Jaguar XK (2006 – 2015) Review
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Jaguar XK (2006 – 2015) Verdict
Luxurious high performance sports car. Sublime engines. Top quality interior. Good level of standard equipment includes navigation.
Rear seats are virtually pointless apart from use as extra luggage space.
Find out more about the Jaguar XK (2006 – 2015)
The Jaguar XK is the epitome of Jaguar at its best. It's a luxurious and comfortable sports car with great performance, a high quality interior and superb refinement. This is a real 'feelgood' car that, if you're lucky enough to afford, is always a real pleasure to drive with sublime engines.
It's a great grand tourer too with impressive long distance comfort, while the thundering V8 engine - originally a 4.2-litre but later upgraded to 5.0-litre unit with a storming 385bhp - provides the pace and rumbling sound you'd expect from a Jaguar. It may not be the most involving of two-seaters from behind the wheel, if compared to other high performance models like the Porsche 911, but the Jaguar manages to blend comfort and performance together into a very desirable model.
The XK was also the first Jaguar to showcase the modern and sharp styling that's now become a trademark across all its model - and one that's a world away from the traditional look that Jaguar had been associated with for so long. It's the same inside with a sophisticated and distinctive cabin that's finished beautifully.
In fact, there's very little to criticise about the XK. The boot is a little shallow and the rear 'seats' aren't really useable as seats at all, but this is a sports coupe after all. It also has a classy image which is a cut above other similarly priced two-seaters of this kind, while for even more style, there's the XK Convertible.
Reviews for Jaguar XK (2006 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
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Jaguar XK (2006 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 4.2 V8 to 5.0 V8 385
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 18–31 mpg
The Jaguar XK performs superbly thanks to the thunderous V8 engine that provides effortless pace and a great noise to accompany it. Originally this was a 4.2-litre engine with 300bhp that was more than enough for most with a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds. It's got a very distinct character and pulls exceptionally strongly across the rev range, yet is still silky smooth and sounds great whether you're accelerating hard, or just gently cruising along. This is down to the fact the sound of the engine has been tuned along with the exhaust to give it a sporty character.
All cars come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard which has a normal mode plus a sport setting, which holds higher gears and speeds up the changes, although they're already incredibly swift. There are paddle shifts on the steering wheel too, allowing you to change gear yourself and giving the XK more of a sports car feel.
At the beginning of 2009, the Jaguar XK was revised and a new 5.0-litre V8 engine replaced the previous 4.2-litre unit. As you'd expect, it's even more powerful with a storming 385bhp on tap. It has masses of torque too with 513Nm, giving it muscular mid-range performance and meaning you rarely have to actually rev the engine to its maximum to tap into the available power.
This extra power brings the 0-62mph down to just 5.5 seconds and it feels quicker on the road too with a more instant response when you ask it to accelerate. Despite the increase in power and size, the new engine is actually slightly more economical with an average of 25.2mpg plus CO2 emissions are lower. A newer six-speed gearbox was introduced along with the trademark cylindrical Jaguar gear selector that rises from the central console.
On the move the Jaguar XK is very nimble thanks to the use of aluminium in the body shell which keeps weight down. It's rear wheel drive which means it's very well balanced and great on demanding roads, but it's never unruly and always feels composed and planted, helped by responsive brakes. Facelifted models from March 2009 come with a system called Jaguar Drive Control which has three seperate settings, controlled by buttons next to the gear selector. There's a standard mode, a snow mode plus a dynamic mode which increases throttle response and quickens the gear changes.
Despite its sports car pedigree, the Jaguar XK is just as easy to drive in town thanks to lighter steering at low speeds. Visibility can be a bit of an issue as the bonnet is so long while the rear is tricky to judge, but usefully, parking sensors come as standard, so you don't have to worry about scratching the bumpers.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 V8 | 25 mpg | 5.5 s | 264 g/km |
| 5.0 V8 385 | 25 mpg | 5.5 s | 264 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Jaguar XK (2006 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
105%
Real MPG
18–31 mpg
MPGs submitted
53
Jaguar XK (2006 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 300–330 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4791–4794 mm |
| Width | 1892 mm |
| Height | 1322 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2752 mm |
The interior of the Jaguar XK has a very upmarket feel, but manages to stand out from other premium sports cars giving it a unique and quite special feel. The finish is impeccable and the materials used have a high-class, tactile feel to them, making this a very enjoyable car to drive or to travel in. The XK is very well equipped as standard too, so pretty much everything is electrically operated while the sat nav (which is also standard) is a neat and easy to use touchscreen system.
