Jaguar XK Convertible (2006 – 2015) Review
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Jaguar XK Convertible (2006 – 2015) At A Glance
Good looks. Wonderful exhaust note. Fast-shifting automatic. Revised interior from 2009 very stylish.
Small boot. Fide on 20-inch wheels is too firm for most.
Jaguar seems to be having a serious go at re-inventing itself, with models like the XF and new XJ saloons working hard to move away from the slightly tweedy image that once served it well.
With the compact X-Type's demise, the oldest car in its range is now the alloy-bodied XK8 sports grand tourer, which with its oval grill and sinuous shape might be perceived as having more in common with cars Jaguar made in the past than those that have been launched since it arrived.
It's been around for three years, and has now been given a makeover, with some subtle visual changes outside; the sort of things which only diehard Jaguar fans will notice specifically, but which are enough to distinguish the latest cars from those that went before.
Jaguar XK and XKR 5.0V8 2009 Road Test and Video
Reviews for Jaguar XK Convertible (2006 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
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Jaguar XK Convertible (2006 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 4.2 V8 to 5.0 V8 385
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 18–28 mpg
One thing that's absent from the latest cars are 4.2 litre badges on their rumps. This is because they now employ 5.0 litre, direct-injection V8s which Jaguar claim are entirely new. Once again they're offered in normally aspirated and supercharged forms, and Jaguar says these rumbling power units are cleaner, quicker and more efficient than before. This does not make the XK the vehicular equivalent of an organic allotment plot, but in non-supercharged form it emits 264g of CO2 per km and returns a combined 25mpg. Don't be surprised if a yet more fragrant and frugal diesel XK appears in the not too distant future.
Performance improvements are notional, but then the XK was quick to start with. In standard coupe guise it now hits 60 in 5.2 seconds (4.6 for the XKR). All versions have been limited to 155 mph. The latest petrol engines make an interesting selection of noises, culminating in a sort of expensive hotrod roar, and will make this car go with indecent haste. The big news is the improvement in torque, or pulling power. In the case of the supercharged XKR, it's up by 12 per cent, whilst the normally aspirated versions see a whopping 23 per cent increase. This gives them terrific mid range urge without resorting to the car's considerable rev range, allowing for very rapid, but relaxed forward progress.
For those feeling brave/skilled/inane enough to make the XK stand on its cams, the rev counter pointer will speedily head for the red line as the outside world starts looking like a very speeded up version of Google's Street Map.
The six-speed, two-pedal transmission gets things done with the minimum of fuss, and is mostly smooth and quick when fully in control, kicking down rapidly when required. Occasionally there's a small amount of judder, notably at low speeds. The driver can take over using the near-obligatory steering wheel paddles, and will have nothing to complain about with the system's speed.
Despite being shod with huge, low profile tyres, and suspended to get round corners quickly, the car rides well. It's not soft but the XK's occupants are never pitched up and down, even on lumpy English back roads. There's also a distinct lack of tyre roar. The steering is light but not disconnected from the outside world, and the car corners with precision. Your correspondent kept the traction control on during his rain sodden drive and found that when all that power finally began un-sticking the back wheels it stepped in quickly to point everything in the right direction again.
That the XK is a good car made better by the improvements Jaguar has visited on it is hardly a surprise. It's handsome, sophisticated, and familiar enough not to alienate people who've bought Jaguar's big engined sportscars in the past, but clearly intended to attract those who might have chosen to shop elsewhere for a sports GT (viz; Merc, BMW or perhaps even Porsche).
The XK is good enough to do this, but in a world where all luxury car makers have suffered massive sales reversals, Jaguar will probably find getting bums onto its leather seats a challenge.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 V8 | 25 mpg | 5.6 s | 264 g/km |
| 5.0 V8 385 | 25 mpg | 5.6 s | 264 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Jaguar XK Convertible (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
97%
Real MPG
18–28 mpg
MPGs submitted
29
Jaguar XK Convertible (2006 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 200–313 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4791–4794 mm |
| Width | 1892 mm |
| Height | 1329 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2752 mm |
Inside most of the design nips and tucks are low key, save for the adoption of an XF-style JaguarDrive transmission control, a circular chrome dial which rises from the transmission tunnel when the key is engaged and the starter button pressed. It's a gimmick, but fun, and easy to use.
As for the general fit and finish, areas where in the past Jaguar sometimes lagged behind their competition, the paint and panel gaps all seemed good. Likewise the interior, trimmed with a slightly sombre selection of dark leathers and plastic finishes, was nicely put together, and there were plenty of attractive details, including neat clip on straps at the outer edges of the front seats to guide their seatbelts. Remove these and small children or masochistic adults don't tangle themselves in seatbelts as they climb onto the teeny back seats. Jaguar has clearly worked hard at this sort of thing, after producing cars like the S and X-Type with interiors which had a non-specific tackiness to them that was almost American.
Jaguar XK Convertible (2006 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4791–4794 mm |
| Width | 1892 mm |
| Height | 1329 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2752 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1635–1696 kg |
| Boot Space | 200–313 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 15000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £60,975–£76,965 |
| Insurance Groups | 50 |
| Road Tax Bands | M |
| Official MPG | 22.3–25.2 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2015
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 5.0 Signature Convertible V8 385 2dr Auto | £60,975 | 25.2 mpg | 5.6 s |
On sale until May 2014
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 5.0 Portfolio Convertible 2dr Auto | £76,965 | 25.2 mpg | 5.6 s |
On sale until December 2008
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.2 Convertible Auto | £65,590 | - | - |
Model History
- January 0001
- January 2009: XK 2010 MY changes were announced
- January 2014: XK Signature and Dynamic R introduced
January 0001
Worth listing separately because it's such a stunning car. The new alloy bodied XK8 with a soft top. Same 300bhp 4,196cc V8 as before with 6-speed autobox and steering wheel shift paddles. Does 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Almost as fast as previous 400bhp XKR. Price announced Jan 2006 as £64,955.
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.
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 Convertible can reach 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with 515Nm of torque. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph and it produces 264g/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.
31-05-2011: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.
02-06-2014:Report of 3 roof operation failures on 2006 Jaguar XK8 convertible. Re-set each time and battery replaced. Recommended Bristol Sunroofs.
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.
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.
