[TK-421]

Originally Posted by Levi

I already guessed it some time ago. His next car is probably going to be an A7 Sportback.
BTW the new Cayenne is really nice in ALL ways.

I just don't like the tail lights. I thought the previous one looked fantastic.

[Ti335]

Went to the dealer today and ended up buying the car. With the S-line suspension, it handles great and feels very tossable. I'm not sure why people keep saying that the A5 is heavy. The 2.0T Quattro is about 3600 lbs, which, incidentally, is exactly what the 328i xdrive weighs.

The steering is a bit light but firms up at speed and provides good feedback. Most importantly, the 2.0T motor seems to work really well in conjucntion with the new 8-speed tiptronic. Turbo lag is minimal, and the car pulls hard all the way up to 6,000 rpm (even with 3 people in the car and AC on). To be clear, this car is no 335i, but it certainly isn't sluggish.

Now I just have to wait till November for Audi to build it...

[BenTrovato]

Congratulations! I love seeing people step out of their zone and trying new things.

Are you selling your 335i? I'm about to purchase one this weekend.

[Quasimodem]

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

Porsche Cayenne?

Is that based on the new chasis used in the latest Touareg? VW got rid of the air suspension (stupid move IMHO).

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

Congratulations! I love seeing people step out of their zone and trying new things.

Are you selling your 335i? I'm about to purchase one this weekend.

Nope...the 335 is leased.

[1BMW4fun]

I'm contemplating of replacing my 328 with an S4.

[Raine]

Originally Posted by cloakster

IMO, that's exactly what a bimmer is. Your switch to an A5 is basically going to be trading in the performance and handling of a bimmer for the amazing exterior and interior of an Audi. So, its basically down to what you want more out of your car. I personally love the look of the new A5, but the loss in performance would not be worth it for me.

This is pretty much the case. Audis do look sexy, but it depends what you want from your car. Definitely get an S4 or S5!

[footie]

Originally Posted by Ti335

Went to the dealer today and ended up buying the car. With the S-line suspension, it handles great and feels very tossable. I'm not sure why people keep saying that the A5 is heavy. The 2.0T Quattro is about 3600 lbs, which, incidentally, is exactly what the 328i xdrive weighs.

The steering is a bit light but firms up at speed and provides good feedback. Most importantly, the 2.0T motor seems to work really well in conjucntion with the new 8-speed tiptronic. Turbo lag is minimal, and the car pulls hard all the way up to 6,000 rpm (even with 3 people in the car and AC on). To be clear, this car is no 335i, but it certainly isn't sluggish.

Now I just have to wait till November for Audi to build it...

Congratulations on your choice, regardless on what others think you will enjoy it for many a year. What colour combination did you pick?

[akhter]

I used to have a 335i when I lived in Japan. After the new A5 and then A4 came out, started suffering from Audi lust. After moving to HK I didn't want to get another 3 series--wanted something different. Was all set on the A5 2.0T quattro with s-tronic (DSG).

Then I test drove it. After hearing so many good things about the 2.0 engine I guess my expectations were high but the engine is not at all smooth. there is a lag and then a big woosh of power. I would take a 325i over that any day just for the smoothness. The brakes were grabby (non-linear) and the suspension was floaty (no audi-drive select).

All in all was hugely disappointed. Then I test drove the F10 5 series--that feels like an upgraded experience over the 3er

[NFS13]

Originally Posted by Ti335

Went to the dealer today and ended up buying the car. With the S-line suspension, it handles great and feels very tossable. I'm not sure why people keep saying that the A5 is heavy. The 2.0T Quattro is about 3600 lbs, which, incidentally, is exactly what the 328i xdrive weighs.

The steering is a bit light but firms up at speed and provides good feedback. Most importantly, the 2.0T motor seems to work really well in conjucntion with the new 8-speed tiptronic. Turbo lag is minimal, and the car pulls hard all the way up to 6,000 rpm (even with 3 people in the car and AC on). To be clear, this car is no 335i, but it certainly isn't sluggish.

Now I just have to wait till November for Audi to build it...

I traded my A5 2.0T 3 months ago after having it about 6 months. The power was OK since it was used as my basic everyday car and I have another to play with. But having come from a 335 in the past, and now owning one again, I can say that the A5 is in no way "tossable" in stock form. The suspension is set up for comfort and has plenty of body roll. Don't get me wrong, the car is very nice and the interior is killer! But its apples and oranges from the 335.
Also, pray that they change the tire from the Pirelli P6. This tire is crap for that suspension set up and can cause vibration at higher speeds.

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by footie

Congratulations on your choice, regardless on what others think you will enjoy it for many a year. What colour combination did you pick?

Thanks! I went for Monza Silver with alcantara interior.

Originally Posted by NFS13

I traded my A5 2.0T 3 months ago after having it about 6 months. The power was OK since it was used as my basic everyday car and I have another to play with. But having come from a 335 in the past, and now owning one again, I can say that the A5 is in no way "tossable" in stock form. The suspension is set up for comfort and has plenty of body roll.

