2005 Jaguar XK-Series Trims and Specs

The 2005 XK8 two-door coupe exhibited elements of both a sports car and a luxury coupe. The sporty exterior received a minor refresh, with new bumpers, wheels, rocker panels, and a new mesh grille, which was particularly stylish and even a bit menacing.

Inside, though, the XK8 was all luxury, with heated leather seats, extensive use of burl walnut for the trim and dash, a leather-and-wood four-spoke steering wheel, an electrically adjustable steering column, an illuminated entry system, cruise control, and Alpine AM/FM stereo with a six-disc CD changer.

Power was provided by a 4.2-liter V8 that produced 294 horsepower. The only transmission available was a six-speed automatic, which was ideal for around-town driving but limiting for those who wanted to explore the XK8's wildier side on the open road. A manual shifting option was provided by the transmission's J-Gate.

As far as other features, the XK8 was well-equipped, with everything from four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic traction control, stability control, and brake assist to a climate control system, rear fog lights, an automatic-operating rear-view mirror, rear parking distance sensors, rain-sensing headlights, and a ventilation system with a micro filter.

Overall, drivers liked the exclusiveness of the XK8, as well as its sporty good looks, roominess, smooth ride, aggressive power, and luxury features. Some felt the exterior design was dated, and others were less than impressed with the car's stereo system. Still, drivers felt the 2005 model was a big improvement over previous models, and were generally happy with the vehicle.

The 2005 XK8 two-door Roadster (or convertible) received a minor refresh, with new bumpers, wheels, rocker panels, and a new mesh grille. Power was provided by a 4.2-liter V8 that produced 294 horsepower. The only transmission available was a six-speed automatic, which was ideal for around-town driving but limiting for those who wanted to explore the XK8's wildier side on the open road. A manual shifting option was provided by the transmission's J-Gate.

Inside, the XK8 Roadster was all luxury, with heated leather seats, extensive use of burl walnut for the trim and dash, a leather-and-wood four-spoke steering wheel, an electrically adjustable steering column, an illuminated entry system, cruise control, and Alpine AM/FM stereo with a six-disc CD changer.

Despite such features as electronic traction control, stability control, brake assist, and anti-lock brakes, drivers and reviewers noted that the XK8 Roadster didn't have quite the driving precision and handling capability as the best roadsters from Germany. In addition, the car's drop top resulted in a bit of structural wiggle that wasn't evident in the XK8 coupe.

The XK8 Roadster was also equipped with such features as climate control system, rear fog lights, an automatic-operating rear-view mirror, rear parking distance sensors, rain-sensing headlights, and a ventilation system with a micro filter.

Overall, drivers liked the exclusiveness of the XK8 Roadster, as well as its sporty good looks, roominess, smooth ride, aggressive power, and luxury features. Some felt the exterior design was dated, and others were less than impressed with the car's stereo system. Also, room was limited in the back seat. Still, drivers felt the 2005 model was a big improvement over previous models, and were generally happy with the vehicle.

Those drivers seeking a high-performance XK-Series Jaguar, to go with its luxury appointments, were best served by the XKR two-door, four-passenger coupe. Power was provided by a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine that pumped up horsepower to 390. A six-speed automatic was the only transmission available, which limited the sportiness of the XKR, according to some drivers and reviewers.

The car's interior was definitely upscale, with heated leather seats, extensive use of burl walnut for the trim and dash, a leather-and-wood four-spoke steering wheel, an electrically adjustable steering column, and an Alpine AM/FM stereo with a six-disc CD changer.

Some felt the interior refinements, like the steering wheel, shift knob, and dash, provided a more luxury than sporty feel, which was particularly noticeable in the XKR. Still, upgrades were available to give the car a sportier look for those who preferred it.

Overall, drivers liked the exclusiveness of the XKR, as well as its sporty good looks, smooth ride, aggressive power, and luxury features. Interior leg room was spacious in the front, according to many drivers, although the back seat could feel cramped for adults. Some felt the exterior design was dated, and others were less than impressed with the car's stereo system. Still, drivers felt the high-performance XKR was the vehicle of choice in the 2005 XK-Series lineup.

The 2005 Jaguar XKR Roadster, part of the XK-Series lineup, combined high-performance driving with open-top sportiness and traditional Jaguar luxury. The two-door, four-passenger XKR Roadster was powered by a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine that produced 390 horsepower. A six-speed automatic was the only transmission available, which limited the sportiness of the XKR, according to some drivers and reviewers.

The car's interior was definitely upscale, with heated leather seats, extensive use of burl walnut for the trim and dash, a leather-and-wood four-spoke steering wheel, an electrically adjustable steering column, and an Alpine AM/FM stereo with a six-disc CD changer.

The roadster also came with electronic traction control, stability control, brake assist, and anti-lock brakes, but despite those features, it didn't have quite the driving precision and handling capability as the best roadsters from Germany, according to drivers and reviewers. In addition, the car's drop top resulted in some structural wiggle that wasn't evident in the XKR coupe.

Some felt the interior refinements, like the steering wheel, shift knob, and dash, provided more of a luxury feel than a sporty feel -- not necessarily a bad thing but noticeable in a high-performance vehicle like the XKR. Still, upgrades were available to give the car a sportier look for those who preferred it.

Overall, drivers liked the exclusiveness of the XKR Roadster, as well as its smooth ride, aggressive power, and luxury features. Interior leg room was spacious in the front, according to many drivers, although the back seat could feel cramped for adults. Some felt the exterior design was dated, and others were less than impressed with the car's stereo system. Still, drivers felt the high-performance XKR Roaders was the vehicle of choice in the 2005 XK-Series lineup.