[BMWM3DREAM]

I don't know but for some people the 3 series sedan and coupe seems small. The only alternative I can think about is the Audi A5. Has anyone test driven this car or know someone who has one? Judging by the reviews on Edmunds, the owners are really satisfied. They give it a 9.6 rating and the power seems adequate but seems like it won't blow you away with 265 horsepower and 243 lbs. feet of torque. 0-60 times vary between 6.5 seconds and 7.0 seconds with the automatic, which seems like a dissapointment given its base price of around 41 which comes about out to 45 with options exluding the navigation system.

I've seen the car and think it looks great and is bigger than the 3 series interior. Anyone have some advice or know more about this car?

[bspaceman]

I once wanted an A5. It was the inspiration behind me looking at a new car. It lead me to my 335. The A5 interior is nice, but in the end, the better all around car won out in my opinion.

[CV335]

Originally Posted by Bmoney2K4

I don't know but for some people the 3 series sedan and coupe seems small. The only alternative I can think about is the Audi A5. Has anyone test driven this car or know someone who has one? Judging by the reviews on Edmunds, the owners are really satisfied. They give it a 9.6 rating and the power seems adequate but seems like it won't blow you away with 265 horsepower and 243 lbs. feet of torque. 0-60 times vary between 6.5 seconds and 7.0 seconds with the automatic, which seems like a dissapointment given its base price of around 41 which comes about out to 45 with options exluding the navigation system.

I've seen the car and think it looks great and is bigger than the 3 series interior. Anyone have some advice or know more about this car?

About 4 months ago I did a test drive on the S5. Ride was super comfortable...the acceleration and handling was awesome. Honestly I like the interiors of the A5/S5 better than the 335. However, I was debating between the 335 and the S5, but since the performance of both is pretty similar the lower price tag and better fuel economy of the 335 won me over.

In terms of price, the A5 and 335 are pretty similar. It just depends on what is more important to you. Interior appointments? Performance? Interior space? If your main concern is the available space for the occupants I dont' think the A5 is any more spacious than the 335. To me the S5 was more crowded than the bimmer coupe. If you are more concern about space you should consider the A4 and not the A5. Hope this helps

[barbados]

We just test drove an A4 for my girlfriend last weekend and got to look at the A5 and S5 that were in stock. They were really excellent looking cars. We liked the A4 looks as well but then we test drove one and were totally unimpressed. We're now looking at 328s instead, the A4 2.0T just putted around and the interior felt cheap. The A/S5 looked pretty comparable to the E92, with a more aggressive exterior that I liked.

[Bimmeration]

a5/s5 were the only selection i comtemplated on when picking out my 335

[John 070]

Driving the vehicles is the only way to decide. This is a BMW forum, so it wont provide any validation for Audi. Besides, who needs to be happy with the purchase, strangers on a forum or the person shelling out the cash? It's an AWD vehicle with the motor still mounted in front of the front axles so if you compare it to an 328i/335i there will be a difference. Compare it to an xi and BMW is still a RWD biased vehicle. Looks? There's no question which is the head turner (not the BMW).

[Deda]

a5/s5 is a good choice,and great looking.

[akack79]

A comparably equipped S5 compared to a E92 335i will cost you a few thouand more.....but A/S5 is one sweet looking car!!!

[ATSR]

Haven't seen the A5 in person, but I drove the S5 on the track and the steering felt like it wasn't connected to anything. Beautiful car, awesome V8 push, but the steering is a big disappointment.

[noro]

A5 design has a limited timespan. I saw it drive by me the other day. Some cars look stunning when they 1st come and then with time loose appeal. The A5 lines are way to soft to stand the test of time, the car looks too modern, modern as a concept has a shorter lifespan.

I can't believe I am saying this but E90 are starting to look better and better to me.

[Bunkei]

I'm an Audi man, and it used to be that BMW was always the pricier of the two. Boy, has times changed. As much as I like the new styling of the A5/S5, the performance per dollar ratio really pales in comparison. However, I don't believe that will prevent Audi from selling a whole bunch of these cars.

If I had the money, I'd probably opt for the 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan instead.

[TTG]

I am in the market for a S5 or M3..... I am about to pull the trigger on a S5 but I am really wondering if I am going to regret it..... I was very happy w/ my 335 and I am concerned that M3 (clearly besides its performance) won't be that much different.

I am also concerned about the huge depreciation Audi's have. BMW's do keep their values much better IMO.

[MJC///M3]

Originally Posted by TTG

I am in the market for a S5 or M3..... I am about to pull the trigger on a S5 but I am really wondering if I am going to regret it..... I was very happy w/ my 335 and I am concerned that M3 (clearly besides its performance) won't be that much different.

I am also concerned about the huge depreciation Audi's have. BMW's do keep their values much better IMO.

get the M3!!

or you will regret it.

[Davin]

tough decision

[TMNT]

I love the A5/S5. I think they look better than any of the 3 series, however the value you get from BMW is undeniable. You can get great deals on BMW's right now where the A5/S5 is still to new to get anything under MSRP. BMW also has great lease rates and financing APR's. BMW also included free maintenance.

Now if BMW offered the M-tech kit here in the states, game over in my opinion as those kits are beautiful!

That being said, if money wasn't an issue and I had to choose between the 335i coupe & S5, I'd choose the S5 hands down.

[BMWM3DREAM]

There are no good lease rates. BMW 335i 2500 down 540 including tax

335i coupe 3000 down 720-759 including tax

[nmulax]

I think I'm alone in not being impressed by the A/S5.
I like portions of the car... the front end and interior, even the rear end's not bad. But the side, especially the shoulder line ruins the car for me. Plus it's far too long.

Originally Posted by Bmoney2K4

I don't know but for some people the 3 series sedan and coupe seems small.

I'm suprised by this... I think the 3 series is getting to big.

Originally Posted by TMNT

Now if BMW offered the M-tech kit here in the states, game over in my opinion as those kits are beautiful!

You know BMW does offer the M-tech aero package here right? It's far from the full kit, but if you're going for the visual impact, you can get it.