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BMW 528xi vs. Audi A6 Q vs. Lexus GS 350 AWD

22 messages,  Last post on Feb 24, 2010 at 11:49 AM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 350, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 3

#14 of 22 BMW vs AUDI by terminatorx5

Oct 20, 2007 (8:53 pm)

I always thought, a car is a car is a car, get's you from point A to point B. Until I tried a 530i, '94 model year. I ended up buying it (used, can't afford a new one). At 8 years of age and 100K, the car was running circles around many of the newer cars. When I sold the car 5 years and 60 K later, the car was still running circles around so many of the newer cars on the roads. the guy that bought it, was so happy after a test drive, that he could not wipe off a smile off his face.
Since that car, I tried other German cars (others are too soft for my newly aqcuired taste), because I thought it would be a sign of bad taste to stick to a single brand - long story short, I am on a 3rd bimmer now... But this is a matter of money and personal preference - my mom tried a bimmer but she preferred an A6.
 
Audi outperforms BMW in many races but BMW is exactly what it is - they try to keep the brand undiluted as much as it is possible in today's market, while many others are sharing the platforms with other sibling brands, Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infinity, Honda/Acura, Audi/Volkswagen, Ford/Jaguar/Volvo...
 
BMW in comparison to AUDI is more of a status difference than technological difference... Granted, the price difference is gone into areas that most people don't see and hopefully will never get to use, such as safety features or some crazy engine functions that are more racing functions than everyday driving deals...
 
Also, think about the cost of ownership, during the normal lease duration, all you pay for is the lease payments, any warranty issues are resolved at no cost AND the maintenance is taken care of at no cost as well - this is how BMW is insuring that the dealer keeps a close eye on a car and the car retains its attractiveness on a second hand market, thus insuring higher resale value for a vehicle that allows the manufacturer command a higher price on a new model line-up... Very interesting and intriguing business model that is aimed at the upper consumer level, where the higher profit margins are easily realized...
 
Of course, in the process, you, the consumer, are treated accordingly... Of course, the level of service depends a lot on a specific dealership, but generally speaking, this applies to most dealers.
 
Prime example, in the country where I am at now, there is only one BMW dealer for the whole country - while the monopoly could have had them go nasty on their customers, they know that most people buying their cars are of certain financial value and accordingly hold certain positions within society, therefore they demand certain level of respect...
 
FYI, on one of my bimmers, that was many thousands of miles out warranty, I had missing pixels on the cluster display - BMW NA had replaced the $1000 cluster for the cost of labor of $120, as a goodwill gesture to its customer base.
 
Just my 2 cents...
 

#15 of 22 GS any time. by lazer

Nov 20, 2007 (11:05 am)

Forget about brands, let's talk about cars.
A8 has a biggest cabin
528 has sporty handling
GS 350 is most luxurious, has the best engine of three, has most comfortable ride and is most reliable.
I had no [problem of making a choice after driving them all a couple of times.
I got white 2008 GS350 AWD fully loaded with light beige interior.
The best car I ever had!!!

#16 of 22 Re: GS any time. [lazer] by satyarg

Sep 16, 2008 (10:14 am)

Replying to: lazer (Nov 20, 2007 11:05 am)
I drive a BMW 5 series RWD and a GS AWD.
 
I agree the Lexus feels more Luxurious however I am not 100% happy as they improved the road feedback trying to make it more sporty. Making the tires noisy for a Lexus.A lot of buyers might like the feedback and new sporty GS.
 
I did not expect it to be all in one.I feel It falls between being Sporty and luxury.
I would have still preferred to be removed from the road and elements.
Personally prefer the new ES 350 for its cushy and roomier ride( I tried it as a Loaner car from my dealership) and was blown away even if it lacked in options and
an asserting sporty ride. It felt quieter than my GS. What an improvement Lexus had made in it compared to the earlier year models ( 2007).I must admit I haven't driven the new GS 2008/2009. I am comparing it with my 2006 GS

#17 of 22 looking for 5 series xi used for $30K or less by hhgolf

Nov 14, 2008 (7:03 pm)

I would like to hear a discussion on the value and sport-drive enjoyment of late model 5 seriesAWD. I like the semi-automatic feel and performance of my 2007 x3.
 
any 5 series as much fun at the price point I will have to face at my current lease's end?

