- #5 of 70
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Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [dark_katana]
by slapshotk
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Nov 29, 2007 (6:05 am)
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Replying to: dark_katana (Nov 28, 2007 12:15 pm)
Dark Katana:
Great post! In short, the BMW drove like a luxury sports car- tight, responsive etc..On the other end of the spectrum, the Lexus drove like a high-end luxury car, very quiet, smooth, refined...The Audi seemed to me at least to be somewhat in the middle maybe leaning towards the BMW...I'm going to go for another run this weekend with all 3..Interesting that Audi and Lexus appear to be very hungry for my business, BMW is basically saying come back when your done driving "the rest of them".....
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- #6 of 70
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Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [slapshotk]
by tayl0rd
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Nov 29, 2007 (9:59 am)
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Replying to: slapshotk (Nov 23, 2007 8:16 pm)
I think the A6 is an excellent, nay, perfect compromise between the 535i and the GS350. It's way more sporty than the GS350, but it doesn't beat you up. The steering is much lighter than in the BMW, but still responsive. Having driven all three vehicles (the V8 versions, anyway), I have to say the A6 is at least as sporty as the 5-series. It handles wonderfully, takes off smartly, and it feels good going on down the road in it. And the MMI in the A6, I think, is brilliant; much better than iDrive. I've never liked Lexus' interface. It just feels like something's missing from it, as though it's there just for the sake of being there. Hard to explain, really. 
But anyway, I doubt you'd be disappointed driving the A6 overall.
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- #8 of 70
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Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [tayl0rd]
by slapshotk
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Nov 29, 2007 (6:38 pm)
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Replying to: tayl0rd (Nov 29, 2007 9:59 am)
Great feedback as well...Audi sent me an email today wanting me to schedule a test drive..I think I will take them up on this over the weekend..I very much agree with you on the Lexus interface..Even though it's a touch screen, I did not find it as "smart" as the MMI...The BMW idrive is more complicated although I think I can get the handle of it over time (I'm an IT guy..)..One thing I did notice is that Audi did not have a BMW Assist or Lexus Link type of capability although that's what I guess your cell phone is for...
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- #9 of 70
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Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [slapshotk]
by mrsm
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Nov 29, 2007 (6:53 pm)
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Replying to: slapshotk (Nov 29, 2007 6:38 pm)
I don't think you're comparing apples to apples. If you're testing the 535i you need to drive the Lexus GS460. We drove the GS350 and found it lacking to the 535i due to acceleration and handling. The GS460 has a sports mode that changes the handling and gear ratio that makes it much closer in feel to the BMW. We bought the Lexus because of the reliability and our dislike of idrive and BMW turn signals. All of these cars are great and how fortunate we are that we get to drive one of them. Enjoy!
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- #10 of 70
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Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [slapshotk]
by tayl0rd
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Nov 30, 2007 (5:45 am)
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Replying to: slapshotk (Nov 29, 2007 6:38 pm)
One thing I forgot to mention on the A6. The negative of the A6, to me, is that it is starting to look dated. And I hardly ever see one on the road, so that's really bad!  It's just not aging well at all. But my overall positive opinion of it still stands. 
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- #11 of 70
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Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [tayl0rd]
by slapshotk
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Nov 30, 2007 (6:00 am)
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Replying to: tayl0rd (Nov 30, 2007 5:45 am)
I do see a fair amount here in Texas (Houston specifically)...Your right that the body style could use an update...
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- #12 of 70
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Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [slapshotk]
by og_oggilby
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Nov 30, 2007 (8:04 am)
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Replying to: slapshotk (Nov 30, 2007 6:00 am)
I am also trying to choose between the BMW 535 and the Lexus GS350 (in my case the awd versions). I am not a big Audi fan because of the Audi body style but I might have to look at them. It is a tough choice since there is no clear winner, all 3 cars have a number of flaws - a shame at the prices. Consumer reports dropped the GS350 awd from it's recommended list with a below average reliability rating. The 535i is rated average, the GS350 is rated above average, as is the Audi A6. Good luck with you decision!
US News Auto Rankings
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- #13 of 70
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dependability?
by agns
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Dec 02, 2007 (7:15 pm)
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Which of these cars are more dependable? I HATE having to take my car in and although I love BMW, many people have told me that Lexus has far less problems than a BMW.
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- #14 of 70
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Re: dependability? [agns]
by tayl0rd
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Dec 03, 2007 (9:54 am)
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Replying to: agns (Dec 02, 2007 7:15 pm)
That pretty much goes without saying. But what do you enjoy more, a reliable A-to-B appliance or an engaging drive? Is some time in the shop worth the tradeoff for more exciting driving?
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