I am afraid that between these two cars, the S6 is better at least on paper. Historically the S6 was compared to the M5 but with the RS models becoming more available the S6 now sits in a middle bracket with a lower price that makes it attractive to people looking at something like the 550 or E550.
From the reviews I have read, it is impressive. The styling of the outside does not convince me though. It does not look special enough and blends in too much with the S4/A4. There interior is a thing of beauty though. An the quality is on par if not better than BMW. I am a BMW guy though, and I would probably still get the 550 and make the modifications necessary to make the handling a bit more sporting.
My 2 cents.
Quote:
Originally Posted by preeble
I will be getting one of these two cars; I really want to get the 550 and I'm looking for some nudges to get me over the line - overall, here is where I am:
The 550xi will have Cold Weather, Dynamic, M Sport, Executive, Sport Trans and B&O sound. The S6 (comes standard with a bunch) as I have optioned it would come with cold weather, 20" wheels and LED headlight package. After working with my dealers, my purchase price would be within $1000 of each other.
I have driven the 550 and loved the way it drove. I haven't driven the S6 as they are not out yet, but I drove the A6 3.0 and was impressive (I thought that the engine was more responsive than the 535). I suspect that the S6 engine will pull as good, if not better than the BMW's engine.
In any case, here is where I am. Pros for the Audi (vs the BMW)
- 20" OEM wheels with summer tires (not run flats). The BMW only comes with 19s and has all season run flats (bad!)
- LED headlights - cool factor that is not in the F10s yet
- Likely a more powerful engine (albeit by a little bit)
- More rear seat space
Pros for the BMW:
- The car with M-Sport package is sharp looking, esp. vs the Audi with fairly conservative looks (IMHO), even in S trim (although I like the Audi's brake calipers better as they are decorated with the S logo)
- I prefer the interior design of the BMW - I think that the pop-out NAV screen on the Audi is cheesy
- My BMW build includes the B&O system, but the Audi's does not - the Audi's system is a $5900 option! I would be stuck with the Bose in the Audi
- The BMW has a couple of more tech features on the inside (HUD, etc.) that I am not getting in the Audi as those options make the car much more expensive
For me, most other items balance out. I would certainly be pushed over the edge if it turns out that the more powerful engine is in the 2013 550s, but I'm not holding my breath... Are the run flat all season tires that bad? I strongly prefer summer tires with separate winter wheel/tires, even for my SUV. This may be a problem with the BMW.
Any other things I should be considering?
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