I'm looking to sell my 2008 XJ and get into an XK in the near future. I was looking at the 2010-2013 XK's primarily because of the 5.0 engine with the 385 HP that is just plain awesome. I may consider a 2008-2009 XKR, but not the the 4.2 XK.

So hear are my questions:

1. Is there a particular year that is better than another?
2. Does the XK have the air suspension like the XJ?
3. Does the XK have a better ride then the XKR due to a stiffer sports suspension?

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

You did not say what year your XJ is? No, the XK does not have an air suspension, thankfully, as I have issues with my '12 XJL ride.

If your budget allows, I would definitely get an XK(R) with the 5.0 l engine. I had two XKs with the 4.2 and they were fine but, the 5.0 is a big upgrade.

Yes, the base XK rides softer than the XKR. The XKR has better handling because of the stiffer suspension, less understeer and quicker steering ratio. If you want a nice GT cruiser, the base XK is an excellent choice but, it does not have the sharpest handling in the twisties. If you want more power than you need :-), go for the XKR.

 

Thanks for the information. The 5.0 in my XF is a dramatically different then the 4.2 in my XJ. Thats 385 HP versus 300 HP.

 

I have only had my 2010 XKR for a few days (and a few miles) but if comfort is a priority, then I would shy away from the 20" wheel option. Even in the extremely limited amount of time I have spent behind the wheel, it is readily apparent that the combination of the 20" wheels along with the extremely low profile tires detract somewhat from the ride quality. The 5.0L engine, however, is a wondrous powerplant. CAUTION: Having a 5.0L supercharged engine maybe habit forming and addictive. Proceed with caution!

 

The 20's with the low profile tires are also prone to rim damage as well.

Any particular model year XK from 2010-2013 deemed to be better or are they all the same?

 

As most will attest, this platform is pretty darn good regardless of your choice.
I will find myself in the same boat as you in a year or so, as I would love to stay in an XK, but want more power than my base 4.2NA. A low miles first generation XKR (2007 - 2009) would not frighten or disappoint me in the least if the price were right. In the first gen lineup you obviously want as new a version as possible (2009) as the few known bugs have been stamped out by then, and the cream of the crop is the Portfolio Edition.
The second gen update the exterior styling to more modern standards (some prefer it, other do not), and of course the motor upgrade.
Neither gen have air suspension, however the first gen has electronic shocks with a two firmness settings, where the second gen went to more of a variable adjustment.
The second gen has a lot going for it, so reach reach reach if you can... However I would never be embarrassed to have a first gen XKR in my garage, as they are totally sweet as well...

BOL
Vince

 

I am very pleased with my ride+power combination. A perfect balance for me.

There are some minor front grill and side gill styling differences between the 2010-2013 models.

 

I would look at all of them and go for the one that gets you going. XK or XKR for me at the time was secondary to condition and color combo for my price range.

 

When I started my search I was more interested in the 5.0L S/C motor so that brought me to the 2010+ model years.After looking at the 2010's to the 2014's I saw the subtle changes made in 2012. The one that was of prime interest to me was the back up camera feature which I felt was necessary. The other changes such as LED's and change of side vents to horizontal along with the headlight change were OK but not a decision breaker. Coming from a 35+ year old Ferrari the ride in the XKR was a great improvement with it being firm but not harsh. My wife also liked the feel and handling of the car. So far I have only put on 500 miles but I feel the car has 2 personalities. On city and highway normal driving it handles and rides well even with the 20" rims and tires. The other end of the spectrum is when you hit the go peddle it throws you back in the seat and you hold on for the ride. Also when you buy these cars you don't usually worry about gas mileage but the difference in the base 385HP vs. the SC 510HP is insignificant compared to the thrill of the extra HP. If I had the extra dollars I would have purchased the XKR-S but I am very happy with what I got. Nobody needs 510HP but it sure is fun to have it. What ever decision you make will be the right one so good luck and enjoy the ride.

 

I own a 2009 XKR Portfolio Edition Convertible with the 4.2L S/C 420HP engine. This car for me, has plenty of power, more than I need. The pedal when pushed, pushes you back into our seat on this 420HP engine also.

My car came with the standard 20" Jaguar OEM Selena rims, and I have recently gone to a 20" aftermarket wheel. I find the ride to be quite smooth, but I may be used to the ride as this is the way the Jag came when I got it. Certainly 19" rims would provide a bit more of a smooth ride, but I have no complaints with the 20". It could be that in our local town/city roads are quite good and the main 2 Interstates (I-10 & I-25) are in excellent condtion for road surfaces.

I think I would drive a few different model yerars, but have to agree with Jagtoes the 2012 does provide a few nice subtle upgrades in body design, lighting and that rear view camera which everybody loves to have nowadays.

I think I would make my decision of what to get based on your budget restraints. It is easy to go from a $45,000 XKR to $80,000 XKR real quick.

Also decide will it be a coupe or convertible. Verts cost a bit more on the pricing scale vs. the coupe.

Keep in mind depreciation on these cars are quite the slope downward in the first 3 years. This has been a topic of discussion here on the forum so many times.

I would think the 2011 model and under presents the best value of pricing, as the 2014, 2013, and 2012 will still have a nice depreciation factor.

Happy hunting, there are allot of nice XKR's for sale in the secondary marketplace.

Be patient and take your time, I am sure that you will find just what you want.

 

Thanks for the information!

Your XKR is absolutely flawless. Is the color Vapour Grey?

 

The color is a special color that Jaguar used only on the 2009 Portfolio Editions (total of 380 imported into USA).

It is called "Shadow Gray". Only 200 convertibles were produced and 180 coupes for 2009 with the 4.2L 420HP SuperCharged engine. I love this Jaguar and it has performed flawless. Mine has 15,560 miles currently.

Here's a very nice 2009 XKR Portfolio Edition currently listed on eBay.

Jaguar Other Portfolio | eBay

Mine is just a little different as I have a optionable brake system called Alcon brakes from the UK....Charcol interior w/ Cranberry double stitching and Spun Aluminum dash panels. The wheels are aftermarket Braelin wheels specially milled for my Jaguar XKR with the Alcon brake system...20" wheels.

Thanks for the compliment on my car. I work hard to keep it in mint condition.

 

Thanks for the link! I'm going to have to sell my XJ first, which will be really hard since I absolutely love that car but I need the money to buy the XK.

 

Yeah, it's a suck-it-and-see exercise when it comes to ride comfort. The XK is firmer than the XJ, and the XKR is firmer again. Drive the different models over roads that are typical for your driving, and see what you think.

That being said, my XKR 75 has the same suspension as the Dynamic Pack, which is about 30% stiffer than the standard XKR. I've just spent 9 days driving it in Ireland, over some very rough roads in places, and I didn't feel it was uncomfortably firm. I would not have considered doing the same in a Nissan GT-R, for example.