I am looking at the 2008 XKs and notice that they no longer come with wood on the steering wheel. Is it an option or not available any more. As far as I am concerned the wood grain makes the interior. The 06 and earlier interiors are far nicer than the 07s and newer because of the wood. Is this about Jaguar chinsing out?

 

I think that 2007 was the last year with the wood laminated steering wheel. I had it on my '05 XK and loved the feel of the wood on top, while the leather was there for serious grip at 3 - 9 o'clock. I do miss it in my '08 but, have to say that the soft leather wheel does feel good.

I tend to agree with you on wood preference in my Jaguars but, that is a matter of personal preference. Some people seem to prefer the aluminum trim inserts, replacing the wood. I feel that the factory may have caved to the pressures from some auto magazine writers who, quite snugly and snobbishly, declared the use of extensive wood trimming to be "old fashioned" and greeted the stamped aluminum panels as the up-to-date, "contemporary look".

 

You are correct. In 07, the Luxury package contained the wood heated steering wheel along with the wood/leather shift handle. I don't think it was offered after that. I do like the Burl Walnut on the steering wheel along with the carmel interior. It was discontinued in 08' or at least that's what I found on the great world wide web.

 

can u buy 2007 wood wheel and put on later?

 

I also have an '07 XK with the heated wood trimmed steering wheel. I know I'd miss it terribly if I were to purchase a later model.