Review of the S5 from a Z4M and 335I coupe owner (with pics)

[ska///235i]

if both were free and I had to choose one.....S5
sorry

[renasis]

man, thats a damn sexy car, i would be all over it if it came out before my 335i did.

[alby on boost]

damn. that looks good

[Los Angeles]

Originally Posted by eldy

The 650's sunroof doesn't open either. It only tilts.

This roof doesn't retract?

All this time I had a misconception.

[devo]

It's not that the S5 is slow, it's just that it's powerband is so linear -like many cars today- that it feels slow as it builds speed deceptively.

I haven't driven the S5 (the general dynamics of these cars are similar), but the S4 is a fast car and the S5 is even faster. It will certainly run faster than the Z4 and at least as fast or faster than the 335i.

With that said, it isn't as involving nor as exciting as the 335i or xi, imho.

[eshtog]

Originally Posted by devo

It's not that the S5 is slow, it's just that it's powerband is so linear -like many cars today- that it feels slow as it builds speed deceptively.

I haven't driven the S5 (the general dynamics of these cars are similar), but the S4 is a fast car and the S5 is even faster. It will certainly run faster than the Z4 and at least as fast or faster than the 335i.

With that said, it isn't as involving nor as excited as the 335i or xi, imho.

It will not be faster than a Z4M.

[devo]

Originally Posted by eshtog

It will not be faster than a Z4M.

Agreed. My bad, I didn't see the M.

I just test drove a black S5. Sexy car. Definately a nice GT sports coupe. A little uninvolving and detached feeling, but fast, nonetheless. The powerband is so liear that it does mask it's speed very well.

It was pouring rain when we went, so I had a chance to push it's limits on the soaked, leaf covered roads. Very confidence inspiring.

I thought the car had an excellent build quality and a very quiet cabin, with the exception of the throaty exhaust, which I loved. Very good low end power, a crisp throttle response and nice short throws through the gear box.

I felt as though the power spiked a little around 5k, but even with the spike it felt kind of empty in the upper revs.

Like everyone has said, the interior is very well executed and has a luxury feel to it.

I still prefer the 335xi for feedback and driving excitment. To me, the S5 is just a more refined, slightly more powerful S4, that is much prettier. In reality, it's probably much more than that, but my test drive was only 15-20 miles.

[Reckamech]

I drove a S5 today and I have nothing but good things to say about the looks and quality of the car. The sunroof issue is a disappointment but I think I could get over it. The car is beautiful. It kinda made me feel like a grown up. I am 33 with 3 kids Ya know how your dad had his car and everyone knew it was dads car. The S5 seem really mature. Now is it worth the premium over the 335i?

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

Your Z4M gets 125MPG? Is it electric?

Its a hydrogen powered Z4M with 118HP.

[e90pdto]

Originally Posted by Artz 330

S5 is heavy. Drove one too, and it felt like a boat compared to both 335i and M. Altho the 335i feels like a boat compared to the z4m

QFT.

I have never drove a S5 though
but I can imagine what the extra weight and AWD does to the overall impression to a car.

I think the size of the car has a lot to do with it as well.
A 335i is not even 300lbs heavier than a Z4M, but the difference in handling is so huge, and it really does make the 335i feel like a big floating boat.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by toattett

QFT.

I have never drove a S5 though
but I can imagine what the extra weight and AWD does to the overall impression to a car.

I think the size of the car has a lot to do with it as well.
A 335i is not even 300lbs heavier than a Z4M, but the difference in handling is so huge, and it really does make the 335i feel like a big floating boat.

Thank you. Finally someone that owns both cars like I do. All the BS on this forum about how the 335i handles better than a Z4M because of what some mag drivers tested. Now a guy that has experience with both cars states the same impressions I have of these cars.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Artz 330

Thank you. Finally someone that owns both cars like I do. All the BS on this forum about how the 335i handles better than a Z4M because of what some mag drivers tested. Now a guy that has experience with both cars states the same impressions I have of these cars.

The Z4M is a blast! Hell, I think the S54 is a blast in general.

I'm sad now!

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

The Z4M is a blast! Hell, I think the S54 is a blast in general.

I'm sad now!

it is

[Hawkeye]

Yeah, for 60K am I suprised by reviews like this. I love the looks of the S5 but I think an M3 would be more fun.

[Greeney]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Yeah, for 60K am I suprised by reviews like this. I love the looks of the S5 but I think an M3 would be more fun.

$50,500 your 9,500 bucks off here...

[sflgator]

Originally Posted by Greeney

$50,500 your 9,500 bucks off here...

Base price, which is ~ $9,000 more than the base price of the 335i. I think most "well-equipped" S5's will run close to $60k (or more), while the E92 M3 will be a bit higher. Let's compare apples-apples please.

[Greeney]

In that case, the M3 isnt a proper comparison either. Compare the S5 to something in the class with AWD and comparable power, it has to be the 335xi. It is still more expensive than that but not by much.

[sflgator]

Originally Posted by Greeney

In that case, the M3 isnt a proper comparison either. Compare the S5 to something in the class with AWD and comparable power, it has to be the 335xi. It is still more expensive than that but not by much.

Didn't know that you need AWD in Boca...ha ha.

[Greeney]

Originally Posted by sflgator

Didn't know that you need AWD in Boca...ha ha.

Touché

[Archibald Donnington]

What a weak car, honestly. If you're into a beautiful, slick looking car with a taylored (yet distracting) interior, then you've finally found your new ride. The engine (unquestionably slower) and the drive are disconnected as is the steering. It just is what it is. Not a 335, not a 650, but something somewhere in-between, and off to the side just a bit, with a slice of white truffle. Good job on the Audi design team though, what a PIECE!!!
aaron

[devo]

Originally Posted by Greeney

$50,500 your 9,500 bucks off here...

Add $1,300 GG, Dest. and just a couple of options and your at $55,000-$56,000. He's not off that much.

[shipill]

Originally Posted by renasis

man, thats a damn sexy car, i would be all over it if it came out before my 335i did.

+1