The driving position is excellent, as you'd imagine on a sports car like this, with a low slung seat and plenty of reach adjustment in the steering. The leather seats offer great side and lower back support, yet are comfortable and cossetting enough for long journeys too.
When the XK was revised in 2009, the interior was revamped to give it a similar look to the Jaguar XF. It now has a more modern look with a clean and unfussy design. There's more metal trim used, while at night the interior takes on a whole different look. It uses blue lighting surrounds, like the sort found on Motorola RAZR mobile phones, giving it a high-tech appearance. No other car interior looks so good in the dark.
The traditional gear lever was also replaced by the trademark Jaguar gearshift selector - a metal dial that slides out of the central console when you start the ignition and then silently slides away to fit flush with the panel, when you turn the car off. It really adds to the that extra special feeling in this Jaguar. Other details such as the engine start button and electric parking brake add to the upmarket feel.
Luxuries such as climate control and heated seats are standard, but we'd steer clear of optional 20-inch wheels as they make the ride incredibly stiff and uncomfortable. The rear seats are fairly pointless, apart from use as extra luggage room, while the boot is quite shallow. It's a pretty good size though and a set of golf clubs will just about fit in.
Equipment from launch (March 2006):
When first launched there was just one trim level which came with a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle gearshift, a 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system, keyless start, 10-way adjustable heated seats with driver and passenger memory, bluetooth, 18-inch Venus alloy wheels, dual zone automatic air conditioning, metallic paint, cruise control, an electronic park brake, an in-dash six CD changer, rain sensitive wipers, reverse park assist, Trac Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
Portfolio comes with 20-inch wheels, heated and cooled seats, suedecloth headlining, a heated steering wheel and a Bower and Wilkins premium sound system.
Jaguar XK (2006 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4791–4794 mm |
| Width | 1892 mm |
| Height | 1322 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2752 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1595–1660 kg |
| Boot Space | 300–330 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 15000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £54,975–£70,965 |
| Insurance Groups | 48 |
| Road Tax Bands | M |
| Official MPG | 22.3–25.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2015
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 5.0 Signature Coupe V8 385 2dr Auto | £54,975 | 25.2 mpg | 5.5 s |
On sale until May 2014
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 5.0 Portfolio Coupe 2dr Auto | £70,965 | 25.2 mpg | 5.5 s |
On sale until December 2008
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.2 Coupe Auto | £59,718 | - | - |
Model History
- January 2006: XK launched
- July 2007
- January 2009: XK 2010 MY changes were announced
- April 2011: 2012 XK range revealed
- January 2014: XK Signature and Dynamic R introduced
January 2006
XK launched
The alloy-bodied XK was launched in the UK in early 2006. Its kerbweight is 1595kg while the dimensions are 4,971mm x 2,070mm (inc mirrors) x 1,322mm. It has the same 300bhp 4196cc V8 as before with a six-speed autobox and steering wheel shift paddles and as a result does 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
July 2007
The XK60 was launched at London Motor Show July 2007 to celebrate 60 years of Jaguar. It comes with 20-inch Senta alloy wheels, a sporty alloy gear knob and selector-gate surround, plus distinctive body enhancements including a new front spoiler and rear valance panel, chrome-finished side vents and bright upper and lower front grille meshes, special tailpipe finishers and appliqués on both sides of the car.
Enhancements on the XK for 2008 Model Year are visual only. One of the more significant changes is the replacement of the telescopic Ariel antenna, which is now subtly concealed in the rear boot spoiler. Other notable improvements adding to the overall quality of the interior are the revised door switch packs with a choice of aluminium or wood inserts, enhanced column stalks with chrome rings and the Piano Black veneer surrounding the instrument control panel and the 'L' gate surround.
January 2009
XK 2010 MY changes were announced
The new generation of XK and XKR coupe and convertibles, with all-new V8 engines, deliver more power and performance with greater efficiency for 2010 Model Year. With interior enhancements, advanced lightweight aluminium body structure and a wider range of models, plus the new luxurious 'Portfolio' model, the new XK and XKR build on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.
