I'd go for a 2010+ XK. The performance is on par with the previous XKR, but all the details and touches you'll get with 2010+

You'll get a more cherry car and the performance is great. That being said, drive all three and decide:

2009 XKR
2010 XK
2010 XKR

Obviously, you'll be in awe of the '10+ XKR, but at least you'll be making an informed decision on the other two.

 

Sov211, I completely agree with you. My 2009 XK is plenty powerful, especially when using the paddles to start in 1st gear. I like the looks of '09 better only because there are fewer 'do-dads', 'gills', 'vents', etc. I love all XKs and XKRs regardless of year, and my next Jag will probably be a 2010 or newer XKR just to experience the difference. But right now, I couldn't be happier with my 2009 Vapour Gray Coupe!

 

A few other things the 5.0 cars got that make a difference:

• A more sophisticated gearbox that has faster shifts and can also skip gears completely to select the best ratio
• Fully variable suspension damping, rather than hard/soft
• Dynamic Mode, which tweaks a whole load of settings (suspension, throttle response, active dynamics) for 'performance' driving
• Winter Mode, which tries to make the car more drivable in very slippery conditions