There was a time when Jaguar->ke39 was relegated as an afterthought in the luxury car->ke505 segment. But things changed when chief designer Ian Callum came on board and his first design for Jaguar was for the XK->ke1153. Fast-forward a few years later and the XK's design language has made its way across the Jaguar lineup, marking the return to form of the company.

But for all the contributions the Jaguar XK->ke1153 has made to revitalize the company, sales of the model were undercut from within with the release of the F-Type Roadster->ke1224. It came to the point where the model's struggling sales forced the company to announce that it would discontinue the XK by the end of the year.

So you can imagine how the 2014 XK must feel. To be fair, it's got a lot of traits and characteristics that are worthy appreciating. It's looks may be getting dated, but it's still flashy enough to catch peoples' attention. Power isn't an issue, either, and the luxury and technological amenities on the interior is top-class all the way.

But with all that comes a dark cloud hanging over the XK's head and that's a position it really doesn't deserve.

Updated 08/01/2014: Jaguar announced prices for the 2015 XK and, it comes with a serious boost over the previous year, mostly because now the model offers more standard equipment. For 2015 prices will range from $85,425 for the base XK version to $138,925 for the XKR-S Convertible version.

Hit the jump to read more about 2014 Jaguar XK Coupe

2014 - 2015 Jaguar XK Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Jaguar XK Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 385 @ 6500
  • Torque: 380 @ 3500
  • Transmission: 6-Speed electronic automatic transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

It seems like a long time ago but the current generation XK was actually the first Jaguar designed under the helm of chief designer Ian Callum. So it's no surprise that the 2014 XK retains most of this distinct look, specifically the long hood and the short deck theme that evokes images of Jaguar's classic models.

Likewise, the XK's signature "J-blade" Xenon headlights return from the 2012 model, a unique design cue that really blends in well with the elaborate boldness of the XK. Moving to the XKR, the supercharged version gets exclusive wheels and doubles its exhaust outlets to four while the XKR-S gets the benefit of having a ventilated hood, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, gunmental-painted wheels, and added aero components.

2014 Jaguar XK – Exterior Specifications

Coupe

Body

2+2

Aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd)

0.33

Wheelbase(in.)

108.3

Length(in.)

188.7

Width(in.)

74.5

Height(in.)

52.0

Curb weight(lbs.)

3,770


New for 2015:

- Active Front Lighting directs the headlight beam to focus in the direction of steering input

Interior

Say what you will about the XK's sluggish sales, but you can't take away the fact that it has a particularly upscale cabin that combines polished hardwoods with a nice mix of leather amenities. Comfort is something you're not going to complain about with the XK, although the rear seats might leave two adults scampering for extra space. Those seats, particularly how they're configured to adjust in 16 different ways, are as versatile as they come in the business.

Even the analog controls are intuitively designed, leaving little in the way of confusion for the driver. Having said all that, the biggest source of headaches for the XK's interior touchscreen interface, which is pretty difficult to navigate made only worse by the fact that a lot of the interior functions are coursed through it.

2014 Jaguar XK – Interior Specifications

Coupe

37.4/30.2

Headroom, F/R(in.)

43.0/ 27.6

Legroom, F/R(in.)

56.6/42.4

Shoulder room, F/R(in.)

11.7


New for 2015:

- HD Radio

- Active Front Lighting

- Bright metallic pedals

Drivetrain

All versions of the 2014 XK are powered by the same 5.0-liter V-8 engine, although output differs depending on the trim of the vehicle. The base XK only has 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, which seems a little spotty when you add a supercharger and an 'R' at the end of the XK name. That one produces 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. Much better, right?

It doesn't end there, though. The range-topping XKR-S gets another performance bump to 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This version is capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds to go with a top speed of 186 mph.

2014 Jaguar XK – Drivetrain Specification

Trims

XK

XKR

XKR-S

Engine Type

5-liter V8

5-liter V8

5-liter SC V8

Bore x Stroke (in.)

3.64 x 3.66

3.64 x 3.66

3.64 x 3.66

Displacement (l)

5

5

5

Compression ratio

11.5:1

11.5:1

9.5:1

Horsepower (SAE)

385 @6,500

510 @ 6,000-6,500

550 @ 6,000-6,500

Torque lb.-ft. (SAE)

380 @ 3,500 rpm

461 @ 2,500-5,500

502 @2,500-5,500


Prices

The base model of the XK is the Touring Coupe, which retails for $79,000. The price then jumps to $97,500 for the XKR Coupe and jumps even further into six-digit territory with the $132,000 price for the XKR-S Coupe.

Models

Price ($)

XK Touring Coupe

79,000

XK Coupe

84,500

XKR Coupe

97,500

XKR-S Coupe

132,000


2015 Jaguar XK - Prices

Model

Price

Engine

XK Coupe

$85,425

5-liter V8, 385hp

XK Coupe

$91,425

5-liter V8, 385hp

XKR Coupe

$98,425

5-liter SC V8, 510hp

XK Convertible

$104,425

5-liter SC V8, 510hp

XKR Coupe

$132,925

5-liter SC V8, 550hp

XKR Convertible

$138,925

5-liter SC V8, 550hp


Competitors

BMW 6 Series

Given how much Jaguar has invested in putting itself back on the map, it has really positioned itself to compete with a car like the BMW 6 Series. The variety being offered by the XK line also plays in to how its rivals are presenting their own models.

Take for example the XK Coupe. That one slots into the segment of both the BMW 640i and the 650i, with the former producing 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque and the latter developing 445 horsepower and a peak torque of 480 pound-feet. Those numbers sandwich the 385 horsepower and 380-pound-feet of torque figures of the XK.

Pricing isn't too far off, either. The 640i begins at $76,500 with the 650i starting at $86,700.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E550

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class can work its way into the mix against the Jaguar, particularly they E550 Coupe. This hulk of a luxury coupe is motivated by a 4.7-liter V-8 that puts 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed auto. This combo nets the luxo-coupe a 4.9-second 0-to-60 time and a top speed of 155 mph.

The E550 may not be as gaudy as the Jag XK and BMW 5er. but its base price of $59,000 certainly will give buyers something to think about. On top of the lower base price, there is just something about driving a Mercedes that make many luxury car buyers smile.

So, if you can't quite stretch your budget to the XK or 5er's price point, the E-Class may be a great option.

Conclusion

It's hard to get too excited about the Jaguar XK knowing that the model is being phased out soon. Having said that, if you're the nostalgic type and you want a piece of the XK before it's discontinued, now's as good a time as any to get one. But if you're not of that sort, you're better served getting another model. And really, there's no shortage of options to keep you interested.