Used 2014 Jaguar XK

The art of combining elegance with a performance pedigree is a talent that still eludes many auto manufacturers. At Jaguar, however, they have perfected the formula. It isn’t often that a luxury performance car can be both gorgeous and menacing, but that’s exactly what the 2014 Jaguar XK, XKR, XKR-S – and the limited edition XKR-S GT – are. Beyond its good looks in both coupe and convertible form, the XK impresses with a range of powerful engines, suspension that is both competent and forgiving, and enough luxury and convenience features to make even the most tech-savvy buyer cry uncle. Yet, for all this goodness, the 2014 Jaguar XK remains relatively attainable, with price on par with such luxury greats as the BMW 640i, Porsche 911 and Cadillac CTS-V.

Separate the top XKR-S and GT from the mix, and the Jaguar XK for 2014 falls squarely into the grand touring category. Its ride isn’t especially rough, and its steering, braking and cornering abilities promise there will be few howls of displeasure from most enthusiast drivers. We think many people will find Jaguar’s blend of exhilarating acceleration and unparalleled luxury a desirable combination, one that makes this coupe/convertible a very livable daily driver. Power from the V8 is more than sufficient, with a subtle but appropriate rumble emitted from the exhaust. In the turns, we found the XK’s electronic stability control demonstrated considerable restraint before announcing itself, and the adaptive suspension returns both impressive road holding and ride comfort. On the flip side, some driver sightlines are blocked, especially top-up in the convertible, and the navigation display can wash out in bright sunlight.

For 2014, the Jaguar XK’s interior feels particularly upscale with a pleasing mix of contrast-stitched leather overlays and polished hardwoods. The analog controls are 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.

The 2014 Jaguar 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.

A MYRIAD OF COMBINATIONS
Resorting to the aftermarket for individual expression is a superfluous matter with the Jaguar XK for 2014. 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.

Functional and fashionable, the 2014 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.

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 preset following distance from traffic ahead. Standalone options include HD Radio, a heated windshield for icy climates and aluminum interior trim. Twenty-inch wheels, once optional, are now standard on all but the XK Touring, which rides on 19-inch rims. A new Portfolio Pack adds a designer’s touch with five recommended exterior colors for the coupe and seven for the convertible. Interior themes in either Navy or Truffle round out the package.

All 2014 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 bring the number to 510. The XKR-S and XKR-S GT up the ante to 550 horsepower. 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 (XK)
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 (XKR)
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

5.0-liter supercharged V8 (XKR-S, XKR-S GT)
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