A6 vs 535xi--Objective Test Drive-and My Dilemma

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11-21-2011, 02:54 PM

#51

psychodo

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AFS8733

I have a 2012 A6 on order - Prestige, Innovation and 20" Sport package
MSRP: $66,230
BMW 535Xi similarly kitted out.....
(Drum Roll)
MSRP: $73,300 (without night vision assistant which not available without the cold weather package - not needed in TX)

I'll take the A6 and the $7,000 thanks very much

+1 did the same calculations this morning..drives me crazy that they charge $475 for fold down rear seats. Really??

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11-22-2011, 12:23 AM

#52

igord

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sport diff on '12 US spec?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gear Junky

If anyone were to honestly think that x-drive is as good as the latest quattro with sportdiff then they are completely off their trolley. They are a world apart when driven to their potential.

Now if you buy the 535xi over the A6 3.0T because it's cheaper then that is fine, but don't think for one minute it's somehow better value because the reality is that it's cheaper due to it being an inferior product.

Am about to be in the same boat (decision-wise) but as far as I can see there is no sport diff on US spec car, am I missing something?

Thanks

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11-22-2011, 04:01 AM

#53

tstat

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Long time Audi fan but I'd offer this. As a designer and engineer, I believe the Audi brand stands for a more authentic and legitimate stance on both engineering and design. Over the years, I've looked at Audi owners vs. BMW owners and I'd say the Audi owners were more thoughtful, the BMW owners more focused on what people thought of them. Almost universally I've found Audi owners to be more appreciative of the finer design and engineering aspects of everything (cars included). Audi - solid, refined and simple...the perfect synergy of luxury and performance. BMW, over engineered, unresolved design (just too swoopy these days) and overly complex - your friends will be impressed, but consider the source

I have a 2010 A6 Prestige and love it. I live in Chicago and over the years (a few A^'s, a TT, etc.) I truly believe that Quattro has saved my life. Almost everyday I appreciate some nuance of the design or engineering of my car. Audi gets it right - Truth in Engineering. BMW - a wonderful car. My choice would be Audi - no hesitation.

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11-30-2011, 10:44 AM

#54

Petero1818

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Thought I would add my latest thoughts on this. After a couple more test drives, I have come to the conclusion that the engine, transmission differential is so massively in favour of the A6 that I simply can't ignore it. I said previously that the only reason that the 535 was in the debate was the seat comfort, steering feel, and the fact that its residuals and lease rates were much stronger than Audi for leasing in Canada. All that aside, the A6 is in my opinion a much better vehicle. The lack of feel in the steering wheel is not a deal killer, and once you get used to it is not something you would be irked by in everyday use. I have found a comfortable seat position in the A6 after some time working it out. I have made my decision and will be ordering a Moonlight / Nougat Premium Plus (Canada) A6 in the coming weeks, notwithstanding the poor lease numbers that they offer in Canada.

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11-30-2011, 11:28 AM

#55

Blackz06

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Congrats Petero1818 on your decision. Nice color combo pick. With the A6 winning the Residual Value Award from ALG for its segment, I hope it will help some leasing figuers in the coming weeks.