Introduction
Since 2007 Jaguar has continued its long heritage of high-performance and high-tech sports cars with the luxury lineup of the Jaguar XK. From 2007 through 2011, the base XK and the XKR were the only two trims available. In 2012, the XKR-S joined the lineup, and in 2013, the new XK Touring trim added an entry-level model below the base level.
What’s New
The 2014 Jaguar XK carries over virtually unchanged from 2013. The exception is the introduction of the top-of-the-line XKR-S GT, a model so exclusive only 25 will be available in the U.S.
Interior/Exterior
The XK comes in two styles: coupe and convertible. Its exterior lines feature classic Jaguar design elements, such as the oval grille. Each trim features its own wheels, and the XKR-S includes carbon fiber exterior components.
One attractive aspect of the Jaguar XK is its long list of high-end standard features, such as leather upholstery, a navigation system, and a touchscreen interface at all levels. Interior materials are of the highest quality including actual aluminum and wood accents.
Under the Hood
The XK Touring and base XK feature a 385-horsepower 5-liter V-8, while the XKR and XKR-S get supercharged versions of the same engine that make 510 and 550 horsepower, respectively. The XKR-S also creates a whopping 502 pound-feet of torque, making it difficult for the unprepared driver to control. All XKs have the same six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
In fuel economy estimates, the XK Touring and base XK coupe models get 16 mpg in city driving, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined, while the convertible’s estimates come in at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The XKR and XKR-S figures are estimated at 15 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined for the coupe. The convertible’s estimates are nearly the same, with only a drop to 17 mpg in combined driving.
Performance
Drivers love the fast—not quick, but fast—acceleration of zero to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds for the XKR-S. Even the “slower” XK Touring and base models accomplish the same feat in just over 5 seconds. When it comes to handling curves, the XK lineup falls somewhere in the middle of its class. In keeping with a higher level of performance, the XKR and XKR-S offer a firmer ride quality.
Which Style To Buy?
2014 Jaguar XK Base
Most PopularThe jump up to the XK model brings more high-end interior features and packages while retaining the same powertrain as the XK Touring. A 14-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system replaces the Touring’s standard Jaguar stereo, while the front seats gain a cooling feature and adjust six more ways. Soft-grain leather joins the list of available interior trim materials, and the heated steering wheel includes switches for the audio and cruise-control systems. The Portfolio Pack features a chrome-mesh grille and special colors highlighted with contrast stitching for the leather upholstery, and the convertible top is available in seven colors.
2014 Jaguar XK Touring
Most PopularAs the entry-level XK, the Touring model is the least expensive -- yet there’s nothing skimpy about this car with a refined interior worthy of Jaguar tradition. It still comes equipped with an extensive list of upscale features that Jaguar owners expect, such as an adjustable suspension, automatic bi-xenon headlights, 10-way power-adjustable heated leather front seats, and a choice of aluminum or wood interior trim. The 385-horsepower 5-liter engine tops out at 155 mph. The only drawbacks? The convertible top comes only in black and there are no options for either body style.
2014 Jaguar XK XKR
Most PopularPerformance jumps in importance with the XKR level, as designated by the special Jaguar R styling inside and out. The supercharged 5-liter V-8 produces 510 horsepower. Standard and optional features added for the XKR focus on mechanicals, including such items as an active differential and a high-performance braking system. An optional Dynamic Pack offers red brake calipers, upgraded adaptive dynamics, forged and fully machined front suspension components, and a 10mm reduction in ride height.
2014 Jaguar XK XKR-S
Everything about the XKR-S shouts performance, from the quad tailpipes of the performance exhaust to the 20-inch Vulcan forged alloy wheels. Tweaks to the supercharged 5-liter V-8 produce 550 horsepower and a top speed of 186 mph. Carbon fiber exterior components, including the front splitter, rear spoiler and rear air diffuser, make an appearance, as do special gloss-black exterior trim features. Inside a leather headliner joins the leather performance seats and bright stainless pedals.
2014 Jaguar XK
$87,995 | 4,554 mi
2013 Jaguar XK
$67,495 | 612 mi
2012 Jaguar XK
$57,717 | 3,099 mi
2012 Jaguar XK
$68,815 | 6,750 mi
2012 JAGUAR XK
$69,950 | 8,203 mi
2012 Jaguar XK
$79,999 | 11,950 mi
2012 Jaguar XK
$79,999 | 18,691 mi
2011 Jaguar XK
$62,990 | 18,176 mi
2010 Jaguar XK
$38,590 | 43,778 mi
2009 Jaguar XK
$35,480 | 26,986 mi
2009 Jaguar XK Series
$41,998 | 16,325 mi
2008 Jaguar XK
$36,590 | 30,063 mi
2007 Jaguar XK
$25,900 | 70,390 mi
2006 Jaguar XK8
$26,990 | 55,060 mi
Best Alternatives
2014 BMW 650
Loads of power and high-tech safety features
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
Strong and fast but at a higher price tag than the XK
2013 Porsche 911
Classic high performance in an attractive package
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
The all-new Corvette Stingray offers interior upgrades but less performance than the XK
