Audi introduces a more-affordable A5.
03-15-10, 08:03 AM
#16
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Granted, BMW has (arguably) the world's best steering/chassis engineering, but, IMO, nothing that BMW sells in the American market can even approach the A5's looks. And Audi interiors, on the average, are a clear step above those of BMWin overall quality in trim/materials/fit/finish.
03-15-10, 08:08 AM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I don't know this for a fact, but my strong guess is that you will get a better discount on a typical A5 deal than with a 3-series. The 3-series sells so briskly that there is little incentive for BMW shops to discount them.
03-15-10, 08:49 AM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I dunno.....their sheet metal, fit/finish, interior trim/materials, and the quality of the Quattro drivetrain are all first-rate. The main problem, like with other German products, has traditionally been electronics/hardware. (yeah, I dislike the MMI system, but that's another story: 
)
03-15-10, 09:10 AM
#21
Lexus Champion
03-15-10, 09:11 AM
#22
So you think they are overpriced for what they offer? I dunno.....their sheet metal, fit/finish, interior trim/materials, and the quality of the Quattro drivetrain are all first-rate. The main problem, like with other German products, has traditionally been electronics/hardware. (yeah, I dislike the MMI system, but that's another story: )
I dunno.....their sheet metal, fit/finish, interior trim/materials, and the quality of the Quattro drivetrain are all first-rate. The main problem, like with other German products, has traditionally been electronics/hardware. (yeah, I dislike the MMI system, but that's another story: )electronic systems and such imho is a toss, i don't see clear runner between bmw and audi, so that's a wash
so it comes down to style, exterior, and interior design, which i do agree the a5/s5 overall looks better than the 3 series. but at the added price tag, that's why it becomes a bit much for my blood
now with the 2.0t, suddenly the price of the a5 becomes more affordable, specially for people who care more about appearance than performance. it's totally fine, and imho for this platform, audi can definitely use more popularity than exclusivity
03-15-10, 11:08 AM
#23
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03-15-10, 04:41 PM
#26
I'm still waiting to see that new lightweight Audi frame go into production. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...rototype_drive
03-15-10, 07:05 PM
#29
to me, yes. of course, i am not trying to generalizing my comment to all audi, i guess it's more specific to the a5/s5. they do have pretty good finish and design (no doubt), and like you said, their quattro system is some of the best. however, still, for the price of s5, it matches the performance of 335 (cheaper) and far from touching the m3 (similarly priced), that's a big bummer. imho in the performance department audi lost so that kind of put the quattro out of play.
electronic systems and such imho is a toss, i don't see clear runner between bmw and audi, so that's a wash
so it comes down to style, exterior, and interior design, which i do agree the a5/s5 overall looks better than the 3 series. but at the added price tag, that's why it becomes a bit much for my blood
now with the 2.0t, suddenly the price of the a5 becomes more affordable, specially for people who care more about appearance than performance. it's totally fine, and imho for this platform, audi can definitely use more popularity than exclusivity
electronic systems and such imho is a toss, i don't see clear runner between bmw and audi, so that's a wash
so it comes down to style, exterior, and interior design, which i do agree the a5/s5 overall looks better than the 3 series. but at the added price tag, that's why it becomes a bit much for my blood
now with the 2.0t, suddenly the price of the a5 becomes more affordable, specially for people who care more about appearance than performance. it's totally fine, and imho for this platform, audi can definitely use more popularity than exclusivity
Though they definitely compete at the same price point, it's not all about direct head-to-head competition on a track - each has it's target. If you want all out performance, Audi has always made their RS models.
It's like comparing a Quattroporte to an M5. The target buyer is not the same.
Last edited by Infra; 03-15-10 at 07:08 PM.
03-15-10, 10:21 PM
#30
I'm not sure you understand the S5. It's supposed to be a comfortable, elegant, and smooth GT. It achieves all 3 of these. The M3 aims for more sport than GT.
Though they definitely compete at the same price point, it's not all about direct head-to-head competition on a track - each has it's target. If you want all out performance, Audi has always made their RS models.
It's like comparing a Quattroporte to an M5. The target buyer is not the same.
Though they definitely compete at the same price point, it's not all about direct head-to-head competition on a track - each has it's target. If you want all out performance, Audi has always made their RS models.
It's like comparing a Quattroporte to an M5. The target buyer is not the same.
i know very well what the s5 is for, that's exactly why i put the 335 in for comparison as well. basically it's two folds. same performance/comfort but different price, or same price but different performance
i can most definitely see your point on comparing quattroporte to m5, valid, different buyers of different status. but are you trying to say that audi a5/s5 buyers are bmw 3/m3 buyers are having the same kind of difference in status? not sure if i agree with that. and i don't even see that kind of brand image difference between audi/bmw vs maserati/bmw