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Luxury Performance Sedans

10338 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 3:12 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 430, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Sedan

Messages Page 907 of 1035

#9055 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [zgreatlife] by markcincinnati

Jan 13, 2007 (8:11 pm)

Replying to: zgreatlife (Jan 13, 2007 6:00 pm)
WOW.
 
I had the following (not a complete list):
 
1995 S6
1997 A8
1999 A6 2.8
2000 A6 4.2 comfort
2001 A6 4.2 sport
2003 allroad 2.7T
2005 A6 3.2 with 18" wheels and 245 x 40 x 18" tires
 
At the same time, my wife had multiple A4's, three TT's and one BMW X3 3.0.
 
The A6 is the quietest of the bunch (including the A8), it also is both more compliant and able to corner better than the 2001 sport version of my A6, which I assumed is due to the its greater, by far, chassis stiffness.
 
I tested, thoroughly, the Infiniti M35X and the Cadillac STS and have rented, repeatedly, competing lux and/or sport lux cars from Europe and the US. I rented, too, a Lexus and participated in a test with Car and Driver that included the new Lexus cars.
 
Lexus cars are the most quiet. Audis and Cadillacs are second and the Infiniti is third. The BMW's I have tested and or have in my garage at this moment are hardly loud, but they are the loudest of the bunch -- due perhaps to the choice of tires they come with.
 
Perhaps you drove a new C6 Audi with 19" wheels and tires and the S-Line package. This version can be noisier and I assume it is entirely a function of the wheels and ultra low profile tires (with extra stiff sidewalls.)
 
The ride of the Audi IS firm, but it is also shudder free and able to telegraph the road to the driver.
 
The Lexus seems to me to be as comfortable and quiet as the Cadillac DTS, and able to handle better -- but the Cadillac on a smooth road at 80MPH remains like riding on your living room Barcolounger -- and even the Lexus doesn't do that.
 
Thank god.
 
I urge you to test Audi A6 again -- unless for other reasons you have totally ruled it out -- and other than this suggestion: ask them to make sure the tires are properly inflated -- well, it should be quite smooth,compliant and quiet. Moreover, it should handle very well, certainly better than the Lexus and Cadillac models it competes with.
 
Wow.

#9056 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [markcincinnati] by willie2l

Jan 14, 2007 (7:06 am)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Jan 13, 2007 8:11 pm)
> I urge you to test Audi A6 again -- unless for other reasons you have totally ruled it out -- and other than this suggestion: ask them to make sure the tires are properly inflated -- well, it should be quite smooth,compliant and quiet. Moreover, it should handle very well, certainly better than the Lexus and Cadillac models it competes with. < Great point. First time I test drove the 07 A6 I thought it would knock my teeth out. Asked the dealer when I got back if the car really was that stiff. He apologized and said the cars come off the truck with 50psi and he had forgotten to adjust. Since then, I always ask if the inflation has been checked...it usually has not or they are left at 45psi so the tires don't get "flat spots" sitting on the lot. I'm still hoping that Audi comes out with a lease program for the A6 so that it is not more costly then the 530xi. If they wait much longer, I will have to wait for the 535x.

#9057 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [willie2l] by allagaroo

Jan 14, 2007 (9:59 am)

Replying to: willie2l (Jan 13, 2007 10:30 am)
Tell your dealer to read his bulletins. It was sent out last Monday and expires 3/5/07. It was shown to me by the NJ dealer and the New York dealer was aware of it. The MF is .00027 and the res. did go down to 49% for 12,000 miles however if you take the Audi care for $550 the res. is increased by 1% to 50%. I gave NY dealer a deposit for a blk/blk. There isn't enough time to order to receive before my current Audi lease expires. Premium, convenience, technology, heated steering wheel, 18" wheels and Audi Care.
 
Good Luck,
J

#9058 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [lexusguy] by zgreatlife

Jan 14, 2007 (10:09 am)

Replying to: lexusguy (Jan 13, 2007 7:31 pm)
Thanks, LexusG...I will check out the Volvo. I'm sure Avalon is similar to the Lexus, but I prefer the extra conveniences offered by the Lex.
 
Didn't realize that the Infinity's ride was harsher..may still worth looking it. Bottom line, these are all good, capable cars, and it all comes down to subjective preferences.

#9059 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [markcincinnati] by zgreatlife

Jan 14, 2007 (10:13 am)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Jan 13, 2007 8:11 pm)
Wow, you're obviously a loyal Audi driver....I can understand that my "heresy" affects you. But, in my case, I'm more loyal to my buns, than my brand....

#9060 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [markcincinnati] by allagaroo

Jan 14, 2007 (10:16 am)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Jan 13, 2007 8:11 pm)
You confirm that I made the right decision Friday by putting a deposit down on '07 A6 3.2. I had already made a decision to lease the M35X and was a day away from ordering it when I heard about the owner loyalty. I just happened to drive a friend out to NJ to pick up his A8 and his dealer told me or I'd be waiting for my M now. I'm excited about it but wish Audi had more power and M nav system. Everything is a compromise!
BTW ordered the 18" wheels with all seasons. Are they UHP?
I enjoy your posts and find them most informative.
Keep it up!
J

#9061 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [allagaroo] by willie2l

Jan 14, 2007 (10:45 am)

Replying to: allagaroo (Jan 14, 2007 9:59 am)
Thanks for the information. If my local guy can't read, I'll try a different dealer. Good luck and enjoy your new Audi.

#9062 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [allagaroo] by markcincinnati

Jan 14, 2007 (4:02 pm)

Replying to: allagaroo (Jan 14, 2007 10:16 am)
The tires are Grand Touring HP.
 
You will be underwhelmed by them.
 
I replaced mine with UHP Pirelli PZero Nero M+S and inflated the front to 39 the rear to 36.
 
Nice upgrade.

#9063 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [zgreatlife] by acurat

Jan 14, 2007 (10:23 pm)

Replying to: zgreatlife (Jan 13, 2007 6:00 pm)
Before you cut a fat check for a Lexus, I'd recommend you try the Acura RL. Smooth and serene yet not floaty, with a seriously powerful V6. Super-handling all wheel drive is incredibly secure; this car goes where you point it. Real-time NavTraffic is a huge advantage in any major metro area. The interior is beautiful and well-designed, the cabin is quiet, the sound system rocks. Acura has done an incredible integration of the technology. Best of all, you won't see yourself coming and going.
 
If you are focused on bang for the buck, no one can touch this car. There are no options. None. Every feature is standard--an exemplar for the nickel-and-diming competition. (Are you listening, Toyota and BMW?)
 
Check out the review at cnet.com for more.

#9064 of 10338 Re: Is there a difference? [acurat] by zgreatlife

Jan 15, 2007 (9:58 am)

Replying to: acurat (Jan 14, 2007 10:23 pm)
Thanks, I will look at the Acura. My wife used to have a TL and loved it. So far I feel that the Volvo S80 has the closest feel to my Audi A6. Actually, I was impressed with the Volvo feel. Feels much "tighter" than older models used to.

Messages Page 907 of 1035

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