#18 of 22 Audi vs. BMW 5 Series?? by gardis

Nov 16, 2008 (5:18 pm)

I looked at Audi today. I cannot figure out, is the A4 the same size as a 3 series BMW? And the A6 would be the equivalent to the 5 series? Although the A6 looks longer somehow. To me the A4 lookoed bigger than the 3 series. I want a car that's roomier than the 3 series which I currently drive. I prefer the 5 series, but want to be sure of what I'm doing. Thanks Guys. How's Audi on the mechanicals? I keep cars a long time. Are they good cars?

#19 of 22 Re: Audi vs. BMW 5 Series?? [gardis] by tayl0rd

Nov 25, 2008 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: gardis (Nov 16, 2008 5:18 pm)
The new A4 is bigger than the 3-series, but they still compete in the same class.
 
A4 = 3-series = C-class = IS
A6 = 5-series = E-class = GS
A8 = 7-series = S-class = LS

#20 of 22 Re: GS any time. [satyarg] by adamjmank

Dec 12, 2008 (3:51 pm)

Replying to: satyarg (Sep 16, 2008 10:14 am)
I feel the same way, about the GS 350.
I drove the new ES as a loaner Car when I dropped my GS for service.
I felt the ES was even quieter than and more roomier inside than my GS 350.
 I even parked them side by side and the GS is longer and taller in exterior dimensions. If only I knew Lexus would bring the ES to these levels, I would have waited and saved big- almost 10- 12 K.
 
Coming to BMW vs Lexus- The Beemer 5 series is much sportier than the Lexus in looks and handling. however my GS 350 is much luxirious inside ( the 5 series is bland in comparision once inside). The ride is a lot comfier, silent, the controls are made with almost flawless precision and the stability control is awesome.
The only complaint I have is there is a HUMP in the Back seat leg room space which in not comfortable for three adults in the back on long drives. The ES does not have this do not know why the japanese geniuses included it in a large car like the GS.
 
I myself brouht the GS 350 AWD because it was less expensive than the 5 Xiseries and am Happy with the gas mileage 29 m/gallon on highways for AWD and the compromise it offers between luxury and handling.
It finally comes to personal preference as both are very good.

#21 of 22 BMW 5 Vs. Audi A6 by bmw_audi_fan

Jan 08, 2010 (3:08 pm)

Replying to: adamjmank (Dec 12, 2008 3:51 pm)
One thing to really consider is the manufacture's intention with these vehicles. BMW is a sports car, first and foremost, with the 'extras' added in. With sports minded features considered, I feel that BMW is tops. But when it comes to adding luxury features to the mix, BMW leaves a lot to be desired (by design). The best way I can describe a BMW interior is "Sterile".
 
The Audi conversely, is a lot more appealing to the eye (amongst other body parts). It may not be quite up to the task of competing with the BMW in top speed or 1/4 mile, but as someone said earlier in this post, where are you going to be driving 110+ on a regular basis.
 
Bottom line, if your a lead foot aggressive driver (like me!), the BMW is your car. If you want to get there in style, go for an Audi.

#22 of 22 Re: BMW 5 Vs. Audi A6 [bmw_audi_fan] by mattsam

Feb 24, 2010 (11:49 am)

Replying to: bmw_audi_fan (Jan 08, 2010 3:08 pm)
Good point, but don't sleep on the raw performance of the A6 especially with the 3.0T supercharged engine. This engine is probably in 75% of the engines they will have in the show room. I just got one last week, wow 300HP 5.9 0-60 and the quattro all wheel drive. It may not top the 528 but I bet its real close in a race. Plus its much larger inside with a better interior.
So far I have been ecstatic with the A6's performance.
Matt

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