Styling: XK retains its classic shape, looking both beautiful and aggressive. From its long, sculpted hood to its short, rounded rear, the styling evokes the daring spirit of the XK-E.

The Jaguar's shifter knob rises from the console, with choices made by turning. (Photo: Jaguar)

I’m still not crazy about the front treatment, despite the changes. The styling tries too hard to replicate the small oval grille of the XK-E without fitting in very well with the rest of the front end. It ends up looking weak and derivative.

It would be better to adopt Jaguar’s new front-end treatment now seen on the XF, breaking with the past but looking to the future.

A nicely tailored cloth top is used on the XK rather than the folding steel or aluminum tops found on many of today’s convertibles. The top stows automatically.

Interior: Another attractively traditional Jaguar interior, with a hand-crafted look to its leather and wood trim. Modern touches abound, though, such as a new navigation screen that’s much improved and easier to use. The cabin is also nicely detailed, with such refinements as chrome roller switches on the steering wheel.

The new transmission engagement is kind of different, with a large, round knob that rises from the console as the ignition starts up. You choose gears by turning the knob. It seems kind of precious at first, but it works well once you get used to it.

The front seats are comfortable, roomy and supportive. The rear seat is, as usual, less than worthless. It still seems absurd that they bother to upholster that narrow space, much less include seat belts. Consider XK a two seater.

The XK comes lavishly equipped, as well it should at this price, including navigation, a good-sounding Bowers and Wilkins audio system and leather seats that are heated and cooled. The only options on the test car were a $1,000 trim package and HD radio, at $300.

Bottom line: Although definitely pricey at $88,150, with the test car coming out to $90,300 with shipping, XK’s cost seems fairly competitive considering its performance, comfort and unique image. Add about $15,000 for the supercharged XKR.

Details

Vehicle type: Two passenger (with vestigial rear seat), two door convertible, rear-wheel drive.
Engine: 5-liter V-8, 385 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, 380 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic.
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches.
Overall length: 188.6 inches.
Curb weight: 3,924 pounds.
EPA fuel mileage: 16 city, 22 highway.

The opinions reflected herein are solely those of the above commentator and are not necessarily those of SPEEDtv.com, FOX, NewsCorp, or Speed Channel

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEEDtv.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, who has driven and evaluated essentially every new vehicle sold in the United States. A lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle, he annually attends and writes about Arizona's famous January collector-car auctions, focusing on Scottsdale’s monumental Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event. SPEEDtv.com fans email veteran Automotive Editor Bob Golfen at