Automotive

It's great to see a combination of personalities go for a serious and extensive test drive of two cars back to back!  I especially like how it's broken down into specific sections about engine, transmission, and suspension.  I truly pay a tremendous amount of attention to the transmission - perhaps more than I would to the engine, and I agree, Mercedes-Benz transmissions are slow and "cautious" always trying to preserve the transmission.  But overall, the Mercedes-Benz transmission allows the user to cruise in heavy stop and go traffic the most comfortably.  For instance, in typical Los Angeles traffic, I can request the car to start in 2nd gear and never exceed third gear.  Can I do that (start in second and go no higher than third in a fully automatic mode) with the Audi?  I have to do it entirely manually in the BMW I drive currently, as the BMW automatic transmission will start in 1st or 2nd gear rather inconsistently if left to its own devices.  

Also, this is the ideal comparison for me; since I would've been keen on comparing these two cars exactly back to back.  An M6 Gran Coupe would've been nice to throw in.  The Porsche Panamera is also another worthy contender that probably has the most perfect transmission out of all of them (except for the M6 which also has a dual clutch tranny) but the rear boot of the Panamera is even more different than the boots of the Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz vehicle; although one could say the Audi's hatch is a bit of a paradox.  

I'm still split, I wouldn't normally consider the Audi and would normally default to Mercedes-Benz (bigger brand and I have a relationship at Mercedes-Benz service in my town), but considering the impressive thoughts about the Audi, it should definitely be in the consideration for anyone considering a car in this category.  In the end for me, loyalty to my Mercedes-Benz service team is the biggest cost for me to switch, but if the Audi is noticeably better, then I would be happy to make the switch.  

Thank you three again for the review!  

  login to reply