Jaguar XK coupe (2006 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Where do we start? The Jaguar XK is truly a beautiful thing and manages to combine elements of iconic Jaguars harking back to the E-Type with a thoroughly modern coupe shape. Low and sleek, it’s awash with interesting details like the double-mesh front grille, side vents and bonnet contours, but it’s never brash. The Jaguar manages to look expensive without being pretentious.

Our rating: 5

2. Interior

The sumptuous Jaguar interior is befitting of a top-end luxury coupe, full of leather and a choice of either aluminium or wood for the dashboard. We think the standard fit metal looks best, though traditionalists might prefer wood. Upper Portfolio specification adds a leather-topped dash and contrasting stitching. Whatever the look, the interior is of high quality and easy to navigate – especially the touch-screen multimedia interface. It’s also very easy to get a comfy driving position, which is down to masses of seat and wheel adjustment – though the roof can feel low for taller drivers.

Our rating: 4

3. Practicality

The penalty for the low, sporty styling is the almost complete absence of rear space. Jaguar calls this a 2+2 coupe, but it really isn’t. Even the Porsche 911 can, at a squeeze, be used to transport small people or kids in child seats in the rear, but the Jag’s back pews are really for bags only. The boot volume is quoted at 330 litres – about the same as a Volkswagen Golf’s – but it’s not as useful because it’s a flat, shallow shape. The cabin has precious few cubbyholes beyond the standard glove compartment and door pockets, too.

Our rating: 2

4. Ride and handling

Adaptive damping is standard, which Jaguar says analyses car and road 500 times per second to achieve the right balance between handling and comfort. Certainly the XK achieves a great mix of the two. It’s not as involving as the Porsche 911 or BMW 6 Series on a back road, but it is the one you’d probably prefer to drive home in after a hard day at work; such is its adeptness at smoothing out the road. And it’s still sharp to drive, with accurate steering and an automatic gearbox that’s willing to hold a gear when you’re pressing on.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

The 5-litre V8 engine pumps out 385bhp and 379lb/ft, making this a car that lacks nothing at any point in the rev range. It means you don’t have to rev it hard for it to feel fast, but when you do it’s every inch the gut-churning high-performance car. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint is done in 5.5 seconds, but equally impressive is how docile the XK feels while pottering about built up areas. In that scenario, the gearbox shifts smoothly and moves up gears quickly for best economy, the steering feels light, and the throttle is not over-sensitive.

Our rating: 5

6. Running costs

Unlike the BMW 6-series and Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, which both offer diesel versions of their top-end coupes, Jaguar only supplies the XK with the 5-litre V8 petrol engine – don’t expect wallet friendliness. The 25.2mpg economy is about the best you could possibly expect, with a realistic figure closer to the high teens around town. Its 264g/km CO2 emissions make it a car tax nightmare (Band M), and although service intervals are wide, at 15,000 miles, don’t expect budget prices from franchised dealers. This is a complex, powerful sportscar.

Our rating: 2

7. Reliability

The Jaguar XK has been subject to a few VOSA recalls, including one in August 2010 involving the XF saloon as well, served for a potential engine cut out. In 2008, almost 5,000 cars were recalled for a possible airbag failure. However, don’t expect any issues with the XK during day-to-day running.  Jaguar dealer service is reputedly excellent, too.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

Like most expensive coupes the Jaguar XK hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP, although it’s littered with safety kit. It even has a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians on impact. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are adaptable electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

All XKs are well-equipped, including all the kit a high flyer could possibly need. The higher level Portfolio model is more about adding luxury than equipment and features a greater combination of leather, stitching and trim options. That said, it does get bigger 20-inch wheels and an ear-shattering Bowers & Wilkins stereo upgrade. It’s priced very competitively with the Porsche 911 and BMW 6 Series, and has a longer standard spec sheet than either rival.

Our rating: 5

10. Why buy?

If you’re after a truly dual-natured car that can at one turn be a sharp handling, rapid, sports coupe and at the next a cosseting cruiser, look no further. The Jaguar XK oozes class and prestige. Visit the Jaguar website now for more information on the Jaguar XK coupe.

Our rating: 5