Trader Dreamer: Jaguar XKR 5.0

It would seem Bentley has done a good job with their new Continental V8, reviews are positive and most reports suggest it’s a better choice than the W12 that supposedly sits above it in the range. Fine praise indeed and looking at the specifics of it, it’s hard to argue with them. The V8 sounds better, is hardly slower, and cheaper than it’s twelve-cylinder brother, so Autocar’s 4 star review of the GTC V8 seems pretty justified then. The car it just beats (both receiving 4 stars) in the ‘Road Test Top 5’ is the Jaguar XKR, and that’s the car I recommend.

Photo From kenjonbro

So why am I writing a blog about the supposed second best? Well is it second best? It’s supercharged V8, with an extra 1000cc of displacement over the turbocharged Bentley, produces 10bhp more. Significant when the Jag weighs 670kg less overall. The case for the Bentley gets even harder when you compare prices; the convertible from Crewe comes in at £136,250, making the open XKR’s £84,550 look a bargain. Even more helpfully, the Jaguar has been around since 2009, meaning that you can obtain a used example for more than half it’s original asking price.

Of course the XKR name has been around for longer than three years, but it’s the 5.0 litre that grabs my attention. You wouldn’t want to sacrifice too much to that six figure Bentley would you? The 5.0’s extra 100hp over it’s 4.2 predecessor should certainly see to that. While the GTC V8 hits 60 mph a tenth of a second faster (thanks no doubt to it’s four wheel drive system) the Jag smashes it from 50-70, 1.7 seconds to the GTC’s 2.8. To compliment it’s greater speed the Coventry convertible also offers more focus; the chassis is impeccably controlled, offering plenty of roll resistance and seemingly endless grip. The imperfect steering feel puts it behind the even more focused Porsche 997, at least in terms of out right driver involvement, but the XKR offers a lot more power for your Pound.

It also assumes the role of GT admirably; the Continental has the better of the Jaguar on ride quality, thanks to it’s greater weight and more touring focused handling set up. However the XKR strikes a fine balance between sporty body control and ride comfort and while it errs toward the sporty element it still performs well on both counts.  Both look good with the hood down, both offer four seats, with the Jaguar’s being a little more laughable than the Bentleys. Most importantly, both let you drive around with the hood down enjoying the sonorous sounds of their V8 power plants. To my ears it’s the Jaguar that sounds the best, the extra 1000cc and lack of turbochargers makes for an exhaust note that little bit more intoxicating at full tilt.

Overall it’s a fairly close run contest, but the fact is you can get the Jag, assuming you’re happy without the facelift, for a mere £40k, while the Bentley will cost you nearly £100k more. Of course neither car will be cheap to run, but compared to it’s rivals the Jaguar will probably cost you the least. It’s made out of aluminium, so while repairs are do-able, make sure they have been done professionally. Obviously with 510bhp on tap, it’s going to eat it’s tyres, so expect to be replacing them often, check all the electrics work, especially the keyless entry and the hood. At this young age any car without a full history would not be worth a look, it’s also worth keeping a Jaguar service history going to slow the depreciation the car has left to do. All in all, it’s hard to look classier and go faster for less, making the XKR a commendable purchase, especially when compared to the Bentley Continental GTC V8.

Here’s some I found

Yourcheapest route into an XKR 5.0 V8 right now is this 13,426 mile 2009 car. It comes in at £42,894 and is loaded with kit. It’s also approved used from a Jaguar dealer, which should provide you with some piece of mind.

With4,850 miles, this XKR has barely been used, and comes with a Bowers and Wilkins sound system, so you can share your music with pedestrians in great quality. Personally I’d rather share the burble of the V8 however.

If youwant to look super fresh, this white XKR is for you. I must admit, to my eyes it looks rather good, and comes with just 9k miles under it’s belt. Yours for £49,995.

If yousimply must have the facelift model, this ex-management car will get you there for £58,989. It comes with plenty of kit as you can imagine, and with just 7k miles on the clock it’s basically new.

Specifiations

0-60 4.6 seconds
0-100 9 seconds

Top Speed 155 mph
Power 510 bhp
Torque 461 lb/ft
Weight 1800 kg
Insurance Group 20
MPG 23

Warranty Direct Reliability Index N/A
How Many Left 1970 (includes Coupe)

Can I get it in Brown?

No, ‘Vapour Grey’ is about as close as you can get. Jaguar is clearly missing a trick. The E-Type was available in Metallic Brown and looks fantastic with it, I have no doubt the XK would do the same.