Longwolf (Christian)

I can't imagine that being correct; everyone is guessing until Audi finalizes the pricing, but who knows. I can get a 328i coupe for $36K, and 335 Coupe for $41K or so....hello Audi, don't price your selves out of the market.

Chan

but then you'd be driving the same BMW that everyone else and their mom is driving.

A5orS5

At least where I live the 335i (even the 328i for that matter) is a very rare sight. If it wasn't for one being in my parking garage at work, I could go weeks without seeing one.

Agree with the OP. Why spend $4k for ~90 less hp (all dyno tests show the 335i is really outputting in the neighborhood of 320hp)? I think it's pretty hypocritical how people will talk about the importance of performance, but then blow off an argument like that. Sure, I can see the A5/S5 getting a premium over their BMW counterparts based on styling, but not a $4k premium on the A5 over the 335i. Audi's always been a little arrogant in their pricing to me, and it looks like they're going overboard w/the A5/S5. What's sad is looking at pricing around the world...the S5 is being priced the same as the S4, while we'll pay an ~$8k premium over our S4 price. If the S5 came in at $48k...hell yes. BMW wouldn't know what hit them.

BBT

In Northern California the BMW coupe is everywhere. Sometimes I see 5 within a few blocks/minutes. It's a nice looking car overall. I see a lot of women driving them for some reason. I'm not a bmw kind of guy and couldn't imagine owning one but that coupe is a good bang for the buck.

Regarding Audi's prices -- not all companies will price a product based on what the competition is doing. Some companies will charge more because they can and the market will support it. (Apple computer is a good example). Chasing low margin sales is something a company like Audi is reluctant to do. I don't know if that makes them arrogant but their sales will suffer if the gap in price/performance is significant enough. I don't see it that way which is why they will get another sale from me in the S5. They must be pretty competitive in the UK and France because I see far more Audi's than BMW's over there.

Also, make sure you spec out the BMW with all the comparable options on it. And also add up how much a vehicle will cost you over a 5 year period and see if that 3-5k really makes a difference in your life. It might, it might not.

panj

Likely (though not for sure until pricing set) that standard lease on 335i will be close to $300 per month under comparably equiped S5. This debate will end shortly as pricing comes in but I am afraid that differential will hold and make the S5 a questionable benefit/cost calculation for many. I see one of my main worries on the 335i has been addressed and all sport models will now have oil cooler for turbo's (see problem of overheating in road tests). There is also the price advantage with the new, well performing, Q37 coupe to contend with.

Speedy

The configuration on the 335i I would want - sport, premium, comfort access, heated seats, iPod - is $47,350. With the 7% European delivery discount (vs. 5% for Audi), it's $44,370. In talking with the dealer, a final price of $43K is likely. That's really a pretty good bang for the buck (in an expensive sort of way).

If the A5 starts at $45K (which leads one to beleive the S5 would start at $55K, as has been widely reported), that is most certainly not competetive from a price standpoint, IMO. It may STILL be "worth" the money, to some though! :-)

Still waiting for the real numbers...

adk

Per the specs, the A5 3.2 puts out 265hp and the 335i 300hp; even using BMW dyno figures leaves a difference of 65hp. Not saying it's trivial by any means, but I don't see any 90hp difference under any circumstance.

panj

Dyno tests on the torque production from the twin turbo, with such a wide band, makes for quite a different performance between the 335 and the A5. I think that is where the 335i engine dominates.

A5orS5

Think the difference over the life of the car will be even worse for the S5 vs. 335i when fuel efficency is factored in.

BBT

I have the non FSI version. I forgot about that part.