2011 Jaguar XK

The 2011 Jaguar XK provides the luxury and comfort expected from the legendary marque as well as lofty levels of performance. It has a few quirks, but they rarely detract from the XK’s very pleasurable motoring experience.

There are few changes to the 2011 Jaguar XK coupe and convertible. Highlights include special black paint, aerodynamic enhancements, unique interior trim and a higher top speed than the standard XKR. Other additions for the line of 2011 XK models this year include a heated windshield, revised interior trim, adaptive cruise control and, for the XKR, the red brake calipers that come standard on the XKR175.

2011 Jaguar XK XKR Coupe

2011 Jaguar XK XKR Convertible

The current-generation Jaguar XK heads into its fifth year of production with little substantial change save for the introduction of the limited-edition XKR175 Coupe. It’s a similar story for the supercharged Jaguar XKR, which boasts 510 hp, some 10 hp more than the mighty Porsche 911 Turbo. Though the Mercedes SL63 AMG has 8 hp more, the XKR scales in about 300 pounds less (and costs $44,000 less, too).

Certainly the XK isn’t wanting for power, and Jaguar backs it up with exceptional road manners. Jaguar Drive Control gives the driver a choice of three modes to alter such performance attributes as throttle response, shift speed and suspension settings. The adjustable suspension and adaptive dampers allow the XK to prowl quietly or cut corners like a cat on a shag rug, and the XKR displays even more control with the addition of an electronically controlled, limited-slip rear differential.

The 2011 Jaguar XK is available in coupe and convertible body styles, with each offered in XK and XKR trim levels. The new XKR175 is available only as a coupe. Standard equipment on the base car includes 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats and automatic dual-zone climate control. The convertible features a power-retractable soft top and power rear windows.

Options include interior piano black wood veneer, HD radio, a heated windshield, active headlights and adaptive cruise control (which is packaged with active headlights for XK models). Except for the heated windshield, these items are standard on the XKR, as are a supercharged engine, active differential control, different 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes and unique interior trim and body colors. Optional on the XKR are 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers (coupe only) and different interior veneers and body colors.

The XKR175, available only in black, adds unique 20-inch wheels, front and rear spoilers, side sills, a rear diffuser, red brake calipers, limited-edition door sill plates and special interior trim.

The 2011 Jaguar XK is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 385 hp and 380 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates for the base coupe are 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. The XKR drops to 15/22/17 mpg.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability and traction control, and front-seat side airbags. The 2011 Jaguar XK’s cockpit is a well-tailored, contemporary environment with all the bells and whistles. XKR models also get an embossed "R" on the front of the front seat headrests. With the top down, the XK convertible can still hold a respectable 8 cubic feet.

It’s no surprise the 2011 Jaguar XK is an impressive straight-line cruiser. Last year’s infusion of enhanced V8 power created an entire new definition of Jaguar performance. Even the base XK is impressively potent, with near-instant response and a wide, muscular power band.