Not sure I'd ever consider an S6 over a M5. US mag are getting a bit strange nowadays. The M5 gets crucified on the electronics and tranny, the electronics part IMHO is very subjective and very petty. For commuter driveability the SMG is dead and we know that. But, the S6 is fing slow, its heavy and (with its front biased weight) I'm buying its got anywhere near the handling of a M. I'd say the new 550 M-sport will bust its ass.

See this Edmunds article.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/...rticleId=117646

No denying its a great value, particularly when compared to the 550. That said, it looks plain and I almost missed it walking thru my Audi dealer. Can we hear how great the interior is one more time? Yeap its nice but the overall look is a non-starter for me, not that the M5 looks much better than a stock a 550 sport. PS four years after the E60 launch Audi finally starts to compete?

CVT Benhogan

 

One of my FAVORITE features on the 550 is the heated steering wheel. In this most recent cold snap I was completely dependent on it as I lost my gloves for a couple of days. I never want to own a car again without this feature and alas, I don't think you can get it on an S6 (you can on an A6 however.....).

 

Yeap, its one of my favorite features too and a must have. Actually its as good as the heated seats. My only semi-gripe with the feature is the location of the switch, which isn't a biggie and not something to think about come May.

 

S6 - hands down. I like the calm styling Audi has and that V10 would be fun.

 

I agree 550i is not in the same category as the S6... if you can hack it.. go fo rthe S6..
but then a little more it'll be an M5, depends on your needs I guess..awd or non-awd..

 

Defo S6 - quattro is a boon and the engine........

 

I don't think you are comparing the cars well. The S6 is a rival for the M5. A6 vs 550, S4 vs M3, A4 vs 3 series, etc. If you are looking at the S6, then you need to look at the M5; that's your comparison. Drive, sit, sniff, touch, stare at the two vehicles you want to compare, and then go from there. Audi quattro is a plus for the NE, but then again, I live in western PA and have had no problems with my 5er in the snow with proper technique and rubber on the wheels. The exterior stylings are VERY different and each say something unique: Audi - understated ability, class, power; BMW - undeniable prowess. Your call.

Bottom line, you are going to drive it, look at it, live it. So no matter what we pundits have to say......

Let us know!

Oh, and as an added thought.......S8???!!!! Kind of like an M7?!

 

OK decision made . . .

First, althought he S6 "competes" with the M5, it's priced against the 550. So why wouldn't I cross-shop the two?

Second, in general, I like the S6 styling with one major exception. I really dislike the massive front overhang of all Audi designs, and the new nose only makes it worse. It's said that Audi will massively reduce the front overhang in its next generations, starting with the new A5 coupe. I hope for their sake they do.

Next, although it does add weight, the quattro is a positive for me in Boston. Although I really have no problems with my 5ers in the snow (with four snow tires), the added security of 4WD is an overall plus.

Finally, I think that overall, the S6 is a better car than the 550 . . . EXCEPT . . . I want to drive a stick, and I can only get that on the 550. If I could be happy with an automatic, I would have gone to the dark side. But as it is, my Carbon Black 550i Sport remains on order for an early-May ED!!

And btw, I really would have missed the heated steering wheel as well!!

 

Good choice!!! While the S6 is arguably a better car than the 550 (most here think so), I'd say not by much. So costwise the 550 looks okay. IMHO AWD is overated for most driving conditions and, from an economy and performance standpoint, lets face it quattro is a dated design. My 5er did fine with winter tires and RWD the rest of the year is the real deal.

BTW, the Audi front nose you dislike is the only distinctive feature of the A6. Not much else going on there and the dash is only so so. Before getting the 5er, I waited for the new A6 (hoping) and was really dissappointed in the looks and handling.


CVT Benhogan

 

Your 550i Sport is going to look stunning with those colors. We all will be interested to see pics from your EU delivery and to hear your reviews on the ride & handling with the new M-tuned suspension.