The BMW 528i Overview
When it comes to premium mid-size sedans, the competition is intense. The BMW 5 Series has remained a leader in this segment even in its 7th year of its various life cycles. The introduction of the stylish all-new MY11 5 Series is no different. Combining athletic good looks, superb driving dynamics, and innovative comfort and safety features into an executive express that promises once again, the BMW 5 Series is the one to beat.

The Audi A6 Overview

The Audi A6 3.2 is the least powerful and expensive model in the A6 suite of products. It is available in two trim levels – Premium and Premium Plus. Premium models include a list of standard features that are optional on the 528i, including: leather interior, split-folding rear seats, heated front seats, garage door opener, Sirius, and iPod/USB adapter. Also standard is Audi's version of the iDrive system – the MMI.

In terms of performance, the A6 3.2 produces more horsepower and torque than the 528i, yet fails to match it in a 0 – 60 mph (6.6 vs. 6.9 seconds). Perhaps more notable is the fact that the A6 3.2 is available exclusively with FWD, which helps explain its heavily skewed front-end weight bias; 57.7% (front) / 42.3% (rear). The 57.7% over the front-end adds 594 lbs. of extra weight to the A6. By contrast, the 528i has a near perfect 50 / 50 weight bias. And despite the two cars being nearly identical in overall length, the A6's wheelbase is five inches shorter, resulting in longer overhangs. Couple these items with the A6's notoriously light and artificial steering feel, and the result is a vehicle with heavy understeer tendencies and a lack of 5 Series athleticism.

In the past, Audi provided complimentary maintenance, but stopped a few years ago. They pre-sell a maintenance plan, but it does not include brake service or wear-and-tear items. As a result, Edmunds.com stipulates it costs $39.25/month (x 36 months) to maintain the A6.

BMW vs. Audi

 

What BMW offers…

• BMW's Twin Powered Turbo 3.0 Liter Inline 6 produces 230 horse power and 270 lb-ft of torque.
• The 5 Series 8-speed automatic also provides a wider range of gear ratios, which will likely give the BMW better response in daily driving.
• The 528i achieves a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds.
• BMW includes larger, ventilated front and rear brakes: 14.7-inch front with 14.6-inch rear. The 5 Series also uses composite aluminum/cast iron rotors, which are much lighter than conventional cast-iron.
• The 5 Series includes standard Dynamic Stability Control, which provides many driving functions that the Lexus GS 350 does not. (Brake Stand By, Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Energy Regeneration)
• The 528i's Logic7 premium sound system includes 600-watts channeled through 16 speakers.
• BMW's latest-generation iDrive offers a completely revised, highly intuitive interface, 7-inch color monitor, Programmable Memory Keys and quick-access buttons.
• BMW's optional navigation adds an 80 GB hard disc with 12 GB music memory, 10.2-inch display, Real Time Traffic Info, CD-ripping capability, MyInfo and BMW Search.
• The BMW features an exhaustive list of luxury options that are unavailable on the GS including New Full Color Head-Up Display, Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, 4-zone climate control, Side & Top View Cameras, Driving Dynamics Control, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beams, Parking Assistant, and heated rear seats and steering wheel.
• The 528i offers standard Run-flat tires, adaptive headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
• The Driver Assistance Package includes Lane Departure and Blind Spot Warning plus High Beam Assistant.
• The optional Side View Camera provides an accurate, wide-angle view of approaching traffic on busy cross streets.
• BMW's Head-up Display places a customized, virtual instrument panel directly in the driver's line of sight.
• BMW's 4 year/50,000-mile warranty includes Full Maintenance and Roadside Assistance
• BMW includes a 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

 

What Audi doesn’t…

• The A6 3.2-liter V6 produces 265 horsepower.
• The 3.2 front-wheel-drive sedan has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with driver-selectable shift points, while all other A6s come with a six-speed automatic transmission and the Quattro AWD system.
• Despite the additional horsepower and torque, the A6 fails to match the 528i in a 0 – 60 mph sprint (6.6 vs. 6.9 seconds.)
• The A6 3.2 is available exclusively with FWD, which helps explain its heavily skewed front-end weight bias; 57.7% (front) / 42.3% (rear)
• The 57.7% over the front-end adds 594 lbs. of extra weight to the A6. The 528i has a near perfect 50 / 50 weight bias.
• Although the cars are nearly identical in overall length, the A6's wheelbase is five inches shorter, resulting in longer overhangs.
• The end result is a vehicle with heavy understeer tendencies and a lack of 5 Series athleticism.
• The 528i's front discs are more than 1.0-inch larger. The rear discs are nearly 2.0-inch larger and benefit from being vented.
• Additional 528i safety features that are absent on the A6 include: Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Run-flat tires, BMW Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights, active head restraints, interlocking door anchors, and a Battery Safety Terminal.
• Audi does not provide complimentary maintenance. They pre-sell a maintenance plan, but it does not include brake service and wear-and-tear items. Per Edmunds.com, it costs $39.25/month (x36 months) to maintain the A6.

Don't settle for the ordinary, drive something extraordinary. Expect the ultimate in performance and service by purchasing a BMW.

Visit Irvine BMW today, where we provide premiere customer service, high quality BMW vehicles and products, along with factory-trained technicians.

We look forward to seeing you soon, Irvine BMW of Orange County.

"... The great 5 Series cars of the past have offered almost as much luxury as the 7 Series but at a more manageable and sportier size.

This latest iteration may have gained some weight, but it has also gained in refinement.

And, despite the added mass, the sporty dynamics that have made the 5 Series the sports car of its segment remain intact." Car and Driver

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