Skip advert
Advertisement

Jaguar XKR-S Convertible review

Jaguar has produced a soft-top version of the mighty XKR-S - but is it as good as the XKR-S coupe? evo's Henry Catchpole decides

Evo rating
Price
from £103,000
  • Serious performance, NASCAR soundtrack
  • Light steering, lacks traction

What is it? 

The Jaguar XKR-S Convertible, the entirely predictable drop top version of the most powerful XK coupe.

Technical highlights?

The R-S gets tweaks to the suspension (focussing on camber and castor stiffness) as well as a reprogrammed Active Differential to increase stability at high speed. 

What’s it like to drive?

Advertisement - Article continues below

The XKR-S is truly monstrously fast, and being open to the elements only adds to this sensation. The ride is very good, as you’d expect from a Jag, but those lured in by the R-S badge might find the experience a little less hardcore than they were expecting. The six-speed ZF gearbox is still very good for an auto and the paddles attached to the back of the steering wheel respond well, but it now lacks a little edge and alacrity compared with the best double clutch ‘boxes.

If you like having more power than grip, then this could be just the car for you. It will spin up its tyres with incredibly little provocation, especially on the wet Irish roads where we conducted most of our first drive (a habit made life extremely interesting!). In the wet the steering is a little too light and lacking in feedback to give you all the information and confidence you want in order to place the front wheels in a turn. In the dry with more resistance from the tarmac, however, this would improve.

How does it compare?

For a little less money (or about the same with a few options), you can buy an Audi R8 Spyder, which is still our pick of all the convertibles. We would be inclined to say that you consider the £20k cheaper standard XKR Convertible as well, unless you really want the extra wings and the (admittedly lovely) Recaro seats of the R-S.

Anything else I need to know?

Being a convertible obviously means that you hear the Performance Active Exhaust all the better, and in this case you’re treated to a deep, rough-edged snarl, with just the occasional hint of high-pitched supercharger whine too. 

Specifications

Engine5000cc, V8, petrol, supercharged
Max power542bhp @ 6500rpm
Max torque502lb ft @ 2500rpm
0-604.4 secs (claimed 0-62mph)
Top speed186mph (limited)
On salenow
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025
Nissan GT-R 2025 – front
News

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025

The R35 Nissan GT-R refuses to die – this latest version gets engine enhancements and subtle cosmetic tweaks
15 Mar 2024
MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven
MST Mk1 Ford Escort
Reviews

MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven

The MST Mk1 is a brand new, 50-year-old, road-going rally car. It looks the business, but does it deliver? Strap yourself in…
15 Mar 2024
Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue – flagship super SUVs go head-to-head
Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue
Features

Aston Martin DBX707 v Ferrari Purosangue – flagship super SUVs go head-to-head

Everything about them is supersize, from their kerb weights to their power outputs. But they’re also hugely enjoyable – and quite different in charact…
16 Mar 2024