1
0
Premium sporty/performance car; Built in England
  • 2-door convertible
  • 2-door hatchback
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $14,900 – $123,400*


2008 Jaguar XK Series


2008 Jaguar XK Series


2008 Jaguar XK Series


2008 Jaguar XK Series


2008 Jaguar XK Series

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Handling
  • Ride (especially base models)
  • Seat comfort (front)
Cons:
  • Cargo room
  • Fuel economy (XKR)
  • Rear-seat comfort/room

An enticing blend of grown-up performance and sporty luxury earns the XK Recommended (2007-12) status. The XKR adds even more performance and sharper handling. Rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz SL and Cadillac XLR offer the security of power metal retractable roof, but the XK convertible’s fabric top is well insulated and consumes less cargo room when folded. On the new-car market, Jaguar’s base XKs slot attractively between comparable versions of the BMW 6-Series and the Mercedes-Benz SL500/550, while XKRs are significantly cheaper than an M6 or SL55. Resale values have trailed those of Jaguar’s rivals, so used-car prices may be more appealing.

Overview

Jaguar redesigned its long-lived rear-drive sport coupe and convertible for 2007, with new styling and aluminum-intensive construction. The XKs retained V8 power and a four-seat cabin. They weighed some 300 pounds less than the steel-bodied 1997-2006 versions-despite being 7 inches longer in wheelbase, 4 inches wider, and 1-inch longer overall.

Coupes adopted a hatchback design with a hinged rear roof section, eliminating the prior trunk. Convertibles again used a power soft top with a heated glass rear window. The XK series kept its 4.2-liter V8, but base models now produced 300 horsepower-up from 294. Supercharged XKRs had a 420-hp engine, versus the prior 390-hp V8. Both retained a six-speed automatic transmission, but now with steering-wheel paddles for manual operation when desired.

Antilock braking, traction/antiskid control, and automatic-adjusting suspension were standard. The XKR had sport suspension tuning. All models had front side airbags that provided torso and head protection. Convertibles contained rear rollover bars, designed to deploy in an impending tipover. All XKs had a navigation system, wireless cell phone link, keyless entry and starting, and bi-xenon headlights. Adaptive cruise control was available. Rivals to the XK group included the BMW 6-Series, Cadillac XLR, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and Porsche 911.

Yearly Updates

2008 XK Series
A new XKR Portfolio option package included unique trim and high-performance brakes. During 2008, the Jaguar company in Britain was sold by Ford Motor Company (its longtime parent) to an Indian firm.
2009 XK Series
The XKR Portfolio, which was a new-for-2008 top-end option package, became a new model for this lineup of premium sporty cars. 19-inch wheels were now standard on base models.
2010 XK Series
The 2010 Jaguar XK lineup received more power from new engines that grew from 4.2 liters to 5.0 liters. The base engine went from 300 horsepower to 385, and the supercharged engine in the XKR went from 420 horsepower to 510. The XKR came with Jaguar’s new Adaptive Dynamics suspension, which automatically adjusts firmness based on road conditions to balance ride and handling.
2011 XK Series
The 2011 Jaguar XK lineup gets a new limited-edition model, the XKR175 75th Anniversary coupe.
2012 XK Series
The 2012 XK Series received freshened styling and a new high-performance XKR-S model. It carried a 550-horsepower version of the XKR’s 510-hp supercharged V8.
2013 XK Series
The 2013 Jaguar XK-Series was basically a 2012 rerun. The main news was the addition of entry-level Touring models priced below base XKs. A new “custom” trim option called the Portfolio Pack was available for the base and performance-oriented XKR models. The track-focused XKR-S returned for 2013 with U.S. availability limited to 100 coupes and 100 convertibles.
2014 XK Series
Jaguar’s flagship sporty coupes and convertibles gained a super-limited-edition XKR-S GT coupe model for 2014, plus an optional Performance Pack that included an active exhaust system and special trim.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

