The Jaguar XKR coupe is in a class of its own.

One of the most luxurious cars I’ve ever driven, this high-performance motor is stylish without being too ostentatious and screams ‘old money’ at the nouveau riche who’ve rushed out to buy their top-of-the-range Audis and BMWs.

Not that I drove the car much, once my husband spotted which car I was test-driving that week. In fact, we’ve never seen so many friends and relatives in seven days as he happily cruised from one house to another so that others could also drool at the very beautiful XKR.

With its all-new V8 engine delivering tonnes of power and performance with greater efficiency and even more dramatic looks, interior enhancements, advanced lightweight aluminium body structure and a wider range of models, the new XKR builds on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.

The breathtaking 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III – the most advanced and efficient engine Jaguar has ever produced – delivers 510bhp and 625Nm of torque, propelling the XKR to 60mph in a mere 4.6 seconds.

Steering is precise and it’s also the smoothest automatic transmission I’ve experienced. Simply twirl the circular silver gearknob to ‘Drive’ and off you go. At times it’ll feel like the car is driving itself, and you can enjoy the attention from the many people who’ll stare at your wheels with begrudged respect.

The XKR has been restyled with new front and rear bumpers, new door mirrors and revised exhaust tailpipes and side vents, creating a really beautiful body.

Long gone is the idea that jags are exclusively driven by the more, shall we say, ‘mature’ gent, although this car does have an air of aristocracy about it.

A convertible is also available, but the coupe is far better looking, in my humble opinion.

So yes, I’d definitely recommend buying one. Why not treat yourself to an early Christmas present? With your spare £72k, that is...

Factfile

Vehicle: Jaguar XKR coupe

On the road: £72,400

Top speed: 155mph (limited)

Fuel: 23mpg (combined)

0-60mph: 4.6 seconds

CO2 emissions: 292g/km

Insurance group: 20