German Car Zone

Drives far better than a chariot with its crisp steering, sporty yet plush handling and well-insulated cabin.
By Jonathan Elfalan • Photo by Jeff Allen

October 2007



Perhaps it's all my fault. Had I not referenced our shiny new long-term Jag to the most notorious manifestation of bad luck, perhaps we could have avoided a hex and the string of unfortunate events that followed. After a close encounter with the "granite-kind," we took our XK to see the aluminum body experts at European Motor Works in Santa Ana, California. Fortunately, they were able to salvage the delicate aluminum door skins, though we ended up having to replace the rocker panel on the passenger side ($205) because it was made of plastic. Repairs, parts, paint and labor totaled $2212, which is by no means cheap, but it certainly beats having to buy a whole new door.
Finally, following the weeks of cosmetic surgery, the Jaguar returned to us. The very next day, the driver's seat stuck in the "low-rider" position. The seat was reclined and no amount of verbal harassment or coercion had any effect. The problem was a faulty servo, which the dealer replaced and reprogrammed under warranty. Our woes did not end: The passenger seat followed suit a couple of days later. This, however, was due to a "loss of programming," not a mechanical failure, requiring only a reflash to remedy the problem.

"I am surprised at how responsive the V-8 is, particularly when the engine is at lower revs. When you throttle up, the transmission upshifts quickly, the torque converter locks up solid, and off you go. The rear sight lines on the car are hampered by the C-pillars, but again, as a true GT coupe, that's a compromise you'll just have to accept. The navigation system is pleasing aesthetically, but doesn't aim to please. Only after you get used to the logic flowchart does usage become slightly less cumbersome. I see the XK more as a supreme highway cruiser, not so much a crowded-city bruiser."
— Calvin Kim

Road Test Assistant

"I surprised my fiancée with an out-of-town trip this past weekend. The reaction I got from showing up with the XK was the same as if it were a chariot made of gold. The car drives far better than a chariot, however, with its crisp steering, sporty yet plush handling and well-insulated cabin — though sometimes you'll want to just leave the windows down to hear the roar of the V-8."
— Blake Conner
Cycle World Associate Editor

ROADandTRACK.com -- Long Term Road Tests - 2007 Jaguar XK Coupe (10/2007)