I'm starting to lean pretty hard towards a 2012 TL SHAWD 6MT, but also trying to think what else is out there in terms of AWD 6MT in its size segment.

The only real worthy competitor (price/performance) is the 2012 Subaru Legacy GT. While not a bad option, the price difference to upscale to the TL is worth every penny IMO.

What else is there? Cant get the G37 AWD with a 6MT

 

The only other thing I can think of is

Prev gen 528i/535i xDrive

And on the bit smaller side
S4/A4
Impreza
Evo

Honestly, that's it, it's a pretty short list unfortunately.

With Saab gone so is the 93x aero, the new 5 series can't be had with a manual :| And we don't get half the fun cars that are still sold in europe.

If I was doing it again ...

I'd get a base legacy 2.5i and use the extra dough for a used s2k

 

Yea, not many options out there really, I'm looking forward to seeing the next gen G37 thats scheduled to come out this fail. Well, at least that's the rumour.

 

There's also the ATS which is coming, and will be available in AWD and in Manual, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to combine the both.

Cursory search says no.

I also looked at the G37 before getting my TL, was a very nice and capable car, couldn't stand the transmission (or the local dealer network, but that's another story)

 

New golf R also, it's a smaller footprint but the golf is quite roomy, and it's a hatch. (I'm 6'2", 290 so I'm a decent but not quite edge case test for a car's roominess fwiw).

 

As far as a luxury mid size sedan with AWD and 6MT, I'm pretty sure the TL is the only option. There are other luxury mids with 6MT + RWD however, and not mentioned above for luxury sedans of a smaller variety that offer this combo, is the 2011 335ix 6MT. You can still get that car new and the new gen 2012+ model should offer it and be out soon enough.

As mentioned, the mid sized Legacy GT is a great option as well but I think the $8k premium on the TL isn't too hard to justify or quantify in terms of dollar value with it's torque vectoring differential, overall performance, level of tech, features and refinement, over the GT. Not to mention, the better/bigger discount will likely come form the TL anyway. Nontheless, the Legacy is a great value as well especially for where it competes and what it's priced at.

 

I'd be surprised if they don't offer the Audi S4 with Quattro and a clutch, but just like any Audi/VW product, when the brake light bulb goes out, it's a $500 trip to the dealer because it breaks the cruise control and air conditioning controls. (No, I'm not making that up, it really happened).

 

OMG!!!



I remember in 2009/2010 when shopping for a new car, I told myself I just wanted AWD and manual trans. That limited me to basically 4 cars...and the Jeep Wrangler. LOL

that's the ONLY reason I bought the 2010 TL as I used to hate the looks...

I'm surprised Mercedes and Infiniti didn't and STILL doesn't offer this combo