Can the Jaguar XK8 reach appreciation after extreme depreciation?

With the Jaguar XK8 X100 (internal code), the iconic British brand tried a bold comeback under Ford’s ownership. It celebrated its premiere at the Geneva Motorshow in 1996 and has been built until mid 2005. The XK8 was possibly one of the reasons Jaguar didn’t go bankrupt during the nineties.

Hold on tight, this inconspicuous cat is an absolute underdog in today’s market. Let’s have a look at a very classy and timeless coupe you should definitely know more about.

What is it all about?

The Jaguar E-Type is famously known as one of the most desirable looking cars ever to be created. In today’s world, possibly every car enthusiast still knows the fifties sportscar with its long hood and elegant proportions. The E-Type remains a legendary car no doubt.

Jaguar, financially struggling during the eighties and nineties, knew where they came from. In this case, they tried to copycat their own car and transform it into a contemporary sportscar that debuted in the late nineties under Ford’s ownership.

The 2001 facelift was very subtle. At first glance, the clear glass fog lights that have been moved forward are noticeable, giving the X100 a more modern look. On closer inspection, it can be seen that the “inner design” of the headlights has also been changed. The 2001 facelift was launched without any complete engine changes. Only minor parts have been refined or upgraded.

Some reviews mention concerns about the early 4.0-liter engines, particularly the potential for bore wear. Other potential issues include problems with the tensioners leading to timing chain failure. That’s why the 2001 facelift is an important buyer’s advice to avoid potential engine problems or damages. Even better are the 4.2L V8 that debuted with the 2003 cars.

First impressions:

Let's take a look at this thing what shape are you in well it's a bit like oasis the band that is see all over the place there are very definite and very successful hints of the 60s look at the radiator grille that is straight off an E-Type. Same goes for the power bulge on the bonnet and these curved flanks on the wheelhouses. And how the wheels are hidden away in the arches remind me of something, too…

The trouble is it all goes a bit wrong at the rear end, and I blame all golfers for it. As been told, Jaguar has made the boot big enough to accommodate two sets of golf bags which is all very commendable but couldn’t have it be done differently? I rather wish they hadn't bothered if they'd only forgotten about golfers who are a silly breed of people that are not bothered with those rear seats which are next to useless anyway. So, the rear would have been smoother, like the E-Type’s look. But Jaguar still have ended up with a car that wasn't just good looking but was actually better looking compared to an Aston Martin DB7 that had debuted just a couple years earlier. On top of that: the Jaguar doesn’t use Mazda rear lights.

Let’s have a seat.

I don't think you'd ever tire of the interior either as you'd expect from jaguar. There's that room like hemmed in feeling filled with leather and wood. Everything seems wrapped in leather and decorated with stitching. The late nineties still was a time where plastic wasn’t common in luxurious vehicles. And would you look at that huge slab of timber: an upended church pew none of the polished bits of sawdust you get in a Mercedes or a BMW. And I'm obsessed with the way they've recessed the dials in these pods on the dashboard.

All in all the chosen materials in the interior reflect pure luxury. Although beige carpet dominates in the bottom quarter, everything else is covered by leather or wood.

The Jaguar XK8 is like a kitten with a pair of fluffy paws. But when you hit the sport button, it extends its claws and transforms into a hunting predator.

Come on, hit the road!

Just in case you're thinking the XK8 is a warmed up Ford lump, let me tell you this: Yes it's assembled in a Ford factory but there are only two parts that come from the American giant; A plug in the sump and the chip that activates the immobilizer in this key that unleashes the beast’s 4.0 liter V8. If you're going to test a car like this properly you've got to get away from the choked-up midlands and go where the air is pure, the fields match the British Racing Green paintjob, and the roads are twisty.

While on my way towards the Swiss mountains, the British cat showed its long-distance travelling capabilities on the motorway. The sleek coupe radiates calm, the V8 runs smoothly at 2’400rpm in fifth gear and barely any wind noises can be noticed. It is a very posh and silent car. A proper cruiser, a proper “Jaaaag” Jeremy Clarkson would say.

Off the motorway, onwards to the Schwägalppass. One of my all-time favorite roads here in Switzerland. Let’s see if the XK8 can extend its claws and roar like on the hood placed logo. The sport button behind the gear lever let loose the Jag’s hunting skills. Mostly settling the ride a gear lower than regular, it transforms the cruiser into a hunting male Jaguar, hungry like never before. Well, at least in the year 2000. The slightly above 280hp are enough on today’s standards.

But the 5.0 supercharged V8 powered XKR might just hit the sweet spot. Not only with its flashier look, but more power speaking of 363hp and over 500Nm of torque. It is more likely transformed into a sportscar. Just imagine… if Jaguar would have only sold the XKR with a manual transmission.

Is the XK8 worth to buy?

As the XK8 has already depreciated to the almost max, you wouldn’t lose many bucks if you’d ever want to sell it again. You wouldn’t lose any money. And as Jaguar’s future seems uncertain with their rigorous rebranding tactics, the XK8 could have a glow-up again as a relict to brighter decades and gas guzzling V8s just because they were cool.

To end this review, I’d like to thank Tim, a fellow follower of my Instagram channel who almost sold me his former Jaguar XJ but kindly gave me the keys and allowed me to test drive his XK8 Coupé for a weekend. (check his profile here)

Review and photos by RPM | Robin P.M.