Aesthetic differences as compared to the XK include four-way dual exhausts, redesigned front bumper and hood louvres for improved engine airflow, and distinctive Jaguar “R” logos and badges in the interior and exterior.

The XK received a second and more minor facelift in 2011 with new front bumper and light design,[6] which was presented at the New York Auto Show.

[citation needed] All 4.2-litre models were fitted with a six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift and J-gate gear selector.

They include the use of tactile 'scraffito' finished leather on the front seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings; Poltrona Frau leather headlinings with Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminium veneer, 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 16 by 16 way adjustable heated Performance seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry/start, choice of Celestial Black, with Crystal Blue, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Rhodium Silver and Ultimate Black body colour; two new 20-inch alloy wheel options (Venom, Orona).

Notable changes over the standard XKR include a supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R direct-injection V8 engine having a maximum power output of 405 kW; 542 hp (550 PS) at 6,000 to 6,500 rpm and 680 N⋅m (502 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 2,500 to 5,500 rpm, an increased top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), active sports exhaust, a bespoke suspension system, 16-way adjustable memory sports seats with carbon fibre effect leather, reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics, 20-inch Vulcan wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tyres along with Jaguar's High Performance Braking System.

[11] The XK Signature is a special version of the XK with the V8 engine tuned to 283 kW; 380 hp (385 PS) along with 20-inch Kalimnos alloy wheels (optional 20-inch Takoba), leather upholstery, Canvas Suede cloth headlining, Figured Ebony veneers, leather seat in Ivory or Charcoal, reversing camera, metal sports pedals.

Technical highlights included a six-speed transmission, active electronic differential, bespoke aerodynamic components and suspension developments to increase downforce and optimised high-speed cornering ability (a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings, a new steering system and faster steering ratio, height-adjustable and bespoke adaptive dampers with twin spring system and increased rates of 68% at the front and 25% at the rear), a carbon ceramic brake system (398 mm and 380 mm front/rear discs, 6/4-piston front/rear monoblock calipers) The car was unveiled by Jaguar in 2013 at the New York International Auto Show, followed by the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

[citation needed][dubious – discuss] It includes 400 mm diameter front and 350 mm rear brake discs, six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, 20-inch five-spoke BBS wheels, power vents, a Celestial Black body colour (optional Liquid Silver for UK and Switzerland models), Engine-Spun aluminium veneer or optional Satin American Walnut veneer, an alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin, leather-edged mats with Jaguar logos, Portfolio treadplates on the doorsills and a 525 W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound system by Bowers & Wilkins.

The model was developed by Jaguar's Special Vehicles team in collaboration with British competition brake specialist Alcon and has an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

Other changes include an S Alcon R Performance braking system with 400 mm diameter front and 350 mm rear brake discs, six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, recalibrated suspension, Ultimate Black body colour, XKR-S badging on the rear of the car, a 10 mm lower ride height, 20-inch Vortex forged alloy wheels with bespoke tyres, an active exhaust system, leather upholstery with Charcoal with Ivory twin-needle contrast stitching, Piano Black veneer and a Charcoal Alston luxury headliner.

Notable changes include 20-inch Senta alloy wheels, a sporty alloy gear knob and selector-gate surround, plus distinctive body enhancements: a new front spoiler and rear valance panel, chrome-finished side vents along with bright upper and lower front grille meshes, special tailpipe finishes and appliqués on both sides of the car.

Unveiled at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed,[22] the engine was uprated to generate a maximum power output of 390 kW; 520 hp (530 PS) and 700 N⋅m (516 lbf⋅ft) of torque.

[23] The car featured a louder exhaust, 21-inch alloy wheels and a lowered ride-height as well as a Lime Green body colour and satin graphite detailing on the front grilles, headlights, door mirrors, side window surrounds, rear signature blade and bonnet louvres.

[25] It also features an upgraded torque converter, upgraded suspension, an aerodynamic body pack with body coloured finish for the front splitter, side sills extensions and rear diffuser, body coloured larger rear spoiler and rear trunk lid finish; sports exhaust with improved performance and acoustics, Stratus Grey exterior paint with optional graphics pack; red brake callipers, 20-inch Vortex forged lightweight alloy wheels, XKR performance interior in Charcoal and Ivory stitch leather with Jet suede cloth headlining with XKR 75 tread plate and active front lighting.

Notable changes include an increased top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph), a revised aerodynamic package incorporating a new front air dam, new side sills, a new rear diffuser and a larger rear spoiler providing increased balance and a reduction in lift; 20-inch Kasuga ten-spoke alloy wheels, red brake calipers along with Ultimate Black body colour; Warm Charcoal with Cranberry stitching leather seats and Piano Black wood veneer on the interior.

Other exterior features include chrome bits on the front grille, wing mirrors, air intakes and window surrounds.

The interior featured unique upholstery in Ivory and Charcoal leather along with a special "Jaguar Heritage" logo on the headrest, and aluminium inserts in "Engine Spin" finish.