XK daily driver 4.2 or 5.0 ?

[seveb]

Any opinions on which would be a better daily car ? I don't go fast, in fact it's difficult to these days so the performance difference isn't relevant except for overtaking and I'd guess the 4.2 is probably good enough ?

What I'd like is the typical Jaguar experience - wafting along with sufficient power for it to be relaxing, quiet and comfortable. I've got to get out and drive a couple but are both 4.2 and 5.0 cars handling very similar ? I read the 5.0 is firmer - is this correct or would that just be specific models or because they all seem to come with 19" or 20" wheels ?

Is the Bowers and Wilkins worth paying extra for ? I have an advanced HiFi at home and do enjoy music, so a good system in the car would be nice but is the B&W much better or just a little better than the standard system ? Do either play FLAC or uncompressed files via USB ?

Thanks.

[thatjagbloke]

Can't comment on the 5.0l as I've never driven one but I have a 2007 4.2l which I drive every day. It has 20" wheels but the CATS suspension makes it very comfortable and in normal driving it is very quiet, you only get that V8 growl when accelerating. Mine has the Alpine stereo system and sounds good enough to me. I too have a very good Hi - Fi system at home so appreciate good quality sound.
I think the economy, if that bothers you, is very slightly better in the 5.0 but I have seen over 37 mpg cruising on the motorway.

[mrbarnett]

5.0 owner here. Keep the car out of Dynamic mode, which firms up the suspension, and it rides remarkably well even on 20" wheels. I'd say it's as comfortable as my previous X-Type on sports suspension and 17" wheels. It never feels soft though, probably because CATS firms it up if you ever do show it a corner, before softening down again. That's a guess, though, as it's all imperceivable to the driver.

In the grand scheme of things, running costs will probably be about the same for both, but I do prefer the 5.0 interior. If you're doing a lot of miles, look for one that has the 16-way adjustable seats (you can tell by the seat controls, which have a rotary knob for lateral support adjustment); they're very, very comfortable. These are standard on Portfolio models, but some 4.2s have them fitted as an option, too.

B&W comes as standard in the Portfolio model and it sounds...fine, but nothing better. I too am into HiFi and it sounds nothing like as good as my Cambridge Audio Aero 2 speakers, though, of course, my living room doesn't make the sound of a car driving along, which rather puts a car system at a disadvantage. I'm fairly certain the Alpine sounds much the same as the B&W, but I'd still recommend either over the base system, which is very poor. Are you looking for a coupe or convertible? Mine is a soft top, and I think that limits the ability of the system to sound any good.

4.2 cars will only play CD's unless you install the Audio Control Module, which is a few hundred pounds from Jaguar. Then it'll play your (probably quite elderly) iPhone, or mp3/wma from a USB. All 5.0 models have this as standard. Many 5.0 cars also come fitted with DAB, which was a popular factory option. The way to tell is to look for a shark fin on the boot lid, which is the DAB aerial.

Honestly, though, once you start driving you'll forget all about your love of music; it makes a music all of its own.

[seveb]

Thanks for the comments, much appreciated. I'm looking for a convertible, probably 4.2 with lower mileage and good specification unless that's too hard to find then a 5.0. I don't think for me right now it will make much difference apart from a slightly higher price for the 5.0.