![Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/370z-gt-academy_143x85.jpg)
Lux Battle Royale as new Jaguar XK8 takes on BMW 650i
Inside Line has published a comparo of the new 2007 Jaguar XK8 Coupe and the 2007 BMW 650i. The $86,125 (MSRP) Jag comes armed with a 300-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, while the BMW 650i is equipped with a similar six-speed automatic transmission, but with a 360-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8 engine. The BMW's price, meanwhile, was lower at $81,140 MSRP.
This Jaguar is the brand's latest salvo in its battle against obsolescence in the super luxury segment. Inside Line found the coupe "drop-dead gorgeous" and commented that it offered plenty of luxurious comfort. Unfortunately for the venerable cat, the 650i beat it in virtually every other category with a better backseat, more truck space, and superior fit and finish, all for a lower asking price than the Jaguar.
Full details can be found at the link.
[Source: Inside Line via Business Wire]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris 1:42PM (7/08/2006)
When comparing cars like this you don't look at backseat and truck space. Someone paying $80K+ is not going to worry about these sorts of things. Their family sedan is a 7-Series.
Fit and finish and performance on the otherhand...ouch, and for a higher price. Bad kitty.
Reply
strangway 1:44PM (7/08/2006)
They both look like crap. But in the Bimmer's defense, it looks striking at night when all you can see are it's rear lights. Kinda like saying, "Oh she's attractive, but in a lights-out sorta way."
Reply
Chooki 2:38PM (7/08/2006)
Did anyone look at that picture and think, "hey, they're comparing Taurus's and Grand Am's in a rental showdown?
Reply
John Mudd 3:45PM (7/08/2006)
The Jag definitely doesn't look like a Jag. The Beamer looks like a Beamer if you look closely, but if you don't it looks like a Pontiac at first glance. for $80K, that's definitely not the perception I want to receive.
Reply
Rob Lowe 3:55PM (7/08/2006)
A Fords a Ford is a Ford. And a BMW is nothing but trouble. Why don't they do a comparison showing how much time each vehicle spends at the shop for repairs, that's something Jaguer can come in First at
Reply
Michael Karesh 4:27PM (7/08/2006)
Good one, Chooki. Everyone's been criticizing the Jag's front end.
When I drove the new XK convertible, I thought it lacked the handling ability and chassis composure of the BMW. But at that time I'd only driven the 645 coupe. More recently I drove the 650 cabriolet, and it handles much worse than the coupe, probably because of the extra 400 pounds of weight.
So, if you compare drop-tops, the outcome could be different.
My full review of the XK:
http://www.epinions.com/content_233149599364
I don't have pricing information on these cars in my database, but suspect that if they're comparably equipped then the BMW will cost more.
Reply
David 4:33PM (7/08/2006)
Why OH Why did they choose that grill?
Well, I know why, it looks like the first grill for the coupe Jag. But it also looks like a 2003 Taurus.
Reply
Dan 5:46PM (7/08/2006)
This is the story behind the new Jaguar's "Taurus nose":
http://tinylink.com/?CCjZJ5EAHl
COPY ON
IAN CALLUM, who designed the new Jaguar XK, has a framed letter on the wall of his office in England. "Whoops!" the letter begins. "I am SO sorry!"
The apology came from Mr. Callum's younger brother, Moray, who is also an auto designer. (Moray recently became design director for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars in North America, after serving as head of styling for Mazda.)
In 1995, Moray Callum had just started to restyle the Ford Taurus. To add what he considered a sporting touch to the otherwise staid family sedan, he borrowed the elliptical grille opening of some classic Jaguars. He set Ford's blue oval emblem in the middle of it, atop a stripe of chrome.
That decision by Moray, now 48, loomed large when it came time for his brother Ian, who is 51 and Jaguar's director of design, to restyle the British automaker's 10-year-old sporty coupe and convertible.
"Everyone wants to know why the new XK has a 'Taurus nose,'" Ian lamented in an interview. "Done in by my own brother!"
COPY OFF
This being said, the new Jaguar's nose is still a bad idea! As for the 6 series, I hope the next generation will look better than the current model! I much prefer the look of the new (and much cheaper) 3 series coupe...
Reply
Anand Sharma 1:15AM (7/09/2006)
if anyone had any sense of style, they'd buy the jag, it sounds great.
Reply
Art 8:55AM (7/09/2006)
beautiful cars, but I seriously love the concept of a British (read: reskinned domestic) charging MORE for a slower car than the Germs. the reverse of every other segment.
Reply
Limestallc 4:59AM (7/10/2006)
Meh Jag's and most british cars at that are junk anyway the BMW's ok but if you really want a good luxury car stick with Audi or Mercedes.
Reply
cars pictures 2:54AM (10/10/2006)
I'll take the XK8
http://www.carsprofile.com/
Reply