2009 Jaguar XK Series: Tester's Comments

2009 Jaguar XK Series 

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  • MSRP: $77,000 - $100,900
  • Invoice: $70,070 - $91,369

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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Jaguar XK Series. See if the 2009 Jaguar XK Series is right for you.

Vehicle Evaluated


Make/Model: 2009 Jaguar XK Coupe
Trim Level: Base
Arrival Date: 02/06/2009
Engine: dohc V8
Bodystyle 2-door hatchback
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: 77,200
Price as Tested: 81,025
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 265
Mileage at End of Test: 617
Total Measured Miles: 352
Total Fuel Used: 18.916 gals.
Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: 18.61 mpg (what's this?)
Problems During Test: None
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Major Options

Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound, Coupe Lux w/Burl Walnut

From the Back Seat

Ed Piotrowski

A base XK equipped with the Luxury Package is probably the best choice in this lineup of grand-touring cars. Immensely capable, XK is a fine value for those who want high style and luxury in a car that looks like nothing else on the road. That said, those who crave this cat would do well to wait a little while. The 2010 models will be out soon, and they will sport increased power with (hopefully) little-to-no sacrifice in fuel economy.

John Biel

Though the base XK in this test doesn't have the kick of the supercharged XKR we tried a few months earlier, it is still very lively, every bit as luxurious, and quite an attention-grabber. Even with an upgraded stereo system, the $2300 Luxury Package (leather upholstery, wood trim, etc.), and delivery, the car in this test stickered for $6300 less than the base price of an XKR. Going the XK route may show some prudent restraint in these trying economic times, but it will hardly feel like a sacrifice.

Vehicle Evaluated


Make/Model: 2009 Jaguar XKR Convertible
Trim Level: XKR
Arrival Date: 10/13/2008
Engine: dohc V8
Bodystyle 2-door convertible
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: 93,700
Price as Tested: 105,725
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3336
Mileage at End of Test: 3836
Total Measured Miles: 500
Total Fuel Used: 34.535 gals.
Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: 14.48 mpg (what's this?)
Problems During Test: None
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Major Options

Adaptive cruise control, 20-inch Senta wheels, Luxury Aluminum Weave Package (upgraded and extended leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats, heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped shifter, aluminum interior trim), Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system, special paint

From the Back Seat

Damon Bell

I'm not a fan of its sometimes-tedious navigation system, and the ride with the available 20-inch wheels can get quivery and nervous. Otherwise, the XKR convertible offers an exquisite blend of posh accomodations, sophisticated performance, and head-turning style that mostly lives up to its stratospheric sticker price.

Jack Stewart

A fast, comfortable car made even better when the top is folded.

John Biel

At $105,725 delivered, the XKR convertible in this test would not be for the faint of wallet. That said, its blend of gentility and muscularity makes it a first-class grand tourer that just might be worth that considerable pile of coin.

Vehicle Evaluated


Make/Model: 2009 Jaguar XKR
Trim Level: XKR
Arrival Date: 09/29/2008
Engine: dohc V8
Bodystyle 2-door hatchback
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: 87,400
Price as Tested: 98,425
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 2158
Mileage at End of Test: 2441
Total Measured Miles: 283
Total Fuel Used: 31.213 gals.
Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: 14.16 mpg (what's this?)
Problems During Test: None
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Major Options

Adaptive Cruise Control, 20-inch Senta Wheels, R Coupe Luxury w/Burled Walnut Trim, Bowers and Wilkins Sound System

From the Back Seat

David Hogan

Our test XKR prices out beyond $98K. The comparable Mercedes CLs have little of the XK's presence, and even the very capable BMW 6-Series appears less impressive in contrast. The XKR is a head-turner that's also a highly visible symbol of conspicuous consumption. People look at it and they KNOW it costs a fortune. At a stoplight a fellow in the car next to me said, "I guess the economy's not so bad after all, is it?"--and he wasn't smiling. Nobody NEEDS the XKR, but if you want supreme style and smooth,thrilling performance, and can pay the freight, the car makes a peculiar kind of sense.

Jack Stewart

The XKR is a great blend of performance, comfort, and style. It also has reasonable fuel economy for a luxury performance car. Those wanting to save $10,000 could buy the base XK and get most of the R attributes with even better gas mileage.

John Biel

This motorcar for the sporting gentry doesn't come cheap. Our test XKR coupe had a base price of $87,400 and was stocked with some costly options that added more than $10,000 to the bottom line. (The 20-inch wheel/tire package alone cost $5000.) But the car imparts an undeniable sense of the proverbial iron fist in the velvet glove, especially with the XKR's supercharged V8. A striver with other plans for 10 grand could still have an entertaining and luxurious car without the options--though we doubt that's usually much of a concern for most buyers in this slice of the market.

Tom Appel

Despite some bizarre control issues, this gentleman's express is one fine ride. Crazy fast, dangerously classy, and absolutely gorgeous, the XKR recalls what "motoring" really was. No XK is a real sports car, they're too big and flabby to really move with grace, but they are potent, and few cars look better sitting at a stop light.

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