2012 Jaguar XK - Quality Review

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Shopping for a new Jaguar XK? MSRP: $84,500 - $138,000

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For all intents and purposes, the Jaguar XK hardtops and convertibles are two-seaters, though they make a token gesture at practicality.

Those up front will be duly impressed with the XK's expansive leg room. It's more than most sports-car shoppers may expect, and roomier than many of the XK's high-dollar competitors. Head room is improved over the last-generation XK, and whether in the coupe or convertible, the long-travel front seats and adjustable bottom cushion make sure that those passengers will find the perfect seat.

The back seat's strictly for emergency use, even for children and small adults. There's hardly room back there to toss in a couple of soft-sided bags, let alone a semi-soft-sided person. The seats are narrow, they're split by the drivetrain tunnel, and knee and leg room are nearly nonexistent.

Trunk space is just as thin. On coupes, at least the 10 cubic feet of locked space will hold a couple of pieces of luggage. Convertibles lose 2 cubic feet and the opening gets even smaller. The high cargo floor, low-slung glass and stubby decklid make for a gorgeous rear end, but make little room for hard-sided suitcases.

Fashion exacts its own price, so while you're shipping ahead a week's worth of clothes, plan on soothing yourself in the XK's fabulously paneled and detailed cabin. The XK is crammed with glossy, deeply grained wood trim of a few choice grains, or aluminum trim if you like. The leather's stitched superbly, the carpeting is plush and thick. Cars twice as expensive aren't finished half as nicely as the XK, and its cockpit is worth the price of entry alone.