Jaguar XKR-S 5.0 V8 Supercharged Coupe Review: Speed cat

What we like:

Stupendous performance

racy looks

overall styling

rumbling exhaust note when driven hard

smooth shifting gearbox

What we dislike:

Too quiet and docile at low speeds

steering lacks weight

interior can do with a redesign

The XKR-S’s biggest letdown is undoubtedly its interior. Unlike its sleek looking exterior, the Jag looks and feels a tad old on the inside thanks to the use of previous generation Jaguar switches, stalks and interface for the touchscreen infotainment system. The XK interior just doesn’t have the contemporary feel and look of the XJ and XF’s cabins even though the XKR-S’s has been spruced up with aluminium inlays, red stitching throughout, carbon fibre-look leather trim and sports seats.

Despite the XKR-s’s hard core character, Jaguar has chosen to keep the standard XK’s two rear seats and combined with the well-sized load area, makes the XKR-S a practical 2+2 coupe.

Like a true Jag, the XKR-S is suitably equipped to pamper its driver and occupants. Standard equipment include cruise control, rain sensors, adaptive HID headlamps, parking sensors, reversing camera and last but not least, the superb sounding Bowers & Wilkins high end audio system with iPod and USB ports and so on.

At more than half a million dollars, the XKR-S is a significant $75k more than the XKR which makes means each its additional 40 horses will set you back $1,875 on top of the XKR’s price tag!. But the XKR-S is not just about more horsepower or torque – its harder edged character , especially the noise it makes, certainly makes it a more exciting car than the standard XKR. It’s no out-and-out sports car but the XKR-S certainly cuts a fine compromise in being a fast, luxury GT while being exciting enough for the sporty driver at the same time.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai