PsychDoc

I like the lookof the new 5 series. A downsized 7 to be sure with all the sure-footedness BMW is known for. The interior is still a weakness aestheticaly, but you can't beat that BMW trademark power, handling and looks. Interior space could be better and you're certainly not getting maximum 'bang for your buck' with this car. As a pure driving machine, however, it has no peer in this comparo.

The new E doesn't really thrill me with its external appearance. It's interior is very pretty and it's got amazing interior space. I've never liked MB controls and switches. Not at all intuitive. The engine is a carry-over from the previous E series and is not a great powerplant. It's power output per litre is hardly class leading and it can get thrashy at higher RPM's. It excels at being a rolling status symbol, but as a a driving machine it leaves a bit to be desired in this (admittedly) rarefied subsegment. I've always loved MB suspensions. They seem to know how to design them to pretty much absorb potholes and road imperfections while still feeling connected to the road.

The A6 gives up a bit to it's teutonic rivals in the snob appeal category and their pricing hasn't remained the high end value leader that it once was, but the A6 is still one hell of a car. A powerful and free reving engine (thank goodness they put that horrible "3.2" [actually 3.1] out to pasture) mated to arguably the best awd system out there. Class leading interior aesthetics and plenty of rear seat room. The design is due for a refresh or complete overhaul soon so my fear here is that the exterior may look dated in a year or two. The major downside for this car is a ride that's overly harsh for real world NYC streets and conditions.

The M37 still looks ungainly to me. Others have raved about its sinewy good looks but to me, it just looks like an overweight G. On the positive side I've always loved the M's interior and it gives you unquestionable bang for your buck. Great power, steering and refinement for a car of it's size. Downsides are its terrible gas mileage and horrible resale value. Admittedly of lesser importance is the fact that it has virtually no snob appeal and you ahve to deal with their horible ("What-do-I-have-to-do-to-get-you-in-a-car-today," gold chain/pinky ring) salesmen.

So what do you guys think?

Would your recommendation change if it was a purchase vs. a lease?

HBaJ

535i..i drove an E60 535i and it was instant love, i can only imagine it to be better and with a delicious exterior its a win all over, and if i were to purchase id consider the 3.0T A6 a bit more but would still end up in the F10 haha

Shoofin

535 or M37 for me...

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

I agree with Shoofin, Doc. You're not getting rid of your 4G, are you? Buy the car unless you're trading out all the time or you can write it off.

Infamous425

how do you know the M37 has horrible gas mileage? their new 7 speed AT helps a lot.

the G37 and 335i get the same mpg 17/26

PsychDoc

I'm hanging on to my 4G. This is really for a friend of mine who's trying to make that decision now. I'm looking ahead about 3-4 years.

Costco

It's pretty much a given. The VQ has subpar fuel economy, even in the lighter G. My cousin's stock G35 coupe got worse real world fuel economy than my LS1 Camaro.... M37 will weigh quite a bit more than the G37. The addition of extra gears will help.... but not that much.

tsx2k10

def a 535i better performance and great customer service.

Saintor

A6 3.0T has some appeal... but it will be replaced soon. Unless it is 10K$ cheaper, I'd look elsewhere.

It depends on what you value, E350 or 5-series. The interior of the Benz is just fabulous and it is a serene car. The 5-series is likely to drive better than all.

The M37 looks already dated.

No pun intended, but being 60+, I have a feeling that you'll choose the Benz.

Crazy Bimmer

cmark

535 would be the first choice, then the M37

d-townhakuzo

I would agree with Shoofin and cmark. 535i or M37. But regarding the 535i, I would save up and get the 535xi...AWD ftw.

Shift_Acura

That ^

Senneca01

The F10 looks horribly outdated and ugly. It is possibly the worse looking 5-Series to date.

Most of them on the road will be stripper models that look like this. What a shame.

This design has already been seen for over a year now on the new 7-Series. BMW keeps recycling the same ugly and outdated design.

Crazy Bimmer

Nope, they will all look like this.

Aman

I was hoping to have illuminated door handles and thought I'd be the first.

Generally not a fan of the 5, but that looks great.

Anyways, back on topic, I'd take the A6. the M, E, and 5 all don't do anything for me in terms of styling. The A6 design is a classic and beautiful, and I love Audi's interiors.

TommySalami

My dad has the E60 535xi and it's a blast to drive, just killer torque at such low rpm, and a chip will make it a monster. It really doesn't feel as big as it is (compared to my TSX), and the quality of the interior really just feels top-notch.

F23A4

Honestly, debating fuel economy with respect to purchasing a premium sedan comes off as fairly absurd.

But if fuel economy has to play a significant role in said purchase then this is likely not the segment to be shopped and consideration should be given to loaded versions of the Accord V6, Camry V6 and Altima V6.....a bit less luxury, brand appeal and sport but respectable fuel economy with equal (if not better) reliability.

JediMindTricks

+1.

but i haven't driven any of them so i'm really going by just looks.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

We bought a CPO A6 back in 2008 and we LOVE it. We looked at the E-Class and 5-series but the combination of the car and the incredible Audi service won us over. The great deal we got didn't hurt either ...

So my recommendation would be the A6.

That said... I'd say drive them all... visit the dealers, and make a decision from there. Can't really go wrong with any of the choices

cmark

I can't agree more.

Senneca01

You mean it comes standard with 24-inch wheels and 4 flat tires?

How much does that option cost?