I did a search but didn't really find an answer.

My black '09 XK has a black (plastic) grill. To my eyes, it's too much black and mutes the gorgeous front shape. I've seen darker color XK's with a silver (not the chrome mesh) grill and think that would enhance the looks of the front. Was a black vs. silver grill an option? Could one specify which color grill when ordering? I found the silver OEM grill online but would like to know the background before making such a change.

To break up so much black, I initially considered the horizontal spears until I learned they were an '07-only feature.....not to mention someone said it made the grill look like a Taurus.
Any photos of a black XK with the silver grill? My all-black front:

 

You could probably buy a silver grill, but it'd cost you quite a bit. They are also not the most fun things to remove and replace.
Some people (like me, on different vehicles) use either regular rattle-can paint, or if you're not absolutely sure you want the change, a can of spray peelable paint. Made by several different companies. If you don't like it, peel it off. It stays pretty dang well anyway, just not as long as real paint.

 

The XKR grille was a platinum finish. Unless rarely driven, paint will chip rather quickly. Grille replacement requires removing the bumper, not too difficult but loads of screws to remove. If you like chrome, there's some metal aftermarket ones which clip on to the existing. Mina Gallery offer some options.

 

Thanks for the replies. I was wanting to know if silver vs. black was some kind of option on an '09 or if one could specify one or the other when ordering a new '09 XK. Not interested in the chrome mesh grill. I understand what's involved with removing the bumper cover to replace the grill, and I wouldn't do the Mina Galleries clip on type.

Anyone know if black vs. silver was an option? Any photos of a black XK with the silver grill?
Thanks.

 

I think the black looks fine - here's mine from a few years ago:

 

Thank you very much. That shows me exactly what I was looking for. I do like the contrast, and as I said initially, I think it helps show off the lines/curves of the front end.
I think I will go with a silver grille. Still curious as to what determined if one got a black or silver grille.
Cheers.

 

I answered your question above, the platinum version came with the XKR.

 

This one sure got some contrast:

 

Also features canvas top and caramel and orange interior 😱

 

Yes you did. Thanks. Just want to confirm if the corollary is the XK never came with the silver grille, i.e. are they always black on the XK? I like to keep my car mostly stock, and don't like to modify my cars much beyond original. But changing my grille would certainly be reversable, so I don't think I'll be a stickler on this change. I'll hold on to the black grille, just in case.
Thinking about my cars, the only changes I've made to any of them is changing the 993 steering wheel to a 996 steering wheel, and installing Fister mufflers.......again, both reversable. Oh...... and putting a Tubi muffler on the 360. Being a race car, 996 is obviously an exception, so it doesn't count.
Thanks again. Cheers.

 

Only black for the XK and in my opinion the platinum grille doesn’t suit the black, too much stark contrast and not tied to anything else on the car and it looks dated. But that’s all to personal taste.

 

Thanks for the clarification.
Cheers.

 

And the thing about taste… many have poor taste buds

 

I do like the stealth black look:

 

Almost black, and a platinum grill:

 

The headlights on the stealth black are different to yours Cee Jay - is that stealth front modified?

 

Nope, just a newer model, 2012+

 

My 09 XKR came with silver grills which I agree looked cheap and out of place. I painted them black, but now the face gets lost in the darkness. I'm toying with a dark platinum wheel paint. Something that shows the mouth off well, but also sort of disappeares into the background

 

I have a silver car , would rather have the black.

 

I think you've described it perfectly. My objective is let the grille be more visible to show off the shape as a black grille on a black car just looks like a big black mass. Although the photo that McJag222 posted looks good.