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2012 Jaguar XK Series

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Overview

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2012 Jaguar XK Series Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.4

In a category defined by supreme levels of prestige, opulence or performance, the 2012 Jaguar XK delivers on all counts. Boasting elegant exterior styling and an interior to match, the Jag XK adds an inimitable Britannic dimension to the grand touring segment. The latest addition to the XK lineup represents the pinnacle of Jaguar performance engineering in the limited-edition XKR-S. Available in coupe or convertible form, the XK's wealth of standard equipment coupled with a reasonable starting price fare well against such well-entrenched competitors as the Mercedes Benz SL-Class, BMW 6 Series and Porsche 911. With three distinct versions to choose from, the 2012 Jaguar XK offers the comfort and grace of a grand tourer, the stirring dynamism of a high-performance sports car, and virtually everything in-between.

You'll Like This Car If...

If a distinctive sports car with a near-perfect balance of performance and comfort sounds enticing, place the 2012 Jaguar XK at the top of your list. The most challenging component of your purchase is choosing between the open-air freedom of the convertible or the streamlined good looks and added rigidity of the coupe.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If razor-sharp handling and visceral feedback are prerequisites for your next sports car, you will find the Jaguar XK comes up short. We recommend the Porsche 911 or the considerably less expensive Chevrolet Corvette to sufficiently arouse your senses. Moreover, the XK's appealing upfront cost is offset by notoriously low residual values.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.4
Driving Dynamics

7.4
Comfort & Convenience

7.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.2
Value

5.8
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#8

out of 9

MPG

#7

out of 9

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.1 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Jaguar XK Series Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Jaguar XK series adds a new 550-horsepower XKR-S variant to the top of the roster. Changes to the base XK and sporty XKR include a restyled front end with revised headlights and LED running lights. Similarly, the interior receives a slight refresh, with upgraded materials and a rear backup camera as standard on every trim level.

Driving the XK Series

2012 Jaguar XK Series Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Apart from the range-topping XKR-S, the Jaguar XK is more of a grand tourer than a pure sports car. Unlike a dedicated sports car, the XK's harmonious blend of performance...

and luxury provides a substantial measure of adaptability. The silky and powerful V8 emits a throaty, enthusiastic rumble. It works well with the 6-speed automatic transmission, which delivers quick, smooth shifts. The stability and traction control systems tolerate a suitable amount of latitude before taking the reins, while the nicely weighted steering and adaptive suspension system deliver remarkable ride comfort as well as handling prowess. On the down side, some driver sightlines are blocked, especially in the convertible with the top up, and the navigation display can wash out in bright sunlight. All things considered, however, the Jaguar XK is a beautiful cruiser that you'll undoubtedly love to drive.

Favorite Features

A MYRIAD OF COMBINATIONS
Resorting to the aftermarket for individual expression is a superfluous matter with the Jaguar XK. With 18 exterior paint finishes, seven interior trims, nearly a half dozen wheel choices and four interior color schemes, you can custom tailor your XK to suit your individual taste.

BOWERS & WILKINS SURROUND SOUND
Not all premium audio systems are created equal. Dazzlingly high speaker counts and wattage outputs topping the quadruple-digit mark look impressive on paper, but the final word in sound quality is ultimately determined by the listener. Much in the way moms prefer Jiff peanut butter, choosey audiophiles choose Bowers & Wilkins.

2012 Jaguar XK Series Details

2012 Jaguar XK Series Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

While it may not share the same level of architectural sophistication as the XJ flagship, the Jaguar XK's interior feels particularly upscale with a pleasing mix of contrast-stitched leather overlays and polished hardwoods. The analog controls are straightforward and intuitive, though most interior functions are operated via the frustratingly lethargic touchscreen interface. Comfort, on the other hand, is top-notch. The 16-way adjustable front seats provide endless arrangements and strike a pleasing balance between plush and firm support. Cramming two adults into the rear seats might pass for cruelty, but luggage or small children will fit fine. The coupe's hatchback design affords a slightly larger cargo area than the convertible, where top-down driving further trims overall trunk space.

Exterior

The XK's short rear deck and extended nose combine to produce a contemporary interpretation of Jaguar's legendary E-Type. The XKR distinguishes itself from the regular XK with exclusive wheels and quad exhaust outlets, with the XKR-S featuring gunmetal-painted wheels, a ventilated hood, unique bodywork, and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler. Convertible variants include a power soft top that can be raised or lowered in less than 18 seconds and is operational at speeds up to 15 mph.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Functional and fashionable, the 2012 Jaguar XK comes predictably well equipped. Customers can choose from aluminum or a variety of wood trims to go with the rich leather upholstery. Aiding passenger comfort is a dual-zone climate-control system with humidity control and 16-way power front seats that are both heated and cooled. Tech features consist of bi-xenon headlights, a rather outdated DVD-based navigation system with a 7-inch touch screen and a 525-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The Convertible has self-deploying roll hoops for added protection in the event of a rollover.

