2015 Jaguar XK Coupe

The latest iteration of a moniker that dates back to 1954, the Jaguar XK is still perceived as the go-to option for leisurely driving from the feline logo. And while it may be about to go extinct as the all-new F-Type springs to the fore in the USA, the convertible cruiser still has a lot to offer, even with little to no changes for the new year. In this, the base-model configuration, it receives a standard V8 engine developing 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. But the grand tourer is about more than just power; inside, it is plushly appointed, although sparsely equipped. With a price tag to match, the Jaguar XK coupe is very much a rival to its German competition from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

While it may not have the styling of a model that is brand new, the Jaguar XK is still irrefutably a sexy sports car. Riding on enormous 20-inch alloy wheels, the sleek body is fronted by a slim, oval-shaped grille, with a broader lower grille set within the bumper. The automatic bi-xenon headlamps are shaped like a predatory cat in the dark and they are supplemented by LED daytime running lights. The rear fascia is a little stockier, while teardrop-shaped brake lights and LED rear fog lights. The roof slopes down in typical coupe fashion, and the trunk gets a sporty spoiler. The exterior color palette is quite broad, with 12 paints to choose from, including rich Caviar or Dark Sapphire, as well as three racing hues - Italian Racing Red, British Racing Green, and French Racing Blue.

A single engine moves the entire range, naturally aspirated V8 that displaces five liters to develop 385 hp and 380 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic does duty for the power plant, directing outputs to the rear wheels only. This traditional configuration allows the sports coupe to make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in a brisk 5.2 seconds and maxing out at 155 mph top speed. The powertrain feels a little restrained around town, but on the highway, it really lets loose and roars as the car shoots past most other drivers.

The 2015 Jaguar XK offers pure driving pleasure, and that is hardly a surprise. But it is more than just a car that goes fast. Even on large 20-inch alloys, ride quality is relatively smooth, and the comfy seats work perfectly with the suspension to offer support and confidence when pushing the car to its limits. And its limits are pretty far out there, even on this 'base spec', with two spicier models available (the XKR and XKR-S, which we review separately). Thanks to a low center of gravity, and low overall weight, the sports car has excellent grip, even when swinging its rump around corners at speed. The only real pity is that there is no option for a manual transmission to give a truly immersive experience.

Performance vehicles do not place a high priority on fuel economy, so the XK's mileage figures are not overly impressive. Still, they could be worse. In its base coupe form, it gets the best returns of 16/24/19 mpg, city/highway/combined. With a 16.1-gallon tank, the feisty Brit covers up to 306 miles before needing to refuel.

The interior of the Jag is pure British opulence, with leather coming standard across the range. Color options include Warm Charcoal, Truffle, Caramel, and Ivory, while the veneer is genuine wood - either Gloss Figured Ebony, Gloss Burl Walnut, or Shadow Walnut. All this luxurious material coats the cabin with cockpit-like dimensions. This means that those up front get almost all the space, with plenty of head- and legroom, as well as shoulder width. There are rear seats, but they'd be better utilized to increase the minimal cargo space rather than actually accommodate extra passengers. By comparison, competitors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer more overall space, but they are on par in terms of quality.

The list of features is not overly short, but overall it is not as modern as what most rivals are offering. There have been few updates for 2015 since the model is about to be discontinued. You can expect to find 10-way power seats with heating, remote entry and push-button start, power accessories, and automatic climate control. The infotainment is particularly outdated, especially the rather clunky interface. It does come paired to a premium sound system, though, along with HD Radio and Sirius XM.

Although no US-based safety authority has a review of the Jaguar XK, plenty of safety tech comes standard. These include a rearview camera, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The coupe gets six. There are reviews in terms of reliability, thankfully, with J.D. Power awarding it a rating of 84 out of 100. On the warranty side of things, there is industry standard coverage of four years for the bumper-to-bumper, roadside assistance, and drivetrain plans.

With a starting MSRP of about $85,000, the price of the Jaguar XK makes it nothing if not a luxury purchase. There are pricier models available, too, but for how much you are spending, the XK is a pretty good deal. There also are not a great deal of extra-cost customization options, so you will not likely be spending over the base price, assuming you are not buying a second-hand vehicle, since production of the nameplate stops in 2015. If you could get your hands on one of these vehicles, it may be worth your time if you prefer the classic look and feel over the new F-type. At the very least, you should take it for a test drive just to see how it holds up on the road, and capture a few images for your wishboard.