Until this most recent generation which debuted a few years ago, Jaguar's XKR was something of an outsider in the sports grand touring world. Sure, it had power, but it lacked the polished dynamic poise of rivals such as the Benz SL AMG or BMW M6. It was dismissed as a boulevard cruiser, an automotive fashion accessory typically worn by denizens of Beverly Hills.
I can say with certainty that's no longer the case. Follow the jump for bullet points on this fierce new top cat.
- The XKR features the so-cool rotary gear selector from the XF. Put that baby in sport mode and the XKR is always ready to leap. Comes in handy when you want to swiftly dispatch left-lane campers.
- Despite the tidal wave (510 hp!) of power on tap, I averaged 17.1 mpg. The XKR's EPA figures of 15 city, 22 highway and 17 combined are downright frugal compared to say a BMW M6's of 11/17/13.
- The adaptive suspension does a seamless job changing from comfortably swallowing potholes on our lovely SoCal surface streets to firmly keeping the car composed through quick transitions in the canyons. I liked the weighting of the steering too -- enough heft to let you know you're piloting a performance car without feeling too heavy.
- The audio system is a hassle to operate through the multi-purpose touch screen, this is where using the steering wheel controls comes in handy. The Bowers and Wilkins systems rocks however, and the iPod integration is intuitive.
- The back seat is useless for anyone over age 3 though it makes a nice spot to stash the bags from the outlet mall or the golf clubs that won't fit in the trunk.
- At $102,000, this may be the segment bargain. Rivals such as the SL63 or Maserati Gran Turismo convertible both run around 140 large, some 40 percent more than the XKR.
Stay tuned for the full test on the 2010 Jaguar XKR, which will be up soon.
By greenpony
on February 25, 2010
01:40 PM
Were I in the market for a six figure luxury sports coupe, I'd have to give the XKR a look.
By jederino
on February 25, 2010
02:10 PM
These are beautiful cars! I would seriously consider a lightly used coupe example, if they depreciate considerably. But then, I would probably miss-use it at autocrosses and performance driving schools. Probably not a great idea with a car that is undoubtedly pricey to repair and maintain. A CTS-V is probably more durable for that use, but also ugly in comparison.
By dougtheeng
on February 25, 2010
02:38 PM
LOVELY LOOKING CAR inside and out.
By ahightower
on February 26, 2010
08:28 AM
Yes, far better looking than the SL63, as well as the M6. Nearly as attractive as the Maserati.
The Maserati, however, I see as a real bargain compared to the Ferrari California. Then again, there are Ferraris, and then there is everything else.
By estreka
on February 26, 2010
08:53 AM
The price is definitely right, especially give that obscene powerband.