Optional Equipment

With so much standard equipment, the XK offers very few options. An Advanced Technology Package comes with Active Front Lighting that points into turns and Adaptive Cruise Control that maintains a safe following distance from traffic ahead. Stand-alone options include HD Radio, a heated windshield for icy climates, 19- and 20-inch wheels and aluminum interior trim.

Under the Hood

All 2012 Jaguar XK models are powered by a 5.0-liter all-aluminum V8. This smooth and sophisticated engine features direct fuel injection and variable camshaft timing to produce 385 horsepower in base form, while the supercharged XKR and XKR-S up the ante to 500 and 550 horsepower, respectively. The responsive 6-speed ZF automatic transmission has a sport mode that delivers quick upshifts and downshifts and can be manually shifted via a pair of steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The gearbox also incorporates a throttle-blipping feature to smooth transitions on downshifts and enhance vehicle stability.

5.0-liter V8
385 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
380 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg (coupe), 16/22 mpg (convertible)

5.0-liter supercharged V8
510 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
461 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (coupe), 15/22 mpg (convertible)

5.0-liter supercharged V8
550 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
502 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg (coupe), 15/22 mpg (convertible)

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Jaguar XK coupe starts just north of $85,000, while the XK convertible starts at closer to $91,000. Those prices make the XK a few thousand dollars more expensive than the Porsche 911 Carrera, but considerably less than the Mercedes-Benz SL550. As a special order, limited production car, the XKR-S commands a lofty $133,000 sticker price. To see actual transaction prices for the 2012 Jaguar XK in your area, be sure to check KBB's Fair Purchase Price at the bottom of this page. While Jaguar residual values have historically been significantly below those of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, buyers who favor Jaguar's style and spirit might be inclined to buy the XK in spite of the steeper depreciation they may endure at trade-in time.

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2012 Jaguar XK Series Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 64 Ratings for the 2007 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.6/10

Most amazing Jaguar ever

By tcb (FL) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fast, comfortable, rare, great looking"

Cons: "No back up camera"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"First, this car is strikingly beautiful. Wide track with huge tires all around, it looks like it's doing 100 sitting still. It's as fast as it looks and lives up to it's looks. The paddle shifters are a blast to use. They rev the engine up between shifts as if it were a manual transmission. I've had this car on the track a few times and it screams and handles like a race car. Fit & finish are superb. I love this car."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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3 excellent cars in one

By PR (International) on Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "that sound, and the effortless power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"New MY12 convertible XKR Combines a luxury GT with a topless beauty and an exhilarating sports car all in one. Very comfortable on long trips, good sound system, comfortable seats, great climate control. Top down is fabulous - able to have conversations at speed, with little wind buffeting. Exhilarating performance, especially in gear acceleration. Effortless power - no lag from transmission, no delay or hesitation, just a steady stream of power. Head turning looks, much rarer than a 911, and just as quick. Best car I am ever likely to own, and so far just can't get enough of its fabulous sound. Something to look forward to driving at every opportunity."

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Ideal combination of sports and luxury

By aerospaced (VA) on Thursday, November 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "styling, perfomance, handling and comfort"

Cons: "Sticker price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a black 2012 XK - I was really surprised at how well the car handles and accelerates. By engaging dynamic mode and putting shifter into sport mode the entire character of the car changes from luxury cruiser to a high performance street machine. I get tons of looks/interest every where I go. I enjoy this car much more than the 911 I previously owned. My XK has the 385HP engine which is plenty fast however I have driven the 510HP convertible XKR - it is an absolute beast!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love it, would like backup camera

By Pv (NC) on Sunday, September 09, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Different and fun."

Cons: "Back seats should go, tray or cubby be better"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Lots of fun, and lots of looks, backup camera would be better than picture warning system. Back seat useless could use storage or fold down seats in that space."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Huge disappointment in value

By Carol (NC) on Friday, March 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,500

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "A kick to drive"

Cons: "Too many problems"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"There have been a series of problems with the car. Interior issues with fading, cracking, leather lifting. Broken drain pipe under dash. Right after that was taken care of, another $500 mechanical repair...Now there is a whirring noise that I will have to pay to fix and based on everything else, it is bound to be major. I love to drive the car and appearance is unique but it has been a waste of money. The current value is way less than half of what I paid for it. Buttons stick, temperature shows up as 0 at least half the time. Display screen has begun to do unpredictable things."

26 people out of 29 found this review helpful

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The best looking car I ever had!

By jpsub (NJ) on Wednesday, March 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fast. Great looking. Fun. Doesn't get old.Reliable"

Cons: "no sunroof, only convertible. No back seats."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own this car since 4 years and it's still a pleasure to drive. It continues to turn heads and collect compliments from strangers!Very powerful but also very comfortable. Never had a mechanical problem all these years, it's my third Jaguar but by far the best one. The only reason I sell it is because I own a new car now, and I don't have enough space in my garage."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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