Verdict: 2007 Jaguar XK and 2008 Jaguar XKR
Though the XK was developed on Ford's watch, it's clear Jaguar didn't have a ton of money to spend on it. What money it did have, it spent on the right stuff-the chassis, the engine, the brakes, the suspension. But the nickel-and-diming elsewhere was occasionally more than obvious: "I HATE the power antenna-it screams $25,000 car from 1985," writes senior editor Ron Kiino. "The shift paddles feel cheap and cheesy to the touch, inexcusable in a car that costs this much," grumbles Stone.
Other niggles concerned the fiddly nav/audio/climate control interface. While the graphics looked good, everyone complained about having to scroll through a series of screens whenever they wanted to change a setting. "It's certainly not intuitive," notes Truck Trend editor Mark Williams.
Those quibbles aside, this XK is the first Jaguar in decades that truly fulfills its visual promise. It's fast-in "R" spec, at least-comfortable, and gracefully mannered, no matter the road or the traffic. It's a Grand Tourer in the truest sense of the term. And you don't need to own two of them to enjoy it.
| Our 2007 Jaguar XK Coupe |
| Base Price | $75,500 |
| Options | Lux Aluminum Package ($8125: aluminum fascia trim, leather instrument panel, 20-inch Senta wheels, 16-way driver and passenger seats) |
| MSRP, as tested | $83,625 |
| Total mileage | 7474 |
| Avg econ/CO2 | 17.0 mpg |
| Problem areas | None |
| Maintenance cost | $0 (mfr provided) |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |
| 3-year residual value* | $37,631 |
| Recalls | 3 |
*Automotive Lease Guide Data
From The Logbook
"The new Jag is a looker, turns heads wherever it goes, but that might be the thing it does best."
Brian Vance
"Quite a mixed bag-but it certainly grows on you the more time you spend behind the wheel."
Mark Williams
"This is a wonderful GT: quick, quiet, and comfortable; a car capable of crossing continents with a minimum of effort and maximum of style."
Angus MacKenzie
"The turn-signal sounds like a grandfather clock. It puts me to sleep."
Andy Foster
| Our 2008 Jaguar XKR Coupe |
| Base Price | $86,035 |
| Options | 20-inch Senta wheels ($5000); Adaptive cruise control ($2200); Lux aluminum weave package ($2100); Premium sound package |
| MSRP, as tested | $97,210 |
| Total mileage | 11,027 |
| Avg econ/CO2 | 16.0 mpg |
| Problem areas | None |
| Maintenance cost | $0 (mfr provided) |
| Normal-wear cost | $5 (key fob battery) |
| Recalls | none |
From The Logbook
"I have yet to drive this vehicle and not get stopped by someone I don't know and told how gorgeous it is. Interestingly, they're always surprised it's a Jaguar. Guesses usually include Aston Martin, Maserati, or Ferrari."
Michael Floyd
"There's hardly a sexier, mass-produced Anglo-auto than the XKR. It's the trophy wife of our current stable. However, as many powerful men can attest, the trophy wife may have award-winning baggage as well. Unfortunately, the Jag does. Sure, she's a sweet-looking kitty with a plush feel and upscale appeal-it's precisely what makes the blemishes that much more obvious. The high standards of the design are not matched by the production effort."
Thomas Voehringer
"The extra zing of the supercharger gives the XKR the performance sparkle the naturally aspirated XK lacks. It feels like a sports car. But actually, it's a damned fine GT, in the truest sense of the term."
Angus MacKenzie
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