I’ve just (March) picked up my Mythos Black with Magma Red leather and lots of goodies on top of that S5 (coupe though!) after 2½ years in a 435D M-Sport Coupe! I tested a 440i (for a week) before I took delivery of my S5 but was never really interested as I knew I wanted a change from the BMW. Previous to the BMW, I’d had two A5s (both 3.0TDI) sandwiching a Merc C-Class Coupe in between, so I think I’m in a position to give a fairly neutral perspective - so here goes.....
Engines: The S5 is so much smoother than the 435D (obviously) and about on a par with the 440i for both acceleration and pulling through the gears. Both are great engines and can, under the right conditions both sound great. However, the BMW engine is definitely more fuel efficient from my experience (not that you get this sort of a car with that as a concern!). If I had to award points it’d be 1-0 to BMW (but only just).
Gearbox: Although they are the same - they are programmed differently and it does make a big difference. BMW have got their software spot on - it’s much smoother pulling away (in auto) and you can’t feeling the changes (either up or down). Now there is a post somewhere else on here about an update for the Audi but as I’ve not had it I’d have to say 2-0 BMW as theirs matches better with their engine at the moment than Audi’s does.
Steering: Love the flat bottom wheel on the Audi and it feels more chunky than the BMW wheel. In terms of actually steering the car (both had the standard steering) both turned in well and gripped (BMW was X-Drive and all my A/S5s have had Quattro) and the weighting was noticeably changed through the drive select when you wanted to change the feel - although it was purely the weight of the steering as neither system really had you feeling every stone on the road. So purely for the steering wheel itself I’ll give it the S5 (2-1)
Looks: Very subjective I know, but I never really fell in love with my BMW (even in Estoril Blue) compared to my first two A5s - and I like what they’ve done with the new one and the sharper creases and flared rear wheel arches. The only thing that gets my goat with the S5 was the poor choice of colours without going exclusive and £2.5k - however, ignoring the colour limitations it’s another one back for the Audi, 2-2
Interior: 3-2 Audi - simple. The BMW is clearly a generation behind. The Virtual Cockpit and massage seats in the S5 are lovely. Had HUD in the BMW but not in the S5, and don’t miss it at all thanks to the versatility of the VC. The B&O system is also better than the Harmon Kardon in the BMW. The seats are much better in the S5 too IMHO. One thing that is disappointing though in the Audi is that you can’t spec a leather dash. I really wanted one (and could have got one in the 4-Series) but Audi don’t offer it - not that the dash is bad, but leather would have taken it to another level.
IDrive / MMI: Both are very good although most prefer the idrive - I personally think they’re both intuitive and easy to use - although the traffic data on the BMW was utter dross compared to Google Maps on the S5 which directs me away from traffic jams unlike the BMW! Based on Google Maps alone that’s 4-2 Audi.
Now although that makes the final score seem slightly one sided, it’s important to note the 2 for the BMW were the engine and gearbox! Personally I loved my A5s and do the same my S5, and prefer Audi as a brand to BMW.
If you want to really ‘drive’ the car and get the rear end out, then get a BMW and the rear wheel drive 440i - and hopefully you won’t lose it on a roundabout. If you want to drive very fast and stay completely planted, but possibly have ever so slightly less fun, and enjoy a beautiful cabin at the same time, pick the S5 - you won’t be disappointed.
Also, those saying about the ‘value’ aspect - BMW offer crazy (25%+) discounts and although great on purchase absolutely destroy used values. Both my A5s were bought on PCP and had £1.5k and £2.5 equity in them when I traded in (after 1 ½ and 2 years). My BMW was in negative equity the whole way through and I had to VT (month 33/36) to get out of it! WBAC had it valued at £22k after 24 months - BMWs GFV / Balloon for after 3 years was £24.5k!).
Just my humble opinions but I’d go S5 everyday - which I did - I’ll also post a similar verdict on Bimmerpost (I’ve been a member on there for 3 years now and it really is a great read (especially the UK Off-Topic section)) because I’ve promised I will do when they found out I was ‘defecting’.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
. Our S3 has more issues than any Ford we've owned. Ultimately, try both, weigh them both up and decide. Forums for one make will be dangerously one sided for the most.
