Inside or outside, coupe or convertible, the 2007 Jaguar XK is one cat that will make you smile. Ian Callum, the XK’s chief designer, clearly brought a sense of history and elegance to the car, as well as a smoldering sensuality not often seen in sheetmetal. From the oval grille to the side graphics and the swooping backlight of the coupe, the XK makes a statement of class and prestige.

This one’s for grown-ups, automotive connoisseurs who appreciate a well developed and modern style that interprets echoes of the past and brings them into the present day. To this writer’s eye, the XK’s front is perhaps most notable in that the production headlights actually improve on the concept version, providing flow from the hood line right around through to the sides. Compared to its competition, the 2007 Jaguar XK is a swan among mallards. If design matters to you, the only real question is this: coupe or convertible?

That would be coupe for us, if the main criteria is design. The XK coupe is simply one of the most beautiful cars on the road. The convertible’s soft top hurts the profile, in comparison, and ruins the back of the XK, but looks very sharp compared to, ahem, Bavarian offerings. It’s really a small price to pay for open-air driving in a Jaguar that is, all things considered, only slightly less beguiling than the coupe.

Inside, the 2007 Jaguar XK is what you’d expect, and more. Specifically, there’s more room, with better seats but that same ol’ soft leather all the way around. The roominess is thanks to a longer wheelbase, and it’s well-utilized, with plenty of shoulder room, legroom and headroom. As a 2+2, the XK has a functional rear seat, if only for small people and parcels. Adults should avoid long trips back there, unless your best friend is a chiropractor. Shoppers can choose between matte-finish walnut, high-gloss poplar, or aluminum trim. The aluminum is Jaguar’s attempt to modernize the XK’s appearance, and it’s nice, but not what most expect, or want, in a Jag. Besides, the metal inserts give off some glare that’s distracting while driving. Environmental and audio controls are clearly labeled and easy to use, and graphics throughout are bright, modern and stylish. All the way around, the 2007 XK’s interior is a significant improvement over the outgoing XK8, one that’s as good or better in most every way compared competing models.