2012 Jaguar XK

After a brief pause during which it built no vehicles, Jaguar is transitioning to an all-electric luxury brand. In years past, Jaguar was best known for its legendary sports cars, including the E-Type of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and luxurious sedans such as the XJ. The brand was reborn under Ford’s ownership in the 1990s, then sold to India’s Tata Group where it was merged with Land Rover. Eventually, big cars with wood-and-leather interiors gave way to sportier, fun-to-drive models including some compact and midsized SUVs. Jaguar’s first attempt at an EV, the I-Pace, failed to keep up with the competition, and the XF sedan continued on for years without major updates. Both Jaguar and Land Rover share some parts and underlying vehicle designs. Neither brand has shed its reputation for reliability issues, which makes it difficult to recommend used models—even though the XE and XF still offer impressive driving excitement and luxury.

The stylish XK coupe and convertible deftly blend traditional wood-and-leather luxury with satisfying athleticism. For 2007, the XK was redesigned with an all-aluminum body. Handling is quite nimble, considering the comfortable ride. The strong V8 engines and six-speed automatic transmission operate with a great deal of sophistication. Further, the XK's supple and controlled ride quality graciously befits the brand. The cabin is furnished with plenty of wood and aromatic leather. The convertible is free of body-flex. Although most competitors used folding hardtops, the XK convertible sticks to cloth, which retains a decent trunk, while still providing good noise insulation. However, outward visibility to the rear is a challenge when the roof is deployed. The touchscreen infotainment system is very slow. The XK discontinued after 2015.

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