Back to car reviews
Jaguar XKR-S Coupe (2012)
by Barry Green,reviewed August 2012
The XKR-S is the flagship of Jaguar’s modern high-performance fleet.
Though the same weight (1750 kg) and sharing the same powerplant and platform and essentially the same lightweight aluminium body as the XK-R, the XKR-S boasts 30 kW more power and 55 Nm more torque.
To maximise performance potential, the suspension spring rates have been increased 28 and 32 percent front and rear, ride height lowered 10 mm and rear lift reduced by 26 percent.
Response from the 5.0-litre, supercharged direct fuel injection V8 – mated to a smooth-shifting ZF six-speed automatic – is epic in soundtrack and seemingly indefatigable.
Thanks to its superbly-engineered chassis and well-sorted suspension, the XKR-S feels alert, keen to turn in and beautifully balanced all the way through each back road corner, shifting attitude subtly in response to every throttle application yet clinging resolutely to the road.
Around town, the Jag is equally as impressive in its low speed tractability and ease of driving. The ride quality, on huge 20” alloys and rubber, is agreeably civilised.
From experience, we know Jaguar’s stoppers to be consistently the best in the business, the XK-R, for example, pulling up in an average of 21.4 m from 80 km/h.
The interior is classy, but not overstated. The XKR-S well justifies its positioning as the current halo car for one of the world’s most famous sporting and luxury car marques.
For
Exclusivity, performance, dynamics
Against
Rear seat limitations
Key features
20-inch alloy wheels, dynamic drive mode, uprated active differential, leather interior, powered sports seats, premium audio, satnav, smart key, dual-one climate control airconditioning, immobiliser, alarm
Safety
Front/side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA), 3-mode dynamic stability control (DSC), traction control (TC), tyre pressure sensors
Car Details
Vehicle make |
Jaguar |
Vehicle model |
XKR-S |
Vehicle type |
Luxury Sports |
Year |
2012 |
Price when new |
$340,000 MLP |
Current price range |
$ - $
|
Insurance |
Get a quote for car insurance |
Approved Repairers |
Our expert team of approved repairers can perform general and specialist repairs, including auto-electrical, air-conditioning, radiator repairs and automatic transmissions. |
Engine |
5.0-litre, supercharged V8 |
Max power |
405 kW @ 6000 rpm |
Max torque |
680 Nm @ 2500-5000 rpm |
Acceleration to 100 km/h |
4.4 sec. (claimed) |
Braking from 80 km/h |
21.4 (as tested, XKR) |
Economy ADR |
12.3-litres/100 km |
Back to car reviews
This review is based on road testing conducted by The Road Ahead. Further vehicle reviews, in-depth comparisons and coverage of consumer motoring issues can be found in the Club's magazine. Prices listed were current at the time of review and are manufacturers list prices and do not include statutory and delivery charges. Prices can vary from time to time and dealer to dealer.