The cabin holds a surprise all its own. Here the conventional shift lever has been replaced with a large metal rotary dial that rises from its flush positioning when the ignition is activated. This is a very cool touch first seen on the XF last year.
I’ve got to admit being slightly taken with gizmos such as a shift dial that rises and falls with the ignition. That said, this isn’t a device that I’d want to spill my coffee over (read expense). Rather than articulate the hazards of a cuppa joe in my clumsy grasp, let’s slide into the XKR cockpit for a spin.
Love that Jag leather
First of all, no one does stitched leather as well as Jaguar; it makes climbing into the cat a treat for the senses. This is a first class cabin, equipped with tremendously supportive front seats. As for the humps that mimic rear seats, they’re best left to leg-less creatures unless those in front are feeling particular benevolent when it comes to giving away their legroom.
From a driver’s perspective, the XKR fits like a finely tailored suite. I found my chosen driving position to be exceptionally functional and comfortable.
The controls that one needs most often can be found integrated into the steering wheel for ease of use however many other settings are interfaced through the 7-inch touch screen that also doubles as a navigation screen.
I’m not a fan of touch screen interfaces. I’d rather see old fashion switch gear but that’s more a personal preference. Of course, such concern doesn’t take away from the real pleasure of the XKR, which commences with a button push of the illuminated ignition button.
Firing up the Tommy gun
Once the soft triple-layer convertible roof stows itself under a solid tonneau cover in only 18-seconds, the sky’s the limit, and in more ways than one.
When the cat awakens, it does so with a threatening growl that signifies future prospects. Despite the snarly pronouncement, the XKR exhibits tremendous tenderness when driven passively. It’s a fairly quiet, docile operator that supplies an absorbent ride to complement its outstanding operational refinement.
 |
| This is a first class cabin, equipped with tremendously supportive front seats. |
I’ve got to admit being slightly taken with gizmos such as a shift dial that rises and falls with the ignition. That said, this isn’t a device that I’d want to spill my coffee over (read expense). Rather than articulate the hazards of a cuppa joe in my clumsy grasp, let’s slide into the XKR cockpit for a spin.
Love that Jag leather
First of all, no one does stitched leather as well as Jaguar; it makes climbing into the cat a treat for the senses. This is a first class cabin, equipped with tremendously supportive front seats. As for the humps that mimic rear seats, they’re best left to leg-less creatures unless those in front are feeling particular benevolent when it comes to giving away their legroom.
From a driver’s perspective, the XKR fits like a finely tailored suite. I found my chosen driving position to be exceptionally functional and comfortable.
The controls that one needs most often can be found integrated into the steering wheel for ease of use however many other settings are interfaced through the 7-inch touch screen that also doubles as a navigation screen.
I’m not a fan of touch screen interfaces. I’d rather see old fashion switch gear but that’s more a personal preference. Of course, such concern doesn’t take away from the real pleasure of the XKR, which commences with a button push of the illuminated ignition button.
Firing up the Tommy gun
Once the soft triple-layer convertible roof stows itself under a solid tonneau cover in only 18-seconds, the sky’s the limit, and in more ways than one.
When the cat awakens, it does so with a threatening growl that signifies future prospects. Despite the snarly pronouncement, the XKR exhibits tremendous tenderness when driven passively. It’s a fairly quiet, docile operator that supplies an absorbent ride to complement its outstanding operational refinement.
 |
| The controls that one needs most often can be found integrated into the steering wheel. |