I know there was another thread on comparing to 5 series, but it was focused more on the higher end 535x vs the RLX-SH

Got a 528i loaner today (i3 in for sw upgrade)

First impressions compared to my PAWS:

I thought the RLX was quiet, but the 528i is just as if not more quiet.
The Nav Screen is beautiful. It really makes the RLX seem a generation or more behind. Plus, the voice recognition seems better. It also has heads up display.
For Audio and other controls, I've gotten used to the BMW controls from the i3 and it does make the RLX seem clunky or not well thought out.
Quality of finish is very good, on par if not better than RLX. Just by sight, the interior seems to be just as big.

Haven't had a chance to really drive it yet, so have no opinion there.
Overall, I was impressed. Have no idea what the cost comparison is.

 

Few more observations:

Obviously suspension is much better in the BMW
It oddly has brake regeneration and it is not a hybrid. Wonder how much that really saves.
The control buttons for switching display to Nav, Radio, Tel, etc are oddly placed. They are on the center console next to the shift nob. However, the center console as it goes forward from the arm rest is slanted downward. The buttons are around the round control knob. So the button on the NE side which happens to be the Nav cannot be seen. It is blocked by the raised control knob. I even raised my head to hit the roof and you cannot see it. You have to lean forward. I'm sure its only a few times in the car and you know its there, but just seemed odd to be at that angle

 

The 528i starts at $50k. Fully loaded it's at $80k.

 

The brake regen is not what I thought. There's no change in the brake system. They just have a clutch on the alternator to engage and disengage. Under normal conditions, it only engages when driver is braking or not accelerating.

 

For 80 k I rather buy GSF

 

I did not like the cheap interior of my friends '14 5-series. Too many horizontal buttons along the dash.

 

LOL please be real, nobody is going to buy a 80K 528i. Most 528i you see on the road only has Premium package and some other options like heated seats, or upgraded sound system. NAV is standard on current 5 series. Some has sport package. Most of them are under 55K.

A BMW will always be a BMW. More refined, more fun to drive but less reliable and more expensive to maintain.

If you drive under 15K miles a year, it makes sense to buy or lease a BMW. They come with free maintenance for 4year/50K miles. Buy the extended warranty that covers up to 6 years/100K miles and you'll be set for that long.

The basic math: your 50K (plus $2-3K for extended warranty) 528i will be valued at $12K after 5+years/80K miles. Private sale will put you around $15K. So give or take $7K a year on average.

If you lease it for 3 years, your payment will be around $650 with minimal money down. There is no need for extended warranty. So you still look at around $7K a year to drive it.

If you buy used, the maintenance cost after 4 years/50K miles will still put you at around 7K a year (monthly payment + repair/maintenance cost).

There you go. This is my experience after owning a new and a used BMWs. I would lease one next time.

 

lol, well that's more like $85k.....

For $80k, you can get a 550i (base at $66k) with quite a few packages and options.

 

RCF has been discounted 15K. You can buy them new for 58K. MSRP 73K.

GSF will be seriously discounted soon. There are 509 GSF unsold in the USA. People paid 73K this week for a new one. $8K off MSRP are already on few GSF dealers across the USA.


528 and 550 leases are pretty cheap, that would be the way to go on those cars

 

I hate to say this, but after driving both cars in succession, the interior of the 528i seems nicer. It even seems slightly larger. Maybe I'm just more accustomed to the RLX.

That said, I would not pay significantly more for the 528i over the RLX assuming the suspension and Nav issues are fixed going forward.

 

I thought RCF starts at $63k...??
Build Your Lexus

I don't think it's $73k man......a M4 starts at $65k and is faster....

Haha, I wouldn't be surprised if Lexus has to offer some big discount for GS-F. Its performance is probably on par with a 550i, but its pricing is closer to a M5 instead....