Jaguars are the supermodels of the luxury-car world. Their primary mission, whatever else they can do, is to look beautiful. That has worked to varying degrees of success with the company’s sedans. The cars bow heavily to tradition, and the designs badly need updating to the twenty-first century.

Thank goodness the XK has come along. The new coupe is the first salvo in Jaguar’s new design ethic. This being Jaguar, the look is still evocative of the past: the long hood and liftback profile is meant to recall the classic E-Type. Designer Ian Callum reportedly based the svelte shape on Kate Winslet, an excellent starting point.

The coupe is substantial, more than two meters in width and nearly 4.8 meters in length. Despite the large dimensions, the coupe manages to tip the scales at a relatively svelte 1595 kg, courtesy of all-aluminum construction. Rather than the usual aluminum approach—using a spaceframe on which body panels are hung—the Jaguar uses a full aluminum monocoque, an approach pioneered by the Honda NSX. Aluminum castings, extrusions and pressed body panels are unitized using epoxy bonding and riveting.

The XK is also thoroughly modern in its electronic features and interior. Though leather is still the main cabin trim material, wood has been replaced with aluminum trim. It’s a welcome change, although Burl Walnut or Poplar trim is available as an option. The touch-screen monitor on the dashboard allows easy control of the aircon, stereo, and car settings. The monitor doubles as a parking aid, displaying distances to surrounding obstacles. Seats are wide and comfortable, and the large door openings make ingress and egress relatively easy for a low-slung car. The rear seats are best suited for additional luggage. The trunk itself is large enough for two golf bags.

It's hard not to fall in love with the shape of the new Jaguar XK. It has gone all high-tech and modern but still being true to its heritage.

The interior's just as modern as the XK's exterior. Engine is activated by a start/stop button.