Jaguar XKR review - prices, specs and 0-60 time

There’s a tendency to think of the new Jaguar XKR as a contractual obligation rather than a fresh initiative. You know how it goes. XFR hogs the headlines with its shiny new 5-litre supercharged V8 and hi-tech underpinnings – XKR gets the same drivetrain and chassis updates but as a fortuitous spin-off rather than measures implemented at the leading edge of its development. But that would be to seriously underestimate the XK’s importance to Jaguar. It might be the old man of the line-up but it by no means bows to the XFR and has been configured to deliver a different driving experience to its saloon sibling. 

There’s a crucial relationship between cross-range harmony (the family DNA, if you like) and model differentiation. It’s particularly interesting in this case because the current- generation XK has been the touchstone for so much of the cross-range development work that has come downstream of it.

What does it offer that the XFR doesn’t? Beyond the obvious points – two fewer usable seats, more stares from the street – it’s the logical extension of the XK’s sporting personality, a car that applies some bias to the broad repertoire of abilities so meticulously balanced in the XFR. In short, it’s lighter, a little faster, a little louder when pressing on, more responsive (throttle, steering, brakes) and more playful in Dynamic mode, allowing slightly more mobility of the tail within prescribed limits before the electronic safety net is deployed. In cold figures, the power/weight ratio jumps from the XFR’s 270bhp/ton to 291bhp/ton and the 4.6sec 0-62mph time shaves a tenth from the saloon’s.

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Naturally, there’s some rationalisation, too. Apart from sharing the terrific new 5-litre supercharged V8 (503bhp at 6000-6500rpm, 461lb ft at 2500-5500rpm), the exterior and cabin have been treated to a similar ‘R’-style makeover with a new aggressively ducted front bumper, LED tail-lights and, on the inside, the adoption of the XF’s centre console rotary gear selector while, cosmetically, the mix of dark wood and aluminium trim apply the necessary sporting tweaks to the ambience. 

Even setting off from the hotel car park at the launch, the XKR’s sharper character is immediately evident. With just a light prod of the throttle that would have seen the XFR step briskly but unremarkably into Seville’s morning throng, the XKR leaps forward with genuine brio and a small chirrup from the tyres. Braking to a perfectly smooth stop isn’t as easy, either. It’s as if the XKR is straining at the leash, yearning for a stretch of open road. Even at this stage, it feels tauter and more eager than the saloon.

Confirmation that it is comes soon enough as we strike out for Grazalema and Ronda. Whereas the XFR is a willing accomplice in any raid on three figures, the XKR positively eggs you on. And if you want to know how the new, blown V8 really sounds, this is the place to hear it. Thanks to the Ferrari-style active exhaust valve, it has a fine, gravelly timbre that went completely unsuspected in the XFR.

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As with the saloon, though, the astonishing torque delivery defines the quality of the performance. Using the paddles to flick between third and fourth delivers punishing thrust for what seems like just a handful of revs. Anything much more than half throttle and the acceleration acquires a sustained weight rarely experienced outside an airport runway. 

The XKR feels a little edgier and harder than the XFR but still rides with great composure. Turn-in has real bite and conviction, mid-bend responses are beautifully clean and crisp and damping control is simply sublime. Equally impressive is the transient behaviour. The intestinal S-bends that characterize the CA9104 between Grazalema and Zahara present no problem at all; the Jaguar shifts its weight with the lithe precision of a world-class downhill skiier. Great as the XFR is, the XKR sounds better, goes that bit harder and, on the right road, is more fun. It’s the best car Jaguar makes.

> Find used Jaguar XKRs for sale on the Classic and Performance Car site here

2009 Jaguar XKR specifications