The Cost of Love
I’ll never forget my reaction when Jaguar unveiled the prototype for what would later become the new generation of the Jaguar XK at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2006. I thought that this vehicle would vault the English manufacturer back to a place among the industry’s nobility, and the production version did not change my opinion in the least; however, after spending a week with the car, I’m afraid my first impression was wrong.
Jaguar is synonymous with reliability problems. This is just as true today as it has been for the last 40 years, and the two models of the XK that I tested over the course of the last year have done nothing to contradict that notion. But we’ll come back to that later. In the meantime, reliability is not the only area in which the XK failed to meet my expectations.
The price of the XKR coupe was a whopping $125,950! That’s more expensive than a BMW 650i coupe or a Porsche 911 Carrera with identical equipment. The nerve! Granted, this car has bombshell looks and its low driving position combined with the fact that its disproportionately long front end gives a unique and very pleasant feeling, but even with that price tag, Jaguar still doesn’t offer as much as its rivals.
In the shadow of the Aston…
I have never understood why some people complain about the fact that the XK bears a close resemblance to the Aston Martin DB9 (both were designed by Ian Callum). The DB9 is one of the most beautiful and prestigious cars in the world. Who wouldn’t want to be compared to the Claudia Schiffer of the automotive world? Sure, the Jaguar’s lines aren’t as original as they used to be, but when something is this pretty, there aren’t many things that cannot be forgiven.
In addition to the XK’s looks, it offers an inviting and meticulously finished passenger compartment. The materials are lush and well arranged, and the presentation couldn’t be more typical of Jaguar; however, it seems that passenger compartment design isn’t an easy task for English designers, as the ergonomics are flawed, certain controls are not very user-friendly and certain necessary gadgets are conspicuous by their absence.
On the other hand, the ultra-comfortable seat envelopes you and is just as well adapted for sport driving as it is for cruising. It also features a very pleasant driver’s seat akin to that of its ancestor, the Jaguar E-Type. As for the two seats in the back, well, don’t expect to be able to use them for anything more than your Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags.
Same old mechanics
Things are pretty simple at Jaguar and Land Rover. There is only one 4.2-litre V8 that is used for almost all of the models, and it comes in naturally aspirated and supercharged versions. That means that if you choose the XJ, the S-Type, the LR3 or the Range Rover, you will get this V8. This isn’t necessarily the end of the world, but it is clear that this engine lacks the technological refinement of its German rivals. It has neither direct injection nor variable valve timing, which means that fuel consumption is going to be high, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
If the naturally aspirated engine is powerful, then the supercharged version is simply brutal. The very responsive supercharger reacts to the driver’s requests faster than you can say “beast” and can propel the car from 0-100 km/h in five seconds with little more than a gentle purr. The six-speed automatic transmission is extremely efficient and offers the possibility of a ride that is either very sporty or one that is more comfortable.
Hard to tame
Because of its size, it is hard to tame and, for the uninitiated, hard to get a feel for the XK. Its reactions are predictable, and thanks to the steering, it can be driven with precision, but unpleasant surprises remain a possibility. For instance, if you turn the steering wheel just as the XKR’s supercharger begins to purr, I guarantee that the back end will slide. Of course, the electronic stability control will keep you on the right course, but not without a violent and unpleasant jolt. In time, you will definitely learn to judge this more accurately, but for a car that claims to be modern and refined, I have seen better.
On the road, the XKR features an amazing balance between comfort and firmness. Even if the 19-in. rims, the long wheelbase and the firm suspension ensure exceptional handling, the car is capable of absorbing bumps efficiently. And don’t worry, the chassis is rigid enough that it shows no sign of weakness. In the case of the XK, there is slightly greater emphasis on comfort and touring.
The problem …
I previously mentioned Jaguar’s reputation for unreliable cars, and here is a brief illustration of this point: the XK convertible was sleeping comfortably in my garage when the lights came on by themselves along with the left turn signal and the windshield wipers. The keys were in the house, and I came outside and tried in vain to put an end to the spectacle. I had to wait for the battery to die to then call roadside assistance. Without power, it is impossible to open the trunk to get to the battery in order to recharge it. So, the tow truck driver gently put the car on his platform and started toward the dealership. This coupe comes with an imaginary friend in the passenger seat, or at least that’s what the computer kept telling me, as evidenced by the incessant and unjustified sound of the seatbelt warning buzzer. Imagine how long a two-hour trip would feel with the constant sound of this buzzer ringing in your ears.
In short, think long and hard before buying a Jaguar product, because owning one of these cars means that you are going to get very chummy with the people who work at the dealership. Aside from the reliability issue, a rational reflection on the XK will lead to the conclusion that the BMW 6 Series is better in every way.
But I shouldn't try to convince you not to buy the XK because with this car, it’s often a matter of love at first sight. Some will even say that it’s the car’s shortcomings that make is attractive! As for me, I would say that while life with Claudia Schiffer would definitely be appealing, it may be a little too unpredictable.
Fact File
2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe
As tested, before tax: $125,950
Configuration: front engine/RWD
Engine/Transmission: 4.2-litre V8/6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 420 @6,000 rpm
Torque: 413 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Options: Premium Sound Package ($1,900), Luxury Package ($3,850),
Advanced Technology Package ($3,200)
Freight: $1,195
EnerGuide Fuel Economy rating (L/100 km): 13.7 city/8.8 hwy.
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 14.3
Warranty: 4 yeas/80,000 km
Competition: Aston Martin V8 Vantage, BMW 6 Series, M-Benz Class SL, Porsche 911
Strengths: Charming to a fault, authentic British flavour, exceptional interior finish, enchanting ride
Weaknesses: Perilously unreliable, questionable ergonomics, very high price, token back seats
MSRP Range: $103,000 to $127,000
Engines/transmissions available: 4.2-litre V8/6-speed automatic
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