[///MD]

patient waiting for the LCI. pretty excited that the 550 will get the N63Tu.
but in the mean time i decided to go test drive an S6 today.
Gotta admit that it's a pretty nice car. a wolf in sheeps clothing. Motor sounds amazing, the recaro seats are comfortable and beautifully stitched. it handles great and the acceleration is pretty damn impressive. That being said I'm not sure I buy car and drivers claim that it goes 0-60 in 3.7sec and there was more turbo lag than i was expecting. dealer wouldnt let me use the launch control

77k sticker with a 5k dealer mark up which was non negotiable. Custom order is approximately 6 month wait time and if they can find a car in the country that is what i want then I get to pay the shipping cost. Great customer service Audi.

the 550GT in the n63tu picks up about .5 sec on 0-60 times so possibl3 the f10 will be below 4.5? any thoughts.

should I just keep waiting or look for a more reasonable audi dealer since ultimately the cars will be about the same price? the extra power and reported steering improvement would put the 2 cars in the same category performance wise.

Pej

[bm323]

Have you driven the present 550i, and if so, how do you compare its steering feel with the S6's?

[TOP_AGENT]

Audi has a different business model. They tightly control the production supply of their cars so they can maintain pricing discipline and hit goals through higher profit margins rather than through volume. As you experienced, despite same general sticker price, they rarely discount due to low inventory (production controls) and adequate demand. Most of their 6 cylinder A6 and above start at least with a lease price around 750 plus or so with a sizable signing amount. Beautiful cars I agree.

[Boulder Bill]

Originally Posted by TOP_AGENT

Audi has a different business model. They tightly control the production supply of their cars so they can maintain pricing discipline and hit goals through higher profit margins rather than through volume. As you experienced, despite same general sticker price, they rarely discount due to low inventory (production controls) and adequate demand. Most of their 6 cylinder A6 and above start at least with a lease price around 750 plus or so with a sizable signing amount. Beautiful cars I agree.

CBM in your signature. Carbon Black Metallic?

[Lee]

S6 is a beauty. Was turned off by them due to the pop-up screen. Does the S6 have it? How about the touch screen? Seems like it's a bit far away.

[///MD]

steering is very subjective but for me the S6 felt more connected and responsive especially at higher speeds. the screen in the S6 is the same as the A6. no touch screen.

I can't see how that model would appeal to the consumer when there are arguably better cars at a better deal and a more pleasant shopping experience

[TOP_AGENT]

Originally Posted by Boulder Bill

CBM in your signature. Carbon Black Metallic?

Yes it is. Just picked it up a week ago

[bm323]

Originally Posted by ///MD

steering is very subjective but for me the S6 felt more connected and responsive especially at higher speeds. the screen in the S6 is the same as the A6. no touch screen.

I can't see how that model would appeal to the consumer when there are arguably better cars at a better deal and a more pleasant shopping experience

I have a totally different view of the Audi's steering then.

[Thrumcap]

I'm in the same situation looking to replace my M3 with something with AWD. S6 has the handling advantage now but rumors are that the LCI will also address the F10's steering woes. Audi interior is beautiful but I find the exterior bland. 550 M Sport's exterior is perfection. Without launch control I would expect LCI 550i would be faster than the S6. Launch control is a gimmick anyway in cars in this class.

[The X Men]

The S6 is a nice car but I would not pay a mark up for it. If I were the OP, I would wait until the LCI 550i come out and test drive both back to back.

[Russkey]

Originally Posted by The X Men

The S6 is a nice car but I would not pay a mark up for it. If I were the OP, I would wait until the LCI 550i come out and test drive both back to back.

+1

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by Thrumcap

I'm in the same situation looking to replace my M3 with something with AWD. S6 has the handling advantage now but rumors are that the LCI will also address the F10's steering woes. Audi interior is beautiful but I find the exterior bland. 550 M Sport's exterior is perfection. Without launch control I would expect LCI 550i would be faster than the S6. Launch control is a gimmick anyway in cars in this class.

I dont think 550i is going to be faster than S6 even with such upgrade
In fact, i'd be surprized if it even catches S6
I just bought one and this thing is a beast
It is great deal faster than current 550i in any speed range
I've had pretty extended test drive in 550i, before i bought my S6, so i can compare

[TheGr8Swami]

As a new BMW owner coming from a long streak of Audi vehicles I will be the 1st to say that I don't miss the 4 rings. 1st off Audi service in the DC Metro area was terrible! Dealerships provided so much misinformation and the so-called Bumper-2-Bumper warranty was a joke! My RS4 had issues with the brakes and each time Audi had me pay for labor to the tune of $1100. AoA eventually reimbursed me after Maryland's Consumer Affairs started the Lemon Law Buyback process.

I had issues with my 2011 550xi's seat wiring harness, the dealership contacted corporate and processed my buyers order for a loaded 2012 550xi MSport.

I will always support a manufacturer who stands behind their product! If you go with Audi, find a good Indy tuner and cross your fingers if you have issues!

Good luck!

