I have a 1998 XK8, and find the seats to be very uncomfortable, they have very little bolstering and I find that you more sit on them vs in them. I’m considering upgrading to an X150 XKR, and was wondering if those seats have more bolstering and support? If anyone has had both and can compare, that would be awesome. Thanks!

 

The seats are much better in the X150 and they are quite adjustable also. They aren't superb, but they are quite good enough for me. That's for the stock 16-way seats. The sport seats are quite a bit more supportive, but too much for just driving around and they don't have cooling available. You will also like that in the XKs you will sit a bit lower if you want as to not look out the top half of the windscreen. That is if you're tall enough. That was my one major complaint with my XK8. My head was too close to the ceiling with the seat full down.

 

onewhippedpuppy,
I have both an X100 and an X150. The seats in the X150 are far superior to those of the X100. They are more comfortable, more supportive, more bolstering, and infinitely more adjustable. The whole interior is just much more comfortable, not as cramped. If you get a good X150, you will have a difficult time enjoying your X100 in comparison.

 

Excellent feedback, thanks guys. The seats and general lack of sport associated with my XK8 are the two biggest issues. I think the X150 XKR seems like a good fit.

 

I had two x100 (one XK8 convertible, my first Jag, and an XKR convertible) and these cars were perhaps the most beautiful ones I have ever owned. The seats were not their strongest part, indeed.

The X150 is the technologically superior car by any standard. This includes the seats, especially those with 16-way adjustment. They are far better than the ones in its predecessor. For me (186cm tall), they are perfect - I do not miss anything.

Thus I can confirm the responses you already got. Be careful to choose a well-maintained X150, and you will not regret it.

 

Yes, the first gen X100 seats were horrendous. I also had the latest version of the X100 with upgraded seats and they were much better than the earlier version. The X150 also has a few different versions of seats, but the most common ones are basically sedan seats like the XJ and XF. There was a performance version seat as well, but for a GT mos people don't care for them. Besides the seats though, the X150 is far superior in every way.

 

Have an X100 (2006 XK8) and X150 (2007 XKR). XK8 seats are cushy and don't have much support. Cockpit feels cramped. The 16 way adjustable seats in my XKR are more comfortable and have better support. I'm tall so the bigger interior is great. These are the seats (and car) I'd pick.

Even the NA X150 is far superior. Then add 120hp, high performance suspension, the snarl, reliable top, etc, etc. If you buy an XKR, bet your XK8 (like mine) will be gathering dust. FYI a well maintained 2007 XKR (Indigo Blue, 31k) sold on Bring A Trailer for 25k. It's worth spending a little more.

Comments here are from both 4.2 and 5.0 owners. Sweet spot for reliability (and lower price) seems to be 07-09. That said, the 5.0 is a great car. It's also the performance car bargain of the century.

 

You guys are doing a pretty good job of selling me!

 

If you're used to the ultra cushy ride of an XK8, an XKR will seem a little stiff at first. It took me about a week to get used to the difference. More road feel. Handling is light and precise. Adaptive suspension softens the bumps. Better brakes. Great mix of high performance and comfort. Like everyone else has said, it's a far superior car.

Agree w/ Hans about the X100's being beautiful cars. I'm going to keep mine for a couple more years, drive it occasionally and see what happens to prices.

 

I did a full suspension rebuild on the XK8 with poly bushings, H&R springs, and new Bilsteins. Honestly I’d be fine if it was stiffer. I’m a sports car guy at heart but enjoy the luxury of the XK, and to be totally candid I don’t have the budget for another 911. Also spend a lot of time in DFW traffic, so while my heart doesn’t want an automatic my head does. Overall the X100 XK8 is too lux for my taste, but I think the XKR would be a good compromise.

 

XKR is both lux and high perf sports car. The body is impressively stiff. Jag really got it right. Sounds a 4.2 XKR might be a good fit. The 420 hp (and instant response to throttle) is worth the price of admission. Reasonable prices for the 07-09. If you want another 100 hp spend some more and look for a 2010+ 5.0L XKR. I'd also prefer a manual but Jaguar didn't want to distract possible AM buyers. The XKR automatic is impressive. Quick shifts in Sports Mode. You can also use the paddles. Downshift and the car rev matches the shift. Good luck.

 

Check out the Car and Driver review of the 2007 XKR.

 

Already have! There’s still a good R&T one out there too.

 

The best review on the 4.2 XKR was done by Jeremy Clarkson while still on Top Gear.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2tscik