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BMW 535i vs Lexus GS 350 vs Audi A6

73 messages,  Last post on Feb 08, 2013 at 9:08 AM

You are in the Audi A6 Forum.

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

Messages Page 8 of 8

#64 of 73 by addams

Feb 11, 2009 (7:29 am)

Same mental anguish . My list is 08 535i, 08 GS350 or a used next year 09 G37 sedan. I'm giving my wife my 02 Altima 3.5SE. Need something for some traveling we want to do when i retire in a few years. I've got $40,000 to spend from a small windfall.

#65 of 73 Re: A6 lease is up..what did i do? [kgary] by roverlooker1

Feb 11, 2009 (10:22 pm)

Replying to: kgary (Feb 22, 2008 3:37 am)
I just closed on another 3 yr lease on my second A6 4.2. Before re-upping,I drove a few in the class and a few out of class-Range Rover Sport Suprer-charged, Infiniti FX 50S. They are fun vehicles as was the 48 X5 and the 5-Series. It's boring to go back to the same instrumentation, etc. The upside of the A6 is what a fun car it is to drive, particularly under the most extreme (and fun) conditions, and I've never felt safer in a car. I'm no youngster, but in the 4.2 no one knows. Only wish one didn't have to trade the shifting paddles on the steering wheel for the cold package...we can use that package here in Chicago. BTW, my thanks to Car_man for all his help in allowing me to research a lease. His help was invaluable.

#66 of 73 Came down to cupholders and timing by jdritz

Feb 16, 2009 (5:11 pm)

Bimmer was just out of range by the time it came comparably equipped to the GS350 AWD. And those damned cupholders. I drive 35 miles one way to work and drink coffee in the car EVERY day. It' s not like I need those things sometimes or once in a while. I needed a car and the new supercharged A6's weren't out yet. So between the deal I got (17K less than the 535xi comparably eqiupped) and the cupholder nonsense, the Lexus won out.
 
6500 miles. No real complaints. Very good in the snow. Fast...a little too fancy schmancy with the wood and whatnot. The nav system is less than perfect. But all in all, I'm satisfied. Oh...and rain sensing wipers are about the least useful thing I've ever experienced.

#67 of 73 Re: Came down to cupholders and timing [jdritz] by addams

Feb 22, 2009 (8:03 am)

Replying to: jdritz (Feb 16, 2009 5:11 pm)
How's the dash sounds so far in the GS?

#68 of 73 Re: Came down to cupholders and timing [addams] by jdritz

Feb 22, 2009 (11:28 am)

Replying to: addams (Feb 22, 2009 8:03 am)
Started out good. Then got cold out. Lots of creaking and sounded like the glass would flex and the dash wouldn't (or vice versa). There is a TSB to apply a "noise kit" and that has solved that problem.

#69 of 73 Simple answer by mobiusf1

Mar 24, 2009 (12:04 am)

I drove both the GS350 and 535xi, and other cars in the segment and easily picked the 535xi which I was fairly confident I was going to pick earlier. M35x, although the 2nd best performer I drove (really enjoyed driving it), is still slightly behind the 535 in terms of performance, the build quality was also lacking in addition to a lack of split folding rear seats (kinda important to me, gives a huge increase in practicality), and not so great gas mileage. A6 looks nice, has a great interior (except for strange omission of auto steering wheel adjustment unless they changed that) and costs a bit less than the 535xi (only the A6 V6 version); but definitely exhibited more body roll in the corners than the 535xi and weaker overall performance
 
The 535's engine is simply awesome, its a twin-turbo inline 6, with stronger performance than Audi's V8, and better fuel economy. And the cost advantage for the Audi only comes with the A6's V6 engine.
 
MB E Class, forget about it, a joke, and it costs more than the 535, at least the Lexus has a price argument. Lexus GS350, sorry, no way. Its steering is numb compared to the 535xi, noticeably more body roll in the corners, and headroom seemed to be an issue. I don't really need to go into any more about it because if the performance is not there than the other stuff doesn't matter. For others though, this may not matter as much. Lexus and Mercedes Benz don't make cars that fit my idea of enjoyable driving. The 535 is a true sports sedan and I certainly can't say that about the GS350. The iDrive, while it could be a bit more intuitive, is not that bad, and is not a deal breaker by any stretch. In fact I don't mind it at all. And no, the cup holders were not even a consideration, haha.
 
This is an honest opinion, no bias, if Lexus made a GS model like their own IS-F against the 535xi, then it would far more difficult.
 
Although the 535 has sharp handling, excellent road feel, fantastic engine performance and efficiency, I must also mention that the ride quality is excellent.
 
I could go into even more details but its late so here it is summed up in 1 simple sentence. If you want a floaty, relaxed (I would say boring) ride take the Lexus, if you want to drive, get the BMW ...and I love to drive.

#70 of 73 a6 supercharged by eddie33081

Apr 25, 2009 (9:41 pm)

What do you guys think of the new A6 supercharged version. I was thinking of getting that instead of the 535i. I would be getting the plus version with sports package.
 
Let me know your opinions.
 
Thanks

#71 of 73 Re: A6 lease is up..what did i do? [jeqq] by abockstein

Jul 30, 2010 (10:21 pm)

Replying to: jeqq (Feb 21, 2008 9:42 pm)
live in fla, never missed the awd ever, and got better MPG

#72 of 73 Need a mechanic and advice by audibabe1

Sep 28, 2010 (4:25 pm)

I have an '04 audi a6 2.7 quattro and am being told my turbos are bad. I have heavy exhaust smoke and I cannot even drive the car because it smokes so bad. I took it to the dealer and they want to charge me about $3500 for the job. That is way more than I expected. I have been looking at turbos online and can get them for less. I think I am going with another mechanic but I would like names of other mechanics in the Philadelphia, Pa area. Help!!!

#73 of 73 Re: Simple answer [mobiusf1] by yoyo16

Feb 08, 2013 (9:08 am)

Replying to: mobiusf1 (Mar 24, 2009 12:04 am)
Only problem here with the 5 Series is reliability. How long do you plan on owning the car? The cost for repairs throughout the years adds even more $ to the already high price tag of the BMW. Lexus is damn close on performance but BMW is no where near Lexus on reliability and overall quality. I'd prefer to drive my car instead of look at it on a lift in the shop.

Messages Page 8 of 8

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