quietly. Coupes suffered some slight wind hiss from closed side windows. There's relatively little wind rush in the convertible with the top down, and top up, it's nearly as quiet as the coupe. Some tire noise is noticeable in both--especially with the 20-inchers--but it's never obtrusive.
CONTROLS
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.6 |
The controls and gauges are generally well placed. The navigation screen washes out in direct sunlight on the convertible. On all, the system absorbs most 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 problem in top-down driving.
DETAILS
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Although a few plastic pieces disappoint, cabin materials are otherwise high quality and well-assembled. Standard wood or available aluminum trim each creates an inviting ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Headroom and legroom are cramped for taller riders. XK's standard power tilt and telescopic steering column helps most find a comfortable driving position. Low build complicates entry and exit. Visibility is good except the rear roof pillars in both body styles interfere with over-the-shoulder vision.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .7 |
A token gesture. The seat is best used for parcels. Entry and exit requires contortions, even for short passengers.
CARGO ROOM
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.6 |
Demands careful packing. The coupe's 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. Ordering the optional run-flat tires omits a spare tire and frees up additional cargo space beneath the floor. The cabin lacks small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
An enticing blend of grown-up performance and sporty luxury makes XK a Recommended pick. 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 650i and the Mercedes SL550, while XKRs are significantly cheaper than an M6 or SL63.
Total Score
| Base coupe w/20-in wheels | Base convertible | XKR coupe | XKR convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 63 | 62 | 62 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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