The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines are the most advanced and efficient petrol engines Jaguar has ever produced. The XK features a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated engine delivering 385PS plus 515Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds. It also has improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions which meet EU5 emissions legislation.
Exterior changes for the XK include a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. Inside the cabin the XK features the JaguarDrive Selector that was first seen on the XF to further enhance the XK's luxury sporting character.
April 2011
2012 XK range revealed
The new 2012 XK range has evolved to take on an elegant new look, elements of which are shared with the XKR-S unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The most significant changes take place at the front of the new XK with a set of all-new headlight units that are not only slimmer (by 15mm) than the ones they replace but now feature subtle LED running lights alongside intricately styled reflector units. These sit above a new, larger oval grille framed in chrome with mesh in the centre that, in the case of the XKR, is finished in black. Mounted either side of the grille are a pair of small air scoops feeding air to the brakes.
Setting the new XK apart from its predecessor is a horizontal vent mounted on each wing complete with a chrome blade bearing the Jaguar name running through it replacing the vertical items. These help the XK appear both longer and lower.
At the rear of the car new taillights using LED technology sit either side of a thinner chrome strip and, debuting for the first time on an XK, a Jaguar leaper badge. Inside the new XK range the interior has been given a freshen up with new trim finishes and, for the first time, the option of sculpted leather sports seats. As with the outgoing range, the new XK and XKR will both be available in convertible form while the new XKR-S coupé sits at the top of the range. All models go on sale in the UK in September.
| Engine | Power (PS) | Torque (lbs ft) |
0-62 / max speed (mph) |
Comb economy (mpg)/CO 2 (g/km) |
Price (RRP, OTR) |
| 5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8 | 385 | 380 | 5.5 / 155 | 25.2 / 264 | £65,000 |
| 5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8, Supercharged |
510 | 461 | 4.8 / 155 | 23.0 / 292 | £78,550 |
| 5,000 cc, 32-valve, V8, Supercharged XKR-S |
550 | 502 | 4.4 / 186 | 23.0 / 292 | £97,000 |
January 2014
XK Signature and Dynamic R introduced
The luxury focused XK Signature – with a 385PS 5.0-litre V8 engine – is fitted with a host of additional features including standard 20-inch Kalimnos wheels and Reverse Park Camera.
The performance focused 510PS 5.0-litre supercharged XK Dynamic R – based on the existing XKR – offers Black Dynamic Pack, which incorporates XKR-S suspension and dynamics and a 10mm reduction in ride height, plus Speed Pack, which equips the car with an Aerodynamic Pack and an increased top speed of 174mph. A Performance Active Exhaust is also standard equipment. First deliveries to UK customers of the new XK Signature and Dynamic R editions are expected in March.
The XK Signature can reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds with 515Nm of torque. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph and it produces 264 g/km of CO2. The XK Dynamic R’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8, offers power and torque figures of 510PS and 625Nm respectively, taking the car to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds with a limited top speed of 174mph. The XK Dynamic R emits 292g/km.
Both XK Dynamic R and Signature models are fitted with a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles, which control the Jaguar Sequential Shift function for greater driver control.
The supercharged XK Dynamic R edition also benefits from Jaguar's Active Differential Control technology. This uses a multiplate clutch to vector torque to the driven wheel with the most grip. Allied to ABS and stability control, this allows for the ultimate in traction and precision both mid-corner and at its exit. The XK Signature model uses a mechanical differential, which delivers outstanding levels of grip and stability under power.
Both cars feature Dynamic Stability Control system, which offers four modes: Normal, Winter, TracDSC and DSC Off, allowing the enthusiastic driver to choose the level of intervention dependent on road conditions. Standard on the XK Signature are Luxury seats available in Ivory or Charcoal soft grain leather. The interior also features Canvas Suedecloth headlining, Figured Ebony veneers and Bright Metal sport pedals.
The XK Dynamic R boasts Jaguar’s new diamond sewn Performance seat in either Ivory/Charcoal soft grain leather with Ivory contrast stitch or Charcoal/Red soft grain leather with Red contrast stitch leather. Featuring integrated head restraints and increased lateral and squab support, the new seats hold driver and passenger securely and comfortably in place. The 16-way adjustment of squab, cushion, lumbar and bolster elements is supplemented by memory and heating functions. The interior Jet Suedecloth headliner is complemented with Piano Black veneers. Bright Metal sport pedals are also fitted as standard.
