Jaguar suffers from the inevitable problem associated with having created one of the most iconic cars in motoring history - practically everything it produces is compared in some way to the E-type. Usually the comparisons aren't valid, but when the car in question is an upmarket GT you can see how these things happen.
The Jaguar XK treads the fine line of carrying some well-worn design cues as well as being thoroughly modern inside and out - this is the car that began Jaguar's renaissance as a purveyor of fine, cutting edge sports cars. The previous generation was quite old-fashioned, but this one cuts a fine swathe through traffic.
The XK works well inside, too, with more than enough space for passengers in the front and a premium cabin that imparts a sense of occasion. The effect is spoilt in a couple of places, but impresses overall. The dashboard is covered in soft-feel plastics and the carpets are plenty fluffy.
Jaguar says the XK is a 2+2, but that doesn't fly once you get inside. The teensy rear seats aren't good for anyone bigger than the smallest of children, though if you see them more as a handy shelf for bags and suchlike things work out better.
In coupe or convertible mode the luggage space in the boot isn't cavernous, so you'll be glad of that extra storage on offer from the pointless rear seats. The convertible in particular loses a lot of space to the roof mechanism - though no more than you'd really expect for a car of this type.
On the road, the XK feels great - the standard suspension is supple enough to cope with most roads, but we do recommend ticking the electronically variable dampers on the options list. The result is a level ride combined with prodigious amounts of grip, the XK never left feeling unsettled by coarse tarmac.
The 5.0-litre engine on offer comes in normally-aspirated guise, with 385bhp, or in the intoxicating supercharged guise which offers 510bhp. The motor sounds great in both cases, but we'd throw fuel consumption to the wind and go for the addictive supercharged XKR model.
Jaguar has built an excellent car here - that the XK comes with electrically-adjustable leather seats and sat-nav system as standard only adds to what is already an accomplished package. The Jaguar XK would be a fine and worthy addition to any garage.