Up through 2009, the standard XK engine was a 300-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8, while the XKR held a supercharged 420-horsepower version of that V8. Starting in 2010, the standard engine was a 385-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, while the XKR got a supercharged version with 510 horsepower. An XKR-S was added for 2012 that had a 550-hp version of the supercharged V8. All engines teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission.

dohc V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.2/256
Engine HP 300
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 310
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 16/25

 18.3
dohc V82
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/305
Engine HP 385
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 380
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 16/24

 18.2
Supercharged dohc V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.2/256
Engine HP 420
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 413
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 15/23

 13.2
Supercharged dohc V82
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/305
Engine HP 510-550
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 461-502
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 15/22

 16.8

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. 2. 2010 models.

Road Test

Jaguar XKs are well known for performance, especially in supercharged form. Base XKs with the 4.2-liter V8 are satisfyingly responsive at any speed. A test convertible accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. XKRs with the supercharged 4.2-liter V8 are faster still: a test coupe reached 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. With the new-for-2010 5.0-liter V8, Jaguar claims the XK coupe does 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, the convertible in 5.3, and the supercharged XKR coupe in 4.6 seconds. The claim for the XKR-S introduced for 2012 is 4.2 seconds. All those times seem accurate to us. Regardless of engine, all models enjoy a quick-acting automatic transmission that doesn’t hesitate to downshift for effortless highway passing. Standard steering-wheel paddles are easy to use and provide even faster gear changes.

Fuel economy is marginal in regular form, dismal with supercharging. A test base 4.2-liter coupe averaged 20.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. A base 4.2 convertible averaged 17.4 mpg with more city use, and 16.6 in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. A test 4.2 XKR coupe averaged 13.2 mpg, also including performance runs. With the 5.0-liter V8, an XK coupe averaged 16.7 mpg. Convertibles averaged 17.6 mpg in city/highway driving and 19.7 with more highway use. An XKR coupe averaged 16.8 mpg. All engines require premium-grade gas.

With the 4.2’s standard 18-inch tires, the well-controlled base suspension delivers a firm but comfortable ride, devoid of jolts and highway float. A base coupe with 20-inch tires, or any XKR, exhibits more impact harshness over sharp ridges and ruts, but they’re still never punishing. Convertibles are free from undue body quivers over bumps. Models with the 5.0-liter V8 ride similarly.

Handling is a Jaguar hallmark, led by quick and precise steering. Base models are confident and balanced in the grand-touring manner, rather than razor sharp in the sports-car mold. Little body lean is evident, even in fast turns. Here, 20-inch tires combine with added rigidity of the coupe body style for crisper responses and added grip in turn. XKRs are sportier still. Braking is strong and linear.

Jaguar’s engines growl nicely during acceleration, but cruise quietly. Coupes have suffered slight wind hiss from closed side windows. Relatively little wind rush is noticeable in a convertible with the top down. Top up, it’s nearly as quiet as a coupe. Some tire noise is evident in both-especially with 20-inch tires-but never obtrusive.

Controls and gauges are well-placed, but the navigation screen washes out in direct sunlight on convertibles. In all models, the navigation system absorbs some radio and climate functions, slowing and complicating their use; redundant audio controls help. A bigger issue is illegibility of the instrument-panel screen in direct sunlight-a real obstacle in top-down driving. Although a few plastic pieces disappoint, cabin materials are otherwise high quality and well-assembled, with standard wood or available aluminum trim each creating its own ambience.

Front occupants can expect plenty of headroom and legroom, with comfortable seats. The standard power tilt/telescoping steering wheel helps most drivers find a comfortable position, but the car’s low build hampers entry/exit. Visibility is generally good, except rear roof pillars in both body styles interfere with over-the-shoulder vision.

Strictly a token gesture, the back seat is best used for parcels or toddlers. Entry/exit requires significant contortions.