The XK Signature comes with 20-inch Kalimnos wheels as standard, with 20-inch Takoba wheels available as an option, while the XK Dynamic R has 20-inch Vortex diamond turned wheels – with distinctive Red painted brake calipers – and the option of 20-inch Vulcan Gloss Black lightweight alloys. Both the XK Signature and Dynamic R editions are available with a choice of exterior body colours – Polaris White, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Italian Racing Red, Dark Sapphire and British Racing Green.
What to watch out for
One owner's faults found in nine months of ownership were: three flat batteries, a door that no longer meets the rest of the bodywork, a bulging rear brake light, an inoperative convertible top, a blown in front grille and a bent radio aerial.
On 2006 cars the aluminium doors can oxidise at the bottom.
Water in footwell can be due to pinched drain from the a/c condenser, but space is so tight it cannot be rectified without removing the transmission.
09-06-2012:Report of total instrument cluster screen failure on a 22,000 mile 2006 XK 4.2. Quoted £1,600 to repair, but Jaguar stepped in and paid half.
18-06-2014:Another report of touch screen failure, this on a 30,000 mile Jaguar XK. Quoted £800 for an exchange screen or £1,200 for a new one, plus £400 labour to fit (final bill with VAT was £1,400).
05-05-2015:Battery drains on XKs and XFs can be caused by the electric parking brake not being properly applied as well as the interior light delay and the Blueooth searching for a paired phone if the car has not been double locked.
05-11-2016:'Catastrophic' failure of fuel injection system of 40k mile 2011 Jaguar XK 5.0 V8 convertible. Independent specialist diagnosed the failure with consequential damage to both catalytic converters. Owner filed a report with VOSA (which did not issue a recall due to not being safety related) and feels that this is a common fault, but JLR would not help because the repair had been carried out independently.
12-01-2018:Report of 2010 Jaguar XK 5.0 Supercharged V8 R suffering failed injectors at 22,974 while driving at 70mph on the M3.. The car had been regularly serviced by a Jaguar dealer. Could be from running it on ordinary unleaded fuel and leaving it unused for extended periods, but see 5-11-2016. Repair bill for all 8 injectors £5,000.
08-12-2018:Warning light for headlights and offside indicators in 2006 Jaguar XK turned out to be a failed earth to one of the headlights.
16-03-2019:Report of a/c condenser leaking water into passenger footwell of Jaguar XKR 4.2 Supercharged because 'duckbill' drain has rusted/broken off. The part costs £20, but fitting by a Jaguar dealer involves time-consuming dismantlng the dash and a labour charge of £1,400.
06-06-2019:Report of fault developing with 2010 Jaguar XK X150 5.0 V8 at 101,000 miles that had been subject to extended dealer service intervals. Yellow engine warning light on dash and restricted performance. OBD revealed code P0016: crank-cam position correlation fault. Jaguar dealer diagnosed that the engine was running rough on cold with timing fully advancing on driver's side bank to counter a timing problem. Suspected that timing chain has become slack due to premature wear on tensioners and guides. Replacement of timing chain involves dismantling front end of car: a 13 hour job (at Jaguar dealer prices - best part of £2k). Parts (timing chain kit and crank/cam sprockets) come to £2,600 which will be the same regardless of where it's being repaired as they must be Jaguar sourced. Full quote from Jaguar dealer £4,300. Recommended to change spark plugs, water pump and coolant at same time at a slight additional cost. Several independent Jag specialists consulted. Most won't attempt the job. Some had already had to do this a couple of times using specialist tools. Those that have had agreed that this is likely due to low viscosity 5W20 oil not providing sufficient lifetime protection. All suspect that this is going to become an emergent problem with the 5.0 V8 unit as cars approach higher mileages.
7-1-2020: Report of misfire caused failure of four of the eight injectors on a 2014 Jaguar XK8 Signature at 27,000 miles, always run on Shell V-Power. Dealer recommended replacing all eight injectors at a cost of £3,000 and warned of possible damage to the catalytic converters. (Two previous reports of this on 5-11-2016 and 12-1-2018.)