03-08-2019, 03:07 PM | #1 |
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After a dozen years, considering a move from BMW to Audi
So while I am excited about the G20 launch, and my exec lease on an F06 ends in July, I am considering an A4 after 5 BMWs. Three reasons:
Curious as to this group's thoughts...
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03-08-2019, 04:03 PM | #3 |
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I had the same thoughts as you but I would reconsider going the Audi route.
I was involved in a deer accident last Christmas in my F25. Luckily my girlfriend and I both survived, I was going about 90km/h before the deer came out of nowhere in front of my car. The vehicle was totalled but because of the circumstances, I don't think I will trust any other brand with my life after that accident, the inside cabin remains clear of any damage (with the exception of all 3 airbags popping), and the front of the vehicle was still partially intact (with grille damage, lights were broken, but shape of hood and front looks good with very little push in). The emergency system was also very quick, the car dialed 911 as soon as the accident occurred, and the officer that showed up told me that his radar was blaring and he made his way here as soon as possible. For one, BMW technology is amazing, and also, the structure of the vehicle remains pretty much the same even after hitting a deer going at high speeds. As a result, I had researched extensively to look for a replacement vehicle, looking at everything from safety, design, technology, performance, etc. In the end, I still chose the G20 because it is a great vehicle that is very well designed compared to competitors (A4 & C300) and it is a newer vehicle. The fact that Mercedes and Audi come with fake exhaust tips for their new cars is rather disappointing to me, and it makes me feel that they are cutting corners. If they cut corners in one area as small as a exhaust tip, you never know what other parts of the vehicle they have made compromises on. I recently bought a new G20 as the replacement vehicle, and I have been very impressed so far. I have been driving the vehicle for well over a week now and it is a very nice experience. The car is very intelligent (far more than my F25) and it has a very nice sound. The technology is so advanced that I feel some of it is pretty superfluous for that matter. Regardless, I think BMW is a very reliable company that makes amazing cars. Maybe reconsider buying an Audi and continue onwards with BMW. That is my story and my opinion, good luck! |
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03-08-2019, 04:08 PM | #4 |
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If you don't care about the driving dynamics, then there's no reason not to go to Audi. Audi has better interiors and a better tech. It sounds like your primary concern is the tech, and interior. That's always going to be Audi's strong suit.
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03-08-2019, 04:18 PM | #5 |
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Good options to have at this price point. I leased a 330 M sport and you're right that they're not giving the best discounts compared to the other two cars. Not sure if you've had a chance to drive these 3 cars back to back. I test drove the A5 sportback against the 330 M sport. The lease prices were comparable since the A5 sportback is in higher demand than the A4. I've been driving rear wheel drive cars for the last 12 yrs and the A5 drove ok but it's not very exciting. You don't get that rear-drive push that's associated with 'sporty' cars. In city driving you wouldn't be able to tell much of a difference, but the A5's short comings are more apparent when you're tossing it around. It's not a 'playful' car like the new 3er. The new 3er is light on its feet and nimble. Again, if you don't need something as sporty and the price is right, it's hard to argue with the A4/A5. Good luck!
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03-08-2019, 07:12 PM | #6 |
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If you are leasing, you better spec out an Audi and look at their lease program. It's generally horrid.
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03-08-2019, 07:33 PM | #7 |
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03-08-2019, 07:33 PM | #8 |
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Nah, I remember when I was first shopping for my first car, (2 years ago) I was looking at buying a Audi A4 and I remember I was so dedicated to buy an Audi, keep in mind I never drove a bmw or Mercedes in my life at that point, I remember driving the A4 how boring it was. It was just like driving a ordinary car just suited up with nice leather seats and nice feeling buttons... it was so uninspiring l.. I went to a different dealership and the salesmen asked me to try a BMW (13' 328i) and see if I like it, instantly sold on buying a BMW... just amazing car felt so sporty and solid, looks amazing on the outside and the interior was just perfect... never driving anything but a BMW..... Just waiting now on my 2020 M340i to show up so excited for the G20
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03-08-2019, 08:21 PM | #9 |
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With my lease coming up in seven short weeks, I have been in a mad scramble to test driving everything. One of my thoughts, coming from an M4 competition, was to downsize a bit and perhaps get into an Audi S4. Going from an $82,000 car to a $62,000 car sounds so appealing on a paper basis. Surprisingly, through checking Edmonds, the S4 lease rates right now are crazy good. Basically they’re giving them away. The money factor works out to about 1.5% versus current BMW lease rates which work out to about 4.25%
So, naturally, I test drove one. I thought the exterior was a little tepid, but the interior was pretty damn good. The drive, however, left me wanting more. The turbo V6 feels and sounds so corporate, lifeless and boring. The gear shifts are fine and the ride is decent, but overall I came away feeling that the car was a really nice Jetta. Curious your thoughts once you test drive.
