Jaguar XK Artisan SE launched

 

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Posted on 20 Feb 2012 at 12:39

Jaguar has officially launched its XK Artisan SE, introducing special enhancements to the already impressively featured XK series.

Available in both coupé and convertible editions, the XK Artisan SE is minimally different on the outside to its standard-edition brethren. A new colour, Celestial Black, is exclusive to the Artisan SE model, while new 20in alloy wheels in the Orona style with a polished finish provide a distinct appearance for those who know for what they're looking.

Inside, however, things are dramatically different. Tactile 'scraffito'-finish leather has been used on the front seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings, while Poltrona Frau leather headlinings joins two new veneer finishes - Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminium. As standard, the XK Artisan SE will include a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 16-by-16 way adjustable heated Performance seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry and start.

Two new colour schemes have also been developed exclusively for the XK Artisan SE: Navy with Jet headlining and Truffle with Canvas headlining. The convertible model gets a choice of hood colours, while Special Edition treadplates and stainless steel pedals are included as standard.

As with the standard XK series, power is provided by a 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 petrol engine offer 385PS in its naturally-aspirated form, continuously variable adaptive damping operating at speeds of up to 500 modifications per second and the option of a six-speed automatic transmission with manual driver control via steering-wheel mounted paddles.

All models include a seven-inch touch-screen computer system featuring navigation and entertainment modes, while safety features include Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology and a Pedestrian Contact Sensing System designed to raise the bonnet in the event of contact with a pedestrian to help prevent impact with hard engine points.

UK pricing for the XK Artisan SE has been confirmed as £77,350 for the coupé and £82,599 for the convertible on the road.

Author: Gareth Halfacree