Originally Posted by PSULion' date='Mar 2 2005, 12:41 PM

As I have posted before, I currently drive an '02 540 that comes off of lease in late May.? I have driven just about everything...A6, A8, RL, LS, 545, etc.? Without a doubt, the 545 was my overall favorite especially because it was the most fun to drive.? However, I live in a cold weather state and the AWD is very tempting.? I also have to have V8 (need that torque!),? but the A6 just doesn't do it for me.

A buddy of mine picked up a Black '05 STS with AWD drive last week (he also has a 330xi).? Based on his urging, I decided to go test drive the STS since there is a dealer 10 mins from me...my thought was just to eliminate it from consideration.? While it certainly does not handle like the 545, it surprised the heck out me in terms of overall performance, gadgets, fit and finish, etc.? I did not expect anything like that from a Cadillac.? I have to admit, while both the 5 series and the STS have been ridiculed in some circles I have really grown th like the look of the 5 and the chiseled look of the STS especially in dark colors works for me too...I realize this is just personal opinion.

My choices are basically

1) extend my lease 6 months (BMW has agreed) and go with the new '06 "545" and suck it up in the snowy Pa. winter months

2) Go with the AWD Caddy...get the 320 horses and the AWD in a package that I personally like better than the A6 but not as well as 545

3) Go with the A8...get great luxury, AWD but give up the sportier feel of the 545 and even the STS

I am strongly considering the STS...am I nuts? Money is not an object.

I love this forum...Let 'er rip!