BMW 650i Races Past Jaguar XK8 in the Edmunds' Inside Line ''Battle of the Luxury Coupes'' Comparison Test

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SANTA MONICA, Calif.--July 7, 2006--Inside Line, Edmunds' high-speed online car magazine, today announced that the BMW 650i won its latest comparison test of luxury coupes, which is described in full at 2007 Jaguar XK8 Coupe vs. 2006 BMW 650i Coupe (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/ Comparos/articleId=115853).

The Edmunds editorial team compared two rear-wheel-drive luxury coupes that provide a combination of refinement, comfort and performance: the BMW 650i and Jaguar XK8 .

The tested Jaguar XK8 has an MSRP of $86,125 and is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, eight-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Edmunds.com True Market Value(R) (TMV(R)) price of this XK8 model is currently $86,125. The tested BMW 650i Coupe has a sticker price of $81,140 and is equipped with a 4.4-liter, eight-cylinder engine with 360 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 650i currently has a TMV of $81,140.

"The BMW performed much better than the Jaguar," recalled Inside Line Executive Editor Scott Oldham. "It also costs less, is much quieter, has a more usable backseat, offers a significantly larger trunk and is built with superior fit and finish."

Oldham also noted, "The Jaguar is a drop-dead gorgeous machine that performs well and offers a high level of comfort. If its lines have you in a magnetic tractor beam, write the check. This car will make you happy."

Lively discussions about this comparison are currently under way in the 2007 Jaguar XK8 Coupe vs. 2006 BMW 650i Coupe discussion board within the Edmunds Inside Line Forum .