Carrying luggage demands careful packing. The new hatchback design eases access to the coupe’s luggage area, which has slightly greater overall volume than the convertible’s trunk. Neither body style has folding rear seatbacks, however. Optional run-flat tires omit the spare tire, freeing up additional cargo space beneath the floor. Cabins lack small-item storage space.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 XK convertible

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 8
80%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 8
80%
Quietness - 5
50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 1
10%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 58

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
108.3 188.6 74.5 52.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
10.0 18.8 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.0 33.2 43.0 23.1
2-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
108.3 188.6 74.5 52.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
10.6 18.8 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.4 33.3 43.0 23.7
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The front floor may get wet from A.C condensation unless a revised evaporate drain tube has been installed. (2007-09)
Brakes
Description: The brake pedal may need extra pressure to allow starting the engine due to the brake light switch out of adjustment and/or the ABS pressure setting incorrect. (2007-09)
Engine misfire
Description: Fuel injection problems could result in rough running, hard starting , rough idle, and poor fuel economy. (2010-12)
Power seats
Description: The power seats may move roughly due to either a lack of grease on the seat rails or may not move at all due to failure of the motor or failure of the module to respond to the wake-up signal from the network. (2007-08)
Rear axle noise
Description: Some differential may wear prematurely and result in excessive noise. (2007-09)
Suspension noise
Description: Noise from the front suspension when going over bumps unless shock absorbers have been replaced with revised units. (2007)
Seatbelts/safety
Description: The seatbelt warning light and the warning chime may activate intermittently, even though there is nobody in the passenger seat due to a faulty seat occupant sensor. (2007)
None
Description: A knocking noise from the front end may be due to a dislocated lower control arm bushing for the stabilizer bar. (2007)
Wind noise
Description: Wind noise on convertibles is due to a gap where the top meets the top of the rear fender(s). (2007)
Transmission problems
Description: The transmission control switch may fail to move out of Park or change gears. (2009-13)
Software problems
Description: The remote keyless entry may not work within 10 minutes of locking the vehicle and, after opening the door manually, the engine may not start unless the central and auxiliary junction box software has been updated. (2007-09)

Recall History

2007 XK Series
Description: Brake servo vacuum supply hose may have been misrouted, too close to EGR valve and exhaust-manifold attachments; hose could melt if contact is made, leading to loss of brake assistance.
2007-09 models with run-flat tires
Description: These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.138, “Tire Pressure Monitoring System, (TPMS).” The TPMS warnings were turned off. If the TPMS electronic control unit were to send a signal to the instrument cluster to display a TPMS warning light, it would not illuminate. Dealers will make the necessary upgrades to the system.
2010 XK vehicles manufactured from June 27, 2009, through March 10, 2010.
Description: After an extended period of time in service, corrosion of the power assist steering (PAS) pipes will occur that may lead to pin-holing of the pipe which could allow pressurized power steering fluid to leak into the under-hood and engine bay area. A loss of power steering fluid will result in a loss of power assist steering. Also, that fluid may ignite if it comes into contact with an ignition source or a surface at sufficiently high enough temperature, causing a vehicle fire. Dealers will replace the power steering fluid pipes with parts manufactured to the required corrosion protection specification.
2010-2011 XK
Description: The in-tank electric fuel pump may not be correctly activated, as the fuel pump relay is not energized following a vehicle start up cycle. An inadequate supply of fuel to the engine could result. Fuel starvation to the engine leads to engine stumble followed by engine cut out with minimal warning and could potentially cause a crash. Dealers will download revised software free of charge.
2011-14 XK convertible
Description: The power convertible top switch also controls the power windows. The switch may be inadvertently activated and does not conform to Federal standards. A hand or arm could be pinched by the windows.
2012-14 XK
Description: The front parking lights may turn off after five minutes and the car would be less visible, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013-14 XK
Description: The tire information placard does not have correct inflation information for the spare tire.
2013-14 XK
Description: The rear-suspension toe links could separate from the rear sub-frame causing a loss of vehicle stability and control.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
Share this:
, , , , , , , , , , , ,