Jaguar makes XK range more Dynamic for 2015

Jaguar has launched two new special edition XK models for the 2015 model year, both boasting greater value and offering more visual appeal.

The XK Signature and XK Dynamic R replace all previous variants other than the range-topping XKR-S – yes, that includes the previous XKR model – and have been configured to fit in more comfortably alongside the smash hit F-Type range.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe R prototype review (2014 onwards)

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Both models will arrive in showrooms in March – which, coincidentally, is the same time Jaguar’s new F-Type Coupe derivative also goes on sale…

The XK Signature is the new value leader. Costing from £54,950, it boasts a 385hp 5.0-litre V8 and is the more luxurious of the two new models. It has 20-inch alloys as standard, plus a reversing camera and soft grain leather in either ivory or charcoal.

There’s a canvas suedecloth rooflining and ‘figured ebony’ too. Very luxurious.

However, the one most will prefer is the XK Dynamic R, costing £69,950. Boasting a 510hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8, this is the one that can run from 0-62mph in as little as 4.8 seconds, and which is capped to a 174mph top speed rather than the Signature’s 155mph.

The latter is because the Dynamic R features the Jaguar Speed Pack as standard. This raises the speed limiter and also adds on body-coloured aero kit – front splitter, rear spoiler, diffuser, side sills. There’s a performance exhaust for good measure too.

It also has the Black Dynamic Pack as standard, which adds on XKR-S suspension technology including a stiffer steering knuckle, revised springs and dampers plus Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics suspension. It’s 109mm lower and, unlike the standard Signature’s mechanical limited slip differential, gets an active differential similar to the one that so impressed us in the new F-Type Coupe R.

Perhaps sensibly, Jaguar also fits a new Performance seat in diamond-sewn soft grain leather – choose from ivory and charcoal with ivory stitching, or charcoal and red with red stitching. The Dynamic R also has a black suede roofliner and piano black veneers.

Both new variants are offered in coupe and convertible guise, with the latter costing around £6000 more.

The XK range has been around for a while now, and is actually Jaguar design director Ian Callum’s first production design for the brand. Since the F-Type arrived, it’s sat a little awkwardly in the range: do these new special edition variants help make its position more comfortable?

Indeed, would you choose one of these over a new F-Type Coupe? Let us know below…

By motoringresearch.com