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2008 Jaguar XK Series Full Review
Date Published: 5/15/08
Also in the 2008 Jaguar XK Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Jaguar XK Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Jaguar XK Series Review
The 2008 Jaguar XKR Portfolio is a new top-end option package for this lineup of premium sporty cars. XK seats four, has V8 power, and comes as a 2-door hatchback coupe or a convertible with a power-folding soft top. All models have a 4.2-liter V8 engine. Base versions have 300 hp. The XKR is supercharged and has 420 hp. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags that provide head and torso protection. All models have a navigation system, wireless cell phone link, and keyless entry and starting. XKRs have a sport suspension. The XKR Portfolio is an option package that includes unique trim and high-performance brakes.
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, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
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2008 Jaguar XK Series Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
A token gesture. The seat is best used for parcels. Entry and exit requires contortions, even for short passengers.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 65 |
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2008 Jaguar XK Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| Base 2-door coupe | $74,835 | $68,100 | $665 |
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| Base 2-door convertible | $80,835 | $73,560 | $665 |
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| XKR 2-door coupe | $86,035 | $78,292 | $665 |
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| XKR 2-door convertible | $92,035 | $83,752 | $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 tilt/telescopic 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, 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, remote engine start, Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, tachometer, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, 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, 275/40ZR18 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.
|
||
|
XKR
|
$2,500
|
$2,125
|
|
Wood or aluminum interior trim, upgraded and extended leather upholstery, heated wood/leather-wrapped or leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-way power front seats, power-folding mirrors.
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||
|
Aluminum Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$8,125
|
$6,906
|
|
Aluminum interior trim, upgraded and extended leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats, 255/35ZR20 front tires, 285/30ZR20 rear tires. Deletes wood interior trim.
|
||
|
Portfolio Pkg.
|
||
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XKR
|
$12,000
|
$10,200
|
|
Uprated brakes, upgraded and extended leather upholstery, wood or aluminum interior trim, 16-way power front seats, upgraded Alpine sound system, satellite radio, unique interior and exterior trim, tire pump and sealant, 255/35ZR20 front tires, 285/30ZR20 rear tires. Deletes spare tire.
|
||
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Advanced Technology Pkg.
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||
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Base
|
$2,500
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$2,125
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Adaptive cruise control, steering-linked adaptive headlights.
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Premium Sound Pkg.
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Base, XKR
|
$1,875
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$1,594
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Upgraded Alpine sound system, satellite radio.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Adaptive cruise control
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XKR
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$2,200
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$1,870
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Wood interior trim
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XKR
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$0
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$0
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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Base, XKR
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$1,000
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$850
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base, XKR
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$1,400
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$1,190
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Includes 245/40ZR19 front and 275/35ZR19 rear tires.
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245/40ZR19 front and 275/35ZR19 rear tires
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Base
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$1,200
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$1,020
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255/35ZR20 front and 285/30ZR20 rear tires
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Base, XKR
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$5,000
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$4,250
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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 | Supercharged 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 | 16/25 | 16/25 |
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 | 4/50,000 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Jaguar XK Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Jaguar XK Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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