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Re: So I tried an A6Q and a 530xi Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email]  (#32) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Justin VanAbrahams) on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:48:34
In Reply to: So I tried an A6Q and a 530xi, Chris L, Thu, 8 Jan 2009 18:08:18 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I drove a coworker's brand new (but MY2008) 528xi today... it's a nice package. I generally agree with you about the interiors - it's glitzy, but I didn't walk away with the impression that it was genuinely good. I do believe Audi leads the pack in terms of interiors. I hate, despise, and hold nothing but contempt for iDrive. At least the 5-series gets the mini-iDrive and not the full blown 7-series package. The styling, inside and out, is just blah.
Mechanically, I didn't notice anything funky with the transmission, but I did not care for the brakes - really awful initial bite that I *hate* in so many modern cars. For whatever reason, Saab always seems to get the brakes so very right. I'm sure the 530 has more spunk, but the 528 was plenty fun and generally did what I told it to do despite the no season tires at all four corners.
I will say that everything non-mechanical in the Bimmer is clearly better than my newish CTS-V. The plastics are better, the electronics are better, the generally feeling of solidity is better. He drove us out to lunch and I started thinking that maybe I'd made a mistake as I played around with things. But, but on the drive back I quickly realized I did exactly the right thing. It doesn't handle better, go better, or stop better. The things I find important in a car - which are not GPS systems, voice recognition, or LED parking lights - just can't be justified by the BMWs price tag. At least, not by me, anyway. :)
As far as the 9-5 goes, like Mike I think I'm one of the few that really like the new look. The 9-5 was so bland looking in everything but Aero Wagon trim I really started to resent it. The new 9-5 looks very good, and still retains it's simple but functional interior. I do not enjoy the driving dynamics at all, but it's an easy, comfortable cruiser. Quite honestly, I don't think the extra dough for Audi or BMW is ultimately worthwhile either - they're "better," but not better enough to justify actually forking over any additional coin, you know? I'm sure the big V8s from either make change the story, but the pedestrian low/midrange cars are all bark and no bite. I'd rather drive the 9-5 and have a couple kickass vacations during the year.
posted by 12.71.42...
, Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:48:34 <-- Viewing This Message
, Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:55:09
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