The BMW 535i 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 3.0T powertrain receives high marks from the press. Its Roots-type supercharger helps it produce 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. The result is a 5.9 second 0 – 60 mph sprint, coupled with a respectable 18 / 26 mpg rating. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic is the only available transmission. While the 3.0T engine shines, its handling suffers, due in large part to the car's heavily skewed front-end weight bias; 57.7% (front) and 42.3% (rear). The 57.7% over the front-end adds 635 lbs. of extra weight to the front half of the car. And despite the two cars being nearly identical in overall length, the A6's wheelbase is five inches shorter, resulting in longer overhangs.

The A6 3.0T is available exclusively with quattro® AWD. Though it shares the BMW xDrive's 40:60 rear torque bias under normal driving, its mechanically-based set-up provides a narrower range of power transfer between front and rear wheels in poor traction situations. And unlike xDrive, quattro is unable to proactively prevent understeer or oversteer before they occur.

In terms of safety, the 535xDrive has significantly larger brakes, with vented discs at the back. Nor does the A6 3.0T offer Adapative Brake Lights, active head restraints, door anchors, and a Battery Safety Terminal.

 

BMW vs. Audi

 

What BMW offers…

• BMW's Twin scroll turbocharged engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
• In a 0-60 mph time, the 535i clocks in at 5.7 seconds.
• BMW includes larger brakes, ventilated front and rear: 13.7-inch front with 13.6-inch rear (535i), for sure, drama-free stopping. The 5 Series also uses BMW's composite aluminum/cast iron brake rotors, which are much lighter than conventional.
• The 5 Series includes standard Driving Dynamic Control, which provides alternative settings for steering, throttle and transmission shift response.
• Examples of the enriched standard equipment level include Lumbar support and a larger Moonroof. Navigation is standard on the 550i.
• BMW's iDrive includes standard Programmable Memory keys, and the optional navigation adds an 80GB hard disc with 12 GB music memory, 10.2-inch display, Real Time Traffic Info, CD-ripping capability, MyInfo and BMW Search.
• BMW's Night Vision includes Pedestrian Detection as an additional safety measure.
• The Driver Assistance Package includes Lane Departure, Blind Spot Detection, High Beam Assistant and the newest feature, Parking Assist.
• Rearview cameras are optional on cars equipped with Park Distance Control. Top View and Side View Cameras are optional on cars equipped with Rearview Cameras.
• 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 3.0T 3.0-liter V6 produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque.
• 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.
• The 57.7% over the front-end adds 635 lbs. of extra weight to the A6 3.0T.
• 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 535i xDrive has significantly larger brakes, with vented discs at the back. The front discs are more than 1.0-inch larger. The rear discs are nearly 2.0-inch larger.
• The 535i xDrive offers more head and shoulder room and a larger trunk capacity.
• Additional safety features that are absent on the A6 3.0T include: Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, 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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