Jaguar XK8 Coupé (96-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The XK8 may have been on our roads since 1996 but you still give it a look as it goes past, don't you? It's got James Bond looks, with performance to match. Grand Touring ability makes it a pleasure over long distances. The supercharged R version is seriously rapid and makes a good budget alternative to an Aston Martin or a Ferrari GT. Thankfully in the UK it deals just effectively with traffic jams and the golf club car park. An all-new car was launched in 2006.
4 out of 5

Other Jaguar reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£48,700 - £69,950

Used price range:

£2,831 - £13,009

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Makes you feel like a film star

Running costs need a film star's salary

The XK8 may have been on our roads since 1996 but you still give it a look as it goes past, don't you? It's got James Bond looks, with performance to match. Grand Touring ability makes it a pleasure over long distances. The supercharged R version is seriously rapid and makes a good budget alternative to an Aston Martin or a Ferrari GT. Thankfully in the UK it deals just effectively with traffic jams and the golf club car park. An all-new car was launched in 2006.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4.5 out of 5

    "If you're buying a newer car, then you're looking at a 4.2 V8 with 300bhp. Alternatively, choose the..."

  • Handling

    4 out of 5

    "More of a Grand Tourer than a sports car, which is what Jaguar does best, but don't expect it to..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "Given the exterior dimensions, the cabin is tiny, but that's the price you pay for such graceful..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "If you consider the sheer roadspace it takes up, then it should rival an estate car and as such it's..."

  • Equipment

    4.5 out of 5

    "Equipment levels are very high and you'll get goodies like computer controlled suspension and..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4 out of 5

    "Interior isn't manufactured - it's crafted, with wood and leather and an abundance of electronic..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2.5 out of 5

    "Depreciation is quite heavy, the V8 likes a drop of fuel, and it's not cheap to insure or service,..."

  • Green credentials

    1.5 out of 5

    "XK8 scores badly on the eco front. With an average of 297 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "There is no shortage of safety equipment, with an abundance of airbags, a traction control system..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "It's been around for a while now, so it's all well proven. Conventional wisdom says you might be..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "An older design but recently revamped and still a very lovely thing. Jaguar dealers are very..."

  • Buying used

    4.5 out of 5

    "A lengthy production life means you can get one and stick a private plate on, no one would be any..."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "Buyers will expect it to be in pristine condition with plenty of evidence that its been very well..."

Gallery

  • Interior Jaguar XK8 Coupé (96-05)
  • Exterior Jaguar XK8 Coupé (96-05)
  • Exterior Jaguar XK8 Coupé (96-05)
  • Exterior Jaguar XK8 Coupé (96-05)

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Owners' reviews