M5, E63amg, S6
06-10-2006, 07:56 AM
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Just glanced at my new "Automobile" and saw the comparison. To my surprise the rating order was 1. E63AMG 2. S6 3. M5. The main reason the M5 did so poorly was the SMGIII transmission which they felt was great for the track, but not so good for all around driving. I guess I sort of agree with this after having lived with an SMGII M3 for 3 years. What suprised me about this ranking is that Automobile is always a huge BMW fan. Perhaps the 550 should have replaced the M5 in the comparison. It should out accelerate the S6, at least, and I bet it has superior handline as well with it 450 less wt.
06-10-2006, 08:29 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible. Midnight Blue, 6 Speed.Retired - 2007 997 Carrera S, Midnight Blue, Grey leather, premium audioRetired - 2007 550i, Monaco Blue over Beige, Navigation, Logic 7, Cold Weather Pack, Comfort Access, Sport Package
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Wow 
I expect the new engine in the E63 made a difference but I'm amazed at the outcome here 
Will definitely look out for this - hopefully my copy will arrive in today's mail.
I expect the new engine in the E63 made a difference but I'm amazed at the outcome here Will definitely look out for this - hopefully my copy will arrive in today's mail.
06-10-2006, 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by 700700' post='295570' date='Jun 10 2006, 10:44 AM
darkside, you must be joking ? 550i is MUCH slower than a s6... its a 435bhp car after all!?
06-10-2006, 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by 700700' post='295570' date='Jun 10 2006, 11:44 AM
darkside, you must be joking ? 550i is MUCH slower than a s6... its a 435bhp car after all!?
merc wins, interesting
merc wins, interesting
06-10-2006, 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by LowOrbit' post='295573' date='Jun 10 2006, 05:50 PM
Yes, the S6 has 435 hp but it also weighs 4250 lbs. The 550 likely does 0-60 in 5.1 sec or so and is $15K cheaper so the 550 seems like a better deal to me.
and besides its an S car... you should compare the 550i with the A6 4.2, and there it wins comfortably
06-10-2006, 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by darkside' post='295575' date='Jun 10 2006, 05:53 PM
0-60 time quoted was 5.1 for the S6. The 550i in Road and Track was 5.0. I admit the S6 probably is a bit faster, but it weighs close to 4400 lbs. I can't believe it is as nimble as the 550i with that much weight.
And for a novice/inexperienced driver the 40:60 AWD S6 config would yield better results
06-10-2006, 09:17 AM
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I saw this last night, too, and was surprised at the outcome. They also say the M5 is a relatively subtle version of Bangle's concept, and the most successful, and they thought the E63 was the wildest-looking. I find the M5 the most daring, by far, but who knows.
I guess I'm just surprised that the M5 doesn't have clearly superior handling. The article basically says it's more that the competition has come a long way, rather than the M5 being a bad car. I'm kind of upset about this, I guess, because all my prejudices in favor of the M5 are being overturned.
I would still take the M5, by the way (having driven none of the 3...). I guess BMW should take it as a compliment that the others are gunning for the M5. What will they do to take back the lead?
I guess I'm just surprised that the M5 doesn't have clearly superior handling. The article basically says it's more that the competition has come a long way, rather than the M5 being a bad car. I'm kind of upset about this, I guess, because all my prejudices in favor of the M5 are being overturned.
I would still take the M5, by the way (having driven none of the 3...). I guess BMW should take it as a compliment that the others are gunning for the M5. What will they do to take back the lead?
06-10-2006, 11:57 AM
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Just read the Automobile article. Audi had close 2nd to the Benz. I hate to agree, but BMW really did go overboard with SMG - maybe will get better reviews when the manual comes to the U.S.
Looks like the RS6 will be King of the Hill when it comes out, especially with DSG, just like the old RS6 was dominant in 2003.
Looks like the RS6 will be King of the Hill when it comes out, especially with DSG, just like the old RS6 was dominant in 2003.
06-10-2006, 12:10 PM
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My Ride: 2006 550i Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood Trim, Cold Weather Package, Premium Sound Package, Sport Package, Steptronic, Navigation, Electric Rear Sunshades, Heated Rear Seats, Sirius Radio
Actually the S6 was close to 4500 lbs. That is a lot of weight! If I were to get a high performance car (again), I think would be oriented toward the new M3. I think the 550 hit the sweet spot for performance, luxury, and technoligical advances. It is so smooth and so comfortable, yet when push comes to shove it handles pretty darn well.