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Gazellio @ Prestige Cars



Member Since: 22 Jan 2010
Location: Chilterns, UK
Posts: 11309

United Kingdom 2010 Range Rover SE Td6 Zermatt Silver
2014 Jaguar XK Dynamic R review

The sports-oriented, run-out edition of the Jaguar XK gets stiffer suspension from the XKR-S and loads of equipment for less money than the now-defunct XKR. We test it in the UK.

Click image to enlarge


The Jaguar XK is no more. Or almost no more, anyway. Production of the XK has ended and your only options now are the maximum-attack, hardcore XKR-S, or two new run-out editions – a luxury version of the standard XK, dubbed the Signature, or the supercharged Dynamic R tested here.

The Jaguar XK Dynamic R gets the same 503bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 as the now defunct XKR, but has the suspension upgrades from the XKR-S, which includes stiffer springs and revised damper and differential settings.

There’s also a 10mm lower ride height, and top speed is now limited to 174mph instead of 155mph. Even better – all of this costs around £10k less now than it would have done a few months ago, and that’s before you consider the thousands you’ll be able to haggle off.


What’s the 2014 Jaguar XK Dynamic R like to drive?

We’ve always enjoyed the XKR’s impressive blend of long-legged GT ability and sports-car ferocity, and the Dynamic R maintains that balance. Yes, the new suspension is a little more fidgety around town than the old XKR was, but it remains composed and comfortable enough in context of the performance on offer, and doesn’t feel crashy unless you hit a particularly sharp pothole.

The tweaked suspension pays off in terms of the handling. The Dynamic R turns into corners keenly, gives plenty of feedback to let you know how much grip there is and keeps its body from leaning too heavily, all of which makes it impressively focused for such a large GT car.

Even so, you’re always slightly aware of its size and weight; you get a sense that you’re testing the limits of a cruiser, rather than playing with a light-footed sports car. Regardless, the XK Dynamic R is always entertaining, in an outrageous - often slightly sideways - fashion.

The V8 motor is a real delight. It builds speed without any uneven surges, so despite the explosive level of acceleration, this is an easy car to drive in almost any situation. Granted, the six-speed auto 'box is a little slow to respond at times, but it shifts smoothly in unhurried driving, and if you stick it in Dynamic mode and use the wheel-mounted paddles, it’s just about quick enough.

It's an easy-going cruiser, too. While there’s lots of road noise at high speeds, the crackling, sonorous exhaust note dies down when you want it to, and it’s quiet enough to be relaxing on longer drives.


What’s the 2014 Jaguar XK Dynamic R like inside?

This is where the age of the nine-year old XK is really beginning to show. The infotainment system has a standard 7.0-inch colour touch-screen, but the graphics look a little dated next to the latest systems, and some of the plastics around the screen also feel a bit cheap.

Still, equipment levels are great, and include electrically adjustable leather seats with contrast stitching, rear-view camera, Bowers and Wilkins sound system, keyless entry and go, USB-input, Bluetooth, sat-nav and digital radio. You really don’t need to add anything at all.

It’s also a comfortable car – the driver’s seat has masses of adjustment, including lumbar and bolster, as well as tilt angle and height on the seat base, so everyone should be able to get comfortable. However, the same can’t be said for anyone attempting to fold themselves into the back seats.

It’s cripplingly uncomfortable back there, for children let alone adults, so think of it as convenient luggage room rather than space for people – it really isn’t the latter.

The boot is long, but rather shallow, so fine for a weekend away, but tight for anything more than that.


Should I buy one?

If you’re in the market for a big, sporting GT, and thought the Jaguar XKR-S was a bit over the top, and that the XKR was a bit soft, then this is the car for you. However, it is seriously difficult to recommend, mainly due to the existence of the F-type Coupe.

Okay, so for the price of the XK Dynamic R, you’re looking at an F-type V6 S, so you don’t get to tell everyone you’ve got a V8. Despite this, the F-type very close in terms of performance, has a classier-feeling interior, will hold its value much better and has usefully more traction and handling finesse.

That’s not the only competition to contend with – you also have the Porsche Cayman GTS, or the BMW M4, both of which are in a different league for handling and running costs, and the latter even offers a properly usable four-seat layout.

Sadly, the strength of all that competition puts the XK out of contention by any objective measure. If you love it anyway – and the noise alone is reason enough – then it still feels like a lot of car for the money.

- See more at: http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/jaguar/xk/...2z93f.dpuf

Post #276727 20th Aug 2014 6:10pm
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KurtVerbose



Member Since: 08 Aug 2010
Location: Les Arses
Posts: 5848

Switzerland 2007 Range Rover Vogue TDV8 Stornoway Grey

Ah, the XK. I'm in two minds about this car.

On the one hand it's very attractive on the outside. On the other it's nothing special on the inside. Those rear bucket seats are stupid in a car that size. Why couldn't they make 'em a bit bigger to make them at least occasionally useful?

On the one hand the tech is quite advanced - aluminium body, direct injection engine. On the other, why did it never get the 8 speed gearbox like every other JLR product?

It's really a useable, everyday DB9. Just wish Jaguar had spent a bit more keeping it up to date.

When its replacement comes along I hope it's a bit more GT now there's the F type to fill the sports car role.

Post #276765 20th Aug 2014 8:16pm
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andy180



Member Since: 26 Aug 2010
Location: scotland
Posts: 509

United Kingdom 2003 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 V8 Zambezi Silver

I've got agree they should have been chucking the TFT dash, dual view screen etc at the XK and gave the interior a heavy update to keep it in 2011 to keep it inline with the competition Thumbs Up It's a very good car which seemed to have been let down by Jag on the minor details since day 1 (the electric 1990's retracting aerial was a disgrace Whistle )

A cracking used buy at 15k though Thumbs Up Now: BMW 640d M Sport, Alpine White
Gone: Range Rover 4.4 V8 Vogue, Zambezi Silver, Charcoal Oxford Leather
Also: Mk1 Audi TT 1.8T Quattro, Brilliant Black
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Post #277155 22nd Aug 2014 6:42pm
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Chauch



Member Since: 09 Feb 2014
Location: Beds
Posts: 303

England 2006 Range Rover Supercharged 4.2 SC V8 Java Black

It really isn't a bad car, and cracking value used, but the F Type really did kill it off as a new proposition…. 4.2 Supercharged Vogue SE

Post #277168 22nd Aug 2014 8:24pm
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KurtVerbose



Member Since: 08 Aug 2010
Location: Les Arses
Posts: 5848

Switzerland 2007 Range Rover Vogue TDV8 Stornoway Grey

At least the ones in my xjs were occasionally useable.



Some of these retailed at over £100k but there's no interior wow factor.

Click image to enlarge


Yes, I would like a used one. :)

Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated Mr. Green

Post #277282 24th Aug 2014 8:31am
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