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03-08-2019, 09:34 PM | #10 |
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How about test driving a Genesis G70 3.3T while you’re at it?
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03-08-2019, 10:43 PM | #12 |
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I've never owned a VAG product. I do know the A4 sits on the MLB platform which uses a longitudinally mounted engine with a fully symmetrical drivetrain. It is a very good AWD system, and is fitted to all but the entry level models.
Now, there are drawbacks to using a FWD architecture. Mainly that the weight distribution is way off and the engine hangs way over the front axle. However, this does save cost and the symmetrical drivetrain does remedy a lot of issues that plague most transverse FWD platforms (like both VW’s and MINI’s vehicles). Audis also have impeccable interiors and are way ahead of BMW on interior technology. I personally care more about driving dynamics so I am excited for the G20/G80. But if you're the type that places more value on the in-cabin experience and very sharp exterior styling, then the Audi is a VERY solid choice. |
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03-08-2019, 11:38 PM | #13 |
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Public service/good samaritan comment: Don't do it.
In 2016, my wife fell for the "pretty face" and we dropped $60k-something on a new A6 3.0T Prestige. In the two years we put up with it before dumping, the electronics were erratic, the transmission could not execute smooth upshifts in city driving (per dealer: several other complaints - no fix), and then the rotors warped before 15k miles. The prized "in-cabin" experience included a radio which turned its own volume on/off, ATC settings which changed without us changing them, backup features which did not function per the menu, and "comfort access" exterior door handles which sometimes did/didn't work just to get inside! AoA denied rotor warranty, blamed "wear and tear" and the tech was told how to complete the repair order to support their position despite actually telling me he found the rotors were pristine and looked almost unused, other than being quite warped, resulting in the pedal pulsation, otherwise known as a "DEFECT"! Between poor quality and low integrity, I cannot imagine ever sending VW/Audi another nickel for anything. Caveat emptor! Final insult...the selling Audi dealer gave us a lowball offer as a used car. We got over a grand more at a nearby dealer of a Japanese brand for his used car lot. No need to evaluate Audi on misguided basis of it being a dressed up VW... it failed on its own merits.
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03-09-2019, 07:42 AM | #14 | |
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This post were just random thoughts sorry. Ha. |
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03-09-2019, 08:30 AM | #15 | |
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03-09-2019, 08:47 AM | #16 | |
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I've heard that Honda interior and tech is as good as Germans. Kia and Hyundai close too. Golf R is light years ahead of A4. Never mind the driving characteristics |
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03-09-2019, 09:02 AM | #17 |
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I have tried the A4 back in 2017 and was not thrilled so I went back to BMW. It was more about driving characteristic. Then again each to their own as they say.
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03-09-2019, 09:06 AM | #18 | |
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You make valid points. But you should test drive the A4 and see how it compares. It will never drive as good as a bimmer. And yes, they lease very poorly due to high residuals. |
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03-09-2019, 02:56 PM | #19 | |
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Just a sheer experience of trying a completely different brand would be fun. I did it the other way around, from VAG to BMW. I was bored with the same design language, similar buttons, interfaces, etc. The beauty of a lease, in 3 years you can come back to BMW or better yet try a Benz. The ONLY reason as to why I would pause and think twice about A4 (but not about Audi as a brand) is that you're walking away from one of the most beautiful BMW cars ever made, the 6 series, and you're putting yourself into a vanilla sedan. Presence on the road and the looks of that A4 will be slim to none compared to the 6 series. That's obviously your personal preference and may not matter to you at all. Good luck on your choice !
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03-09-2019, 03:46 PM | #20 |
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I went from an F30 330d to an Audi A4 2.0 TDI quattro, fully loaded with everything including massage seats and adaptive suspension. Everything comfort-related in the Audi is nicer (suspension, road noise, comfort), however there is only one downside:
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a4-...e-lag-2938803/ What the people are complaining here is very real. There is gas pedal lag in normal drive mode beyond a normal turbo lag. It's the only issue with the car and makes it feel very non-sporty. The A4 in full dynamic sport shifting mode, feels more or less as the F30 in standard mode. |
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03-09-2019, 05:56 PM | #21 | ||
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03-09-2019, 05:57 PM | #22 | |
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