For most of its 18-year existence, the Jaguar XK has carried the sporting image for the brand. But now that the F-Type Coupe and Roadster have been launched, it's easier to see what the XK has really been all this time: an elegant -- and rapid -- two-seat grand tourer.
What's New for 2015
Also because of the F-Type line, 2015 is the final year for the XK line. All models now come with HD radio, active front lighting and metallic pedals as standard. An XK Final Fifty special edition will include 25 XKR coupes and 25 XKR convertibles with the Performance and Dynamic packages, finished in Ultimate Black paint and special trim.
Choosing Your Jaguar XK
The XK starts at about $86,000 for the coupe -- the convertible is $6,000 more. A 5-liter V8 is standard, with 385 horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission only. Standard equipment includes Xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a backup camera and a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and portable audio interface for the 525-watt Bowers and Wilkins audio system. Sixteen-way heated and cooled front seats are also included.
The XKR adds much more performance, thanks to a supercharged version of the V8 putting out 510 horsepower and getting from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, a 0.6 second improvement over the XK. It starts at just under $100,000. The optional Dynamic Package includes 20-inch Vortex alloy wheels, special side skills, a rear diffuser and rear wing and raises the top speed from 155 mph to 174. The Performance Package adds special seats, active performance exhaust and a suede-cloth steering wheel.
Finally, the XKR-S is the most sporting of the XK line, and one of the most powerful Jaguars ever. The supecharged V8 has been tuned to pump out 550 horsepower, getting to 60 in just 4.2 seconds. It commands the princely sum of $133,850 for the coupe, or $139,850 for the convertible. The XKR-S gets a top speed of 186 mph, thanks to a functional aerodynamics kit made from carbon fiber. Inside, there are 16-way performance bucket seats that are also heated.
The XK may be all about cruising, but you might as well go for the supercharged XKR because it offers noticeably more performance and character. An XK shows its age in cabin quality and available technology, but few cars sound and look as distinctive.