What car - M6 or XKR

[ol]

Looking at upgrading to a new (to me) car in the next few months, and currently liking the look (and price) of circa 2007/8 BMW M6 and Jaguar XKR.
Just interested in people's opinions, experiences, perceptions and alternatives. Requirements are around £20k, needs to occasionally take a baby seat, comfy for lots of miles and mpg is not a problem.
I have a bike engined kit car for pure thrills at the weekend, and the mrs will have a range rover for when we need space. I've had a Golf R32 for the past 3 or 4 years, so this will be a step up.

[Krikkit]

What a choice to make!

For me I'd have to drive them both. The XKR looks gorgeous, probably rides better, could well be more reliable. The M6 counters that with a truly, madly, deeply fantastic engine.

I think the XKR would make a better GT car if you have a bike-engined car for mega thrills, with its smooth autobox compared to the M6's SMG box.

[Codswallop]

Though choice, but I'd personally be tempted by the XKR in your circumstances. The V10 in the M5/M6 does not feel all that fast in my experience, and needs revs to make the power. The XKR would probably feel much more different to your bike engine toy, and you can enjoy woffling about in supercharged V8 comfort.

[sunnydude959]

I'd personally go for a 2008ish onwards BMW M6 (or whenever they face lifted the entire 6-series range). Jaguar XKR at that year would probably get you similar miles per gallon, but not anywhere near the same car in my opinion.

There will be people who will be passionately in favour of the XKR though.

[ol]

Cheers for the thoughts, and I know either car will be a great step up from the Golf. I love how the XKR looks, and the fact I don't see many of them around, but then the engine and interior in the M6 keep drawing me in.
I haven't driven either yet, and it's difficult to find one of each to test as I don't have a lot of time at the moment.
It will be interesting to see the differences in the gearboxes.

[anonymous-user]

Purely opinion and nothing to do with performance: although the xkr is lovely, if not a poor mans Aston Martin, it is a Jag. For those who enjoy werthers originals. Bmw is a bit harsh for long journeys and the new gen 6 series is so much better it's would nag at me. I am going to be in a similar predicament to you in 6 months and have given up trying to decide what to get. I hope to get some inspiration from your thread, thanks OP. Bizarrely I thought today about an R32 as I was cut up by one on the way home. .

[TLandCruiser]

M6 I think I would like more, but I can imagine the XKR would have more soul, I guess the only way you will know is by test driving them both

[Shaoxter]

Horses for courses really, the M6 does not feel that fast in everyday driving, the XKR will be better for normal waffling around and sounds better too at low revs. However hit the M button, rev the V10 past 6k rpm and the M6 feels very very special.

I tried both and couldn't resist the V10 (ended up with an M5). Might not use its full potential 99% of the time but that 1% is worth it.

[DKL]

If you can find one you could look at an Alpina B6 too

[rb5er]

XKR for me by far. Much nicer to look at and sit in and feels nice and torquey.

I imagine both will be crippling to run though.

[TommoAE86]

XKR just on the noise and the looks... I am full of envy

[Sump]

XK, it's not a BMW.

[rayyan171]

The XKR does look very nice, but the M6 does have more cylinders.

Oh, and the sound of the M6

[billzeebub]

XKR, M6 is generally driven by wealthy mouth-breathers

[ol]

I have to say; I do much prefer the image of the Jaguar, I don't like how BMW is perceived by some, but that V10 engine is a masterpiece. One passed me a few years ago at full chat and I have never forgotten it. I also love the idea of heads up display.

[LovesSweetExile]

Yes and remember that image and how other people perceive you in your car are far, far more important than how much you enjoy the car. Remember, you're buying the car for other people and not for yourself.

[Shaoxter]

LovesSweetExile said:

Yes and remember that image and how other people perceive you in your car are far, far more important than how much you enjoy the car. Remember, you're buying the car for other people and not for yourself.

I don't think the M cars are perceived badly at all, most people respect them. It's more the 3xxd M-Sports.

[Bill]

Shaoxter said:

I don't think the M cars are perceived badly at all, most people respect them. It's more the 3xxd M-Sports.

I suspect "most people" aren't petrolheads and see a big brash BMW, if that matters.

[ali355]

The rear seats on an XK are a joke. When I was looking a dealer told me about how many dads with young kids try to get the car seat in and are disappointed. I had the same issue and ended up with a Xf SV8!

[Rick Cutler]

I would always buy the XKR-S or the M6 for that day when an XK or 6 pulls up next to you at the lights! You never know it could be the XKR-S when you cruise about in your XKR.