2014 Jaguar XK Review

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.