Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

Writer: LUKE MADDEN

What is it?

If you thought the Jaguar XKR Convertible was fast then wait until you try the XKR-S Convertible. The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine has been boosted from 503bhp to 542bhp, allowing for 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. Jaguar has tweaked the suspension to sharpen up the handling and has given the XKR an aggressive makeover too, with a large spoiler and bodykit.

Everything has a price and in the case of the XKR-S that means coughing up just over £100,000. That’s around £20,000 more than the standard XKR Convertible.

What’s hot?

• The thing you’ll remember most from driving this car is the noise – especially with the roof down. This has to be one of the loudest, most boisterous cars you can buy today, with a snarling growl from the exhausts wherever you go.
• The performance is scintillating too with an instant hit of acceleration whenever you floor the throttle.
• But the XKR-S Convertible is usable too. Around town everything works together to ensure it feels as docile as a supermini.
• The cabin is wonderfully high quality, with leather, Alcantara and brushed metals everywhere you look. And there’s a decent-sized boot too.
• Handling has been sharpened up, and the XKR-S goes round quick corners without any trouble whatsoever. The steering isn’t as intuitive as you’d find in Audi’s R8 Spyder or a 911 Convertible though.
• The exterior tweaks mean the XKR-S is truly eye-catching. It might not be to everyone’s taste but you’ll certainly get noticed.

What’s not?

• At almost £20,000 more than an XKR Convertible, is it really worth it? A Porsche 911 Convertible is far cheaper and a lot more fun.
• You’ll find hefty running costs too, with Jaguar claiming 23mpg, but everyday driving more likely to deliver around 15mpg. CO2 emissions of 292g/km mean a hefty Benefit in Kind figure too.
• Buyers paying standard company car tax will have to shell out £7,164 while those at the 40 per cent rate will have to pay £14,328.
• The XKR-S is capable through bends but the steering is geared for comfort and doesn’t provide the driver with enough feedback.

Business Car Manager Verdict

The XKR-S Convertible is one of the noisiest and most eye-catching cars on the road, and with the roof down it becomes an extremely intense motoring experience. But, while the acceleration is blistering, the handling could do with being a little sharper. The standard XKR Convertible is better value and a Porsche 911 Convertible is where our money would go for driving thrills alone.