[Thrumcap]

Originally Posted by AndreyATC

I dont think 550i is going to be faster than S6 even with such upgrade
In fact, i'd be surprized if it even catches S6
I just bought one and this thing is a beast
It is great deal faster than current 550i in any speed range
I've had pretty extended test drive in 550i, before i bought my S6, so i can compare

Seems hard to believe it wouldn't be. 550i Xdrive will have 445 hp & 480 lb/ft tq vs. the S6's 420/406. BMW is 120 lbs heavier. Audi lists S6 0-60 at 4.5 and BMW lists pre LCI 550i Xdrive at 4.7. I think an additional 45 HP and 30 lb./ft torque, will make the 550 a 4.2 0-60.

[The X Men]

TheGr8Swami, I owned 4 Audi before my current BMW and I find both dealership's customer service very good, in fact, I thought the Audi's customer service was a bit better. I had a lemon buyback with Audi and had no problem what so ever. I guess it really comes down to the individual dealerships.
Thrumcap, looking at the numbers, the 550i shoould be able to keep up with the S6. Handling wise, I think the S6 has the edge.

[TheGr8Swami]

Originally Posted by The X Men

TheGr8Swami, I owned 4 Audi before my current BMW and I find both dealership's customer service very good, in fact, I thought the Audi's customer service was a bit better. I had a lemon buyback with Audi and had no problem what so ever. I guess it really comes down to the individual dealerships.
Thrumcap, looking at the numbers, the 550i shoould be able to keep up with the S6. Handling wise, I think the S6 has the edge.

Remember, Audi's warranty doesn't cover everything during the 4yr./50K! I even extended my BMW's coverage to 6/100!!

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by Thrumcap

Seems hard to believe it wouldn't be. 550i Xdrive will have 445 hp & 480 lb/ft tq vs. the S6's 420/406. BMW is 120 lbs heavier. Audi lists S6 0-60 at 4.5 and BMW lists pre LCI 550i Xdrive at 4.7. I think an additional 45 HP and 30 lb./ft torque, will make the 550 a 4.2 0-60.

S6 traps 1/4 mile in low 12s @ 118mph
That's in M5 teritory
I dont see how 550i will be able to come even close to these numbers
Re HP: I think its highly underrated.
S6 does not feel like 400Hp car at all, more like high 400s. It's also a lot faster than my X6M
DCT is big help here too, it's lightning fast

P.S. Turbo lag on S6 is a lot less noticible btw

[Thrumcap]

I think all the M5 territory numbers were achieved with launch control. Acceleration numbers from a rolling start and at higher speeds are not even close to M5 and look like current 550i. This is why I think the LCI 550i will be quicker. S6 will probably still have the edge in handling though.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by TheGr8Swami

Remember, Audi's warranty doesn't cover everything during the 4yr./50K! I even extended my BMW's coverage to 6/100!!

If you mean brakes, thats more of a BMW's free maintenance item than a warranty item.

[mryakanisachoad]

Originally Posted by TheGr8Swami

As a new BMW owner coming from a long streak of Audi vehicles I will be the 1st to say that I don't miss the 4 rings. 1st off Audi service in the DC Metro area was terrible! Dealerships provided so much misinformation and the so-called Bumper-2-Bumper warranty was a joke! My RS4 had issues with the brakes and each time Audi had me pay for labor to the tune of $1100. AoA eventually reimbursed me after Maryland's Consumer Affairs started the Lemon Law Buyback process.

I had issues with my 2011 550xi's seat wiring harness, the dealership contacted corporate and processed my buyers order for a loaded 2012 550xi MSport.

I will always support a manufacturer who stands behind their product! If you go with Audi, find a good Indy tuner and cross your fingers if you have issues!

Good luck!

They're both nice cars which don't really compare well against each other because the S is closer to an M than a 550.

BMW needs to figure out how to start trimming weight. And, it's not entirely BMW's fault.

I notice a lot of the same people who complain about weight are the same exact people who crave every stupid option BMW offers and then some. 3500 radios and backseat TV for your kids? Get a minivan!

[mryakanisachoad]

Originally Posted by Thrumcap

I think all the M5 territory numbers were achieved with launch control. Acceleration numbers from a rolling start and at higher speeds are not even close to M5 and look like current 550i. This is why I think the LCI 550i will be quicker. S6 will probably still have the edge in handling though.

The LCI 550's won't be any faster to 60. Perhaps 1/4 mile. BMW has been low balling the current n63 output. Who's to say they didn't decide to just report the real numbers? One thing is for sure: they've been playing games regarding power outputs with turbocharging.

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by Thrumcap

I think all the M5 territory numbers were achieved with launch control. Acceleration numbers from a rolling start and at higher speeds are not even close to M5 and look like current 550i. This is why I think the LCI 550i will be quicker. S6 will probably still have the edge in handling though.

Got a sourse of this info?
I just dont see how 550 is matching S6's performance, when it won comparo between M5 and AMG

When i was shopping for sport lux mid-size sedan few month ago, i was pretty much between 550xi and S6
S6 was a lot better choice for me.
With new Tu engine, i dont see substantial changes in performance, plus at extra 300lb, it'll be tough for 550xi to match S6 in acceleration/handling dept.