Was yours an S-line? I find that there is a huge difference between regular and S-line suspensions. It's even more noticeable than sport vs. non-sport in the E90.

[footie]

Originally Posted by Ti335

Thanks! I went for Monza Silver with alcantara interior.


Was yours an S-line? I find that there is a huge difference between regular and S-line suspensions. It's even more noticeable than sport vs. non-sport in the E90.

Good choice of colour, looks brilliant.

S-Line suspension is quite similar in feel to the stock S4 suspension which works extremely well, both in comfort and control. Anyhow, everyone will give you their opinion on your purchase and their experiences, nothing wrong with that but always remember that this is them and not you. You already know how good the 3er was and have enough experience with those cars to know whether you'll like your new purchase.

Having owned an S5 I know how good you will feel about yourself every time you step out of your house/shop/restaurant and catch a glimpse of the thing you are driving because it's the A5 is a thing of beauty.

[MediaArtist]

I don't understand why this presents such a "big step" for anyone. Brands, and interest change. If someone went from a 335i to a Ford Mustang, or vice versa, why does it matter?

[NFS13]

Quote: Was yours an S-line? I find that there is a huge difference between regular and S-line suspensions. It's even more noticeable than sport vs. non-sport in the E90.[/QUOTE]

No, I probably would had stepped up to the S5 instead of the "S" package. The sport package with suspension put the base model cost into Certified S5 territory.

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by NFS13

No, I probably would had stepped up to the S5 instead of the "S" package. The sport package with suspension put the base model cost into Certified S5 territory.

That's not really an apples to apples comparison. A used S5 should be compared to a used A5, not a brand new one.

The price structure may be different in the states, but up here, the after-tax difference between similarly equipped A5 S-line and S5 is around $13,500. The S5 was tempting, but the rational side of me took over as I realized that I'd be pissing money away on performance "potential" that I'd seldom have a chance to take advantage of. 95% of my driving is commuting around town on my way to and from work.

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by footie

Good choice of colour, looks brilliant.

S-Line suspension is quite similar in feel to the stock S4 suspension which works extremely well, both in comfort and control. Anyhow, everyone will give you their opinion on your purchase and their experiences, nothing wrong with that but always remember that this is them and not you. You already know how good the 3er was and have enough experience with those cars to know whether you'll like your new purchase.

Having owned an S5 I know how good you will feel about yourself every time you step out of your house/shop/restaurant and catch a glimpse of the thing you are driving because it's the A5 is a thing of beauty.

Thanks! I must admit, A5's looks played a big role in my purchase decision. There's something about the car's lines and proportions that make it look almost exotic...

[footie]

Originally Posted by Ti335

That's not really an apples to apples comparison. A used S5 should be compared to a used A5, not a brand new one.

The price structure may be different in the states, but up here, the after-tax difference between similarly equipped A5 S-line and S5 is around $13,500. The S5 was tempting, but the rational side of me took over as I realized that I'd be pissing money away on performance "potential" that I'd seldom have a chance to take advantage of. 95% of my driving is commuting around town on my way to and from work.

You are a rare breed, i.e. place common sense ahead of pleasure. After owning an S5 with it's sweet sounding v8 I can fully understand why you were tempted but you rightly weighed everything up and made the wiser decision.

Another thing, regardless of what the others have been saying but the 2.0TFSI quattro is a sweeter handling car than the S5.

[NFS13]

Originally Posted by Ti335

That's not really an apples to apples comparison. A used S5 should be compared to a used A5, not a brand new one.

The price structure may be different in the states, but up here, the after-tax difference between similarly equipped A5 S-line and S5 is around $13,500. The S5 was tempting, but the rational side of me took over as I realized that I'd be pissing money away on performance "potential" that I'd seldom have a chance to take advantage of. 95% of my driving is commuting around town on my way to and from work.

Notice I said "certified S5" in my second paragraph.

[NFS13]

Originally Posted by footie

You are a rare breed, i.e. place common sense ahead of pleasure. After owning an S5 with it's sweet sounding v8 I can fully understand why you were tempted but you rightly weighed everything up and made the wiser decision.

Another thing, regardless of what the others have been saying but the 2.0TFSI quattro is a sweeter handling car than the S5.

The A5 2.0t is a sweeter handling car than the S5 ???? Are you high?

[footie]

Originally Posted by NFS13

The A5 2.0t is a sweeter handling car than the S5 ???? Are you high?

Not high, just someone who might know a little more about these cars than you.

[Ti335]

Originally Posted by NFS13

The A5 2.0t is a sweeter handling car than the S5 ???? Are you high?

Since S-line and S5 have essentially the same suspension setup and the former is 300 lbs lighter, how can it not handle better?

And "certified" still means used, last time I checked...

[335ifanatic]

I prefer my 328i over my A5. My 328i feels much tighter, the A5 doesn't feel as tight or connected. Look wise tho I think the A5 makes the E92 look a bit dated.