2012 Jaguar XK Review
Maturing nicely
By Shahzad Sheikh
It may be five years old, but whilst some cars would be replaced at this age, the XK just gets refreshed. The latest facelift gives the cat a new face, but is the nip, tuck and eye-job just hiding the car’s age, or is it still up to the chase?
Yes, okay, I’ve always been a fan of the XK. Even the previous gen car which ran for ten years from 1996-2006 (by which reckoning the current car is only halfway through its lifecycle) – it always felt like a modern E-Type.
The second gen car still aped the style and sensation of that iconic classic, but got a little more comfy, a little more reliable, a lot more desirable. With stronger engines, good transmissions, better dynamics, and awesome cruisability, the car would win over anyone that tried it.
Take the dignity of a solid British grand tourer, the lairiness of an American muscle car, add Jag designer Ian Callum’s flair (he also designed the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish – style templates that Aston is still using to date) and liberally pour charm, wit and dandyish foppery over the lot, and you can’t help but fall for this car.
It’s a little low, a tad difficult to haul yourself in and out of, if your of the more mature type, and not really quite as durable as German rivals. But the Jag responds by scoffing at the Germans’ self-important seriousness, flashes a winning grin and nonchantly blasts off in a hail of thunder and smoke (hopefully not from the engine) whilst the others argue about which of them has the tighter shut lines. But five years on, is the car losing ground, is this facelift just a bit desperate ploy? Actually what are the differences for the 2012 model?
They seem subtle at first glance, the overall look of the XK bring reassuringly familiar. Mainly though, the headlights are completely new and a totally different profile, ending with an upwards point rather than a downward droop. They are slimmer and feature integrated LEDs, all making the face look sleeker and more swept-back.
The oval grille is larger, the mesh and chrome is new. On the side there is now a horizontal chrome-blade vent which gives the illusion of the car sitting lower and of course added elegance. There are LEDs at the back too and a thinner chrome strip whilst the really keen-eyed will notice the leaping cat badge.
Inside it’s all as before and the potent engine and terrific six-speed ZF auto with paddleshifts remains unchanged. Well, as they say, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Jumping in the, or rather sliding my leggy frame gingerly into the cosy driver’s cabin, I feel incredibly settled. It’s like I’m home. Yes it’s familiar surroundings, yes I’ve driven these before, but that applies to Mercs, and Porsches, and BMWs, but there’s something about the Jag that’s different. It’s like your favourite spot in the local cafe – ‘welcome back, old chap, good to see you again squire!’ it seems to be saying. And you just grin and nod back, amiably.
The interior was revised two years ago, and remains luxuriant and refined, plus of course very inviting. Everything works, and I don’t mind the rising gear-change rotating controller in Jaguar. The monitor and interface has been improved slightly. On the move it’s as eager and willing as ever, moving sublimely if not quite serenely – well it’s got that mental drive train: 380bhp is never going to go quietly after all. With a 0-100kph time of 5.5 seconds, 250kph top speed, it almost makes you wonder why you’d want a XKR… almost…
If there was any difference in the drive, it might be that it’s a slight bit softer and more restrained, perhaps the electronics have dialled things down a smidge, or perhaps I just miss the XKR! No worries, just punch the track DSC button (the one with the chequered flag) and things will liven up.
Anyway, for 2012 there are also new colours, new interior trim options, wheels and other stuff available. Otherwise the XK is much the same, which is to say, it’s just more of a good thing.
Specs Price: $86,700
Engine: 5000cc V8, 380bhp @ 6500rpm, 380lb ft @ 3500rpm
Performance: 5.5secs 0-100kph, 250kph, 11.2L/100
Transmission: six-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 1660kg
Shahzad’s verdict: XK is just getting better with age
