The Jaguar XK-Series advances onward and upward from its already-impressive perch with the addition of the XKR-S GT for 2014, which is being distributed in limited numbers.

The XK line has long provided the best of all worlds as it balances performance with pizzazz and panache, function with flash and fashion, and the 2014 Jaguar XK Series fits nicely into this luxurious pattern.

“The art of combining elegance with a performance pedigree is a talent that still eludes many auto manufacturers,” notes one reviewer. “At Jaguar, however, they have perfected the formula.”

Yes, critics have their minor quibbles with a couple of aspects of the XK—they cite its tight cabin and wish its steering was a little more precise, for instance—but overall they line up as staunch supporters of the prestigious vehicle, as elegant and classy on the outside as it is on the inside. Experts admire the adaptive suspension of the cars in the XK-Series and their handling and ride comfort.

The 2014 Jaguar XK offers a few versions of its V8 engines in a trim lineup beginning with the base Touring model that checks in at about $80,000 in a convertible and runs to the new GT that jumps into the $175,000 neighborhood. The Touring version comes with a 5.0-liter V8 good for 385 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.

The numbers rise quickly in the 2014 Jaguar XKR with its supercharged 5.0 V8 at 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. They bump up again with the Jaguar XKR-S and XKR-S GT, which get an even more supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that boasts 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. More than one reviewer has marveled at the powerful roar of the engine.

Zero-to-60 times climb the ladder with the trims as well. The base starts at 5.2 seconds to 60, the XKR cuts that to 4.6, and the XKR-S to 4.2. The 2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT, tuned to be on the track as much as on the road, slashes the number to 3.9 with its wider, more-grippy tires.

The all-aluminum 2014 Jaguar XKs come with 6-speed automatic transmissions with paddle-shifters—reviewers bemoan the act that there is no manual transmission option for driving purists—and all are rear-wheel drive (RWD).

The offerings of the 2014 Jaguar XK-Series come packed with features, as befits the Jaguar line and, to be sure, the pricetag. The front seats are 16-way adjustable, powered and heated and cooled. The cabin has leather upholstery, and the trim is in aluminum or wood. A dual-zone climate control system includes humidity control. The sound system is high quality and can be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins unit with 14 speakers. Audio and phone controls are on the steering wheel, and the car has keyless entry, a rear-view camera and push-button start.

Performance is the focus of the 2014 Jaguar XKR, in particular when it comes to traction and handling.

The 2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT takes things a step, perhaps two or three steps, further. What else would you expect from a vehicle that comes out of Jaguar’s ETO—Engineered to Order—division? Consider this, too: Jaguar intends to build only 30 GTs for the North American market, unless demand dictates otherwise.

The 2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT is basically a track car the company is bringing to the street, and it boasts carbon-fiber exterior elements for improved aerodynamics and an even greater emphasis on performance. The interior boasts suede cloth interior upholstery.

Cars of the 2014 Jaguar XK-Series come with a full array of airbags, emergency brake assist, antilock brakes, stability and traction control and brake control. Convertible versions have a rollover protection system.