adamrogers

Ok - so Motor Trend and Car and Driver have done reviews comparing the Audi S6, MB E63 AMG and the M5.

Forget that review, my question is how does the S6 compare to a 550i?

Personally, I paid north of 70k for my 550i so it seems the S6 is comparably priced.

I've had my 550i for for about 9 months and I love the way it drives. I could use a bit more speed (who couldn't?). But my biggest problem with the 550i is that I can't stand iDrive. Can't stand how long it takes to boot up and how sluggish it is. And the Navigation system is almost useless. I know the name of the place I want to go to... I even know the city. But I have to weed through categories of "locations" in hopes to find the destination I'm looking for.

Personally, I think the 550i with the M-kit is better looking on the outside. But it seems like the S6 may outperform the 550i and from what I've heard, the controls (along with navigation) is far superior to iDrive.

I know this is a BMW forum and I'm not trying to start anything but just curious what you all think.

I apologize if this has been covered - I searched but the search engine won't let me search for 2 character words like "S6".

AlexFW

The 550i is faster than S6, for sure : I have encountered an S6, months ago, and it isn't faster than me .. Only a little, maybe .

Automatic gearbox, 4WD , weight ... The S6 isn't fast ...

Rudy

Here's some threads with search hits on the term "S6":

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=34676
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=33997
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=19163

There's probably more out there but for now, I hope that helps you out...

SergeyM

You gotta be kidding, 360bhp 4.8 liter V8 cannot be faster that 435bhp 5.2 liter V10.

swajames

• The S6 scored a first and two second places in three recent tests against the M5 and E63 AMG - Automobile also did the same comparison test.
• The M5 finished below the S6 in all of these tests. Note that the M5's on test included both manual and SMG.
• The S6 also does not suffer because of weight or AWD. The S6 slalomed faster and pulled more lateral G than the M5.
• It was generally noted to be the best sounding of the three

I posted links to some of the reviews in a recent thread - maybe one of the threads that Rudy posted.

Bottom line - despite being closer in price to the 550, the S6 is beating and matching the M5. To answer your question, the S6 compares very favorably to the 550 and it is the better, faster car.

0700700

nothing is faster than his 545i

BMWFan

Well I had an 04' 545i w/SMG and just recently picked up the S6, mainly because of all of the iDrive issues, no Bluetooth, No iPod, No MP3 and not the best for snowy mornings. Also, I wanted more, I considered the M5 and the E63 AMG but in the end the S6 was a "bargain" that I couldn't pass-up. Here are my impressions

1) S6 is faster than the 545i (I would assume similar to a 550i) it has amazing pull and the exhaust note is sooo good that sometimes you have to turn off the radio and open the windows
2) Although the S6 is far heavier it handles extremely well. I'm not sure I would easily put it ahead of the M5 or an E63 AMG but I believe it out handles my previous E60
3) I liked SMG 60% of the time, it was great for spirited driving and the Auto in the S6 is "ok" not as good as the one in my AMG.
4) Regarding features, comfort and electronics: I loved the Comfort seats and HUD in the E60 but the MMI is much easier to use, and it boots up in less than 5 seconds each morning!!! The bluetooth is outstanding, it connects everytime. The sound system sounds great and all of the electronics work trouble free. I use to tell everyone how I believed iDrive was the future but after using MMI I think BMW has to do a major upgrade to iDrive.
5) Quattro....works real well, if you read the reviews the S6 doesnt win in power or speed but it shines in handling and braking!!! The area that BMW usually wins hands down.

pennetta

The M5 tested was a traditional 6spd stick not the 7 spd SMG. The article said that BMW won't let you turn off all of the DSC and other electronic nannies like you can with the SMG car. So if your driving 9/10th or above you're going to get slapped back. Kind of feels like you drove into a pond or something, anyway it does not make for spirited driving or good performance numbers.

swajames

One of the three recent comparison tests was with the SMG - the other two ran the new six speed.

pennetta

Are you saying the S6 won over a M5 SMG?