M5 vs S4 / RS7 ... Thoughts? Feedback?

[socialpro]

Long story short, I left My 2013 S4 for a 2015 cayenne turbo (958.2) (to try something different) - and having second thoughts after driving it through the weekend. Not ready for an SUV quite yet.

I will most likely end up trading the cayenne for an M5 OR an RS7. Do previous owners of an S4 or an RS7 have anything to chime in on what you liked / disliked vs the M5?

The S4 I owned was THE best car I've owned to date. It did everything very well, and was fun for a DD. I test drove a 2014 M5 (2) years ago - and as far as I can remember - it drove and felt like an S4 on steroids (which is a good thing!) I wasn't in a position 2 years ago to pull trigger on one, but seriously considering one now.

Anybody have anything to add or share comments especially if you came from an S4 or an RS7? (Obv the S4 is a different class vs m5). I am looking to gain a bit more room vs my s4 hence the m5/rs7 hunt.

My S4 reliability has been stellar in 3 years of ownership (can't say the same for my previously held '08 335i coupe).

Thanks for all the input!

[isakhnov]

It is really up to your preferences. Over the past 10 years every time I upgraded I tried both C/E AMG, RS4, RS5 and S7 (there simply was no place to try RS7 ) and every time came away with a BMW - two m3s and m5 by now. Doe not mean that BMW is the best, it's simply fits me the best.

[ur20v]

I have an M5 but am considering a RS6 performance. At these power levels, rear wheel is hard work at best, all the way to bloody dangerous lol! going sideways gets old when you just want to pull out into traffic or do a simpe over take.

Audis have some of the best interiors, tech and reliability going plus I prefer the dealer net work.

[KMORGSM5]

I've owned many BMW's and Audi's over the years, had a 13 S4 with tune, exhaust intake and suspension then traded it in on a RS5. I think Audi has a great product but is outdated. My opinion is the M5 would be the way to go, the RS7 hasn't changed much since the release. Wish they sold the RS6 in the states

[BDWonder]

Originally Posted by socialpro

Long story short, I left My 2013 S4 for a 2015 cayenne turbo (958.2) (to try something different) - and having second thoughts after driving it through the weekend. Not ready for an SUV quite yet.

I will most likely end up trading the cayenne for an M5 OR an RS7. Do previous owners of an S4 or an RS7 have anything to chime in on what you liked / disliked vs the M5?

The S4 I owned was THE best car I've owned to date. It did everything very well, and was fun for a DD. I test drove a 2014 M5 (2) years ago - and as far as I can remember - it drove and felt like an S4 on steroids (which is a good thing!) I wasn't in a position 2 years ago to pull trigger on one, but seriously considering one now.

Anybody have anything to add or share comments especially if you came from an S4 or an RS7? (Obv the S4 is a different class vs m5). I am looking to gain a bit more room vs my s4 hence the m5/rs7 hunt.

My S4 reliability has been stellar in 3 years of ownership (can't say the same for my previously held '08 335i coupe).

Thanks for all the input!

Have driven the S4 many times, but never owned one.
Driven the RS7, but never owned one.
I own a 2016 M5.
I LOVE the M5. It is large enough to carry me in comfort. It doesn't have as much room as a Honda Accord, but it does just lovely.
The interior is surprisingly high quality. It never shows in pictures, but in real life you can feel and tell the difference between 3/4 series and 5 series.
Full leather package is terrific. Leather everywhere: doors(all the way down to bottom), leather dash (unless its sensatech lol) I believe even the center steering wheel is leather (but could actually be soft sensatech). Soft close doors, auto trunk with kick open/close function. Cooled seats. Weird glute massage function. Just an all around awesome vehicle inside. I could go into more details at later post...let me know.
Now for the power, I am certain you recall the beast from when you test drove it. It can be a very, very quick car. In no time at all, you can be doing stupid illegal speed. Love the customizable function for steering, suspension, and engine response, along with gear shift speed selector. It's a beast.
I can break the rear tires driving at 50MPH and on. Sometimes its scary how twitchy this car can be. Traction is my only issue with this car. Tail spins are real and occur often. Just too much power for the rear tires to handle, in my opinion. Also, there is a turbo lag though, from the start. I did notice it. I do sense a lag from start, it isn't an instant beast mode. I actually prefer it this way, so I don't lose control immediately and end up in a ditch. And if in Efficient mode, it drives so comfortably and composed, like a regular 5 series. Amazing. Not all WOT or balls out every time, every single second you drive it. Doesn't rev high or scream, just regular driving mode. So when you're in traffic or just cruising anywhere, it's perfect. But if you want the WOT or balls out, simply press a button or 2 and you're there.
BTW, the suspension is butter! so smooth on our destroyed roads here. Put it into Sport or Sport+ and its a hemorrhoid (lol in a good way). Becomes very stiff. I know the purist folks will say you can feel the weight of this car. However, in my opinion, I can hardly, hardly, hardly tell the weight of this car in corners and etc. The suspension set up and the M in general manages the weight extremely well. Now, unless you actually prefer and have been driving small dynamic cars and tracking small cars, you may obviously find this M5 heavy and large. But since I don't track any on my cars, I find this M5 just superb in corners. No body roll! I have owned small cars in the past:G37s, 335i coupe, 435i. The M5's is the best suspension I have experienced on a car I owned or driven (with a very close tie with an RS7).

Now for the RS7. If you thought the M5 was a beast, the RS7 is a pure monster from Elm Street!!! It's just ridiculous fast. Scary fast. That Quattro puts the power down so well. M5 (without tune) doesn't have a chance. RS7 will beat almost anything on the street. Interior is smaller than the M5. RS7 interior is high quality. I actually preferred the Audi interior for many years. To my surprise, I do like the M5 interior more than the RS7. And its not because I have an M5. Just being honest. But I still love the RS7 interior. I prefer the interior style of Audi's 2016 and earlier models for A6/S6/RS7 as opposed to the new A4/S4/S5 interiors. I'm certain the new A6/S6/RS7 once they come out in 2018, will look very similar to their new interiors of these A4/S5/S5. Personally, I just don't feel them. Really love the current A6/S6/RS7 set up.

I actually love the M5 exterior. Looks big and menacing. Love sedans with headroom, let alone super-sedans with practical room. RS7 has a very unique and lovely exterior too. For me, its a tie between these 2 for exterior styling.

If I had the option between the M5 and RS7, I would choose the RS7. If, they were in same lease price range. But Audi's lease very poorly. They have horrible residual values. The RS7 has enough space. Huge boot. Quattro to stabilize this car, and put down the power way more than the M5. And I could throw winter tires on this bitch and be all set for the winter. But since the price for leasing is in such a variance, I chose the M5.
BTW, the RS7 may not be available for the 2017-2018 MY. So you may end up looking for a used car, if you don't lease.

Anyway, good luck with your decision and search.
There is something special about M cars and the RS cars...its difficult to put into words. I am very happy with this M, and do not regret skipping on the RS7. Perhaps in a year or so lolololol.

[josec70]

I owned an Audi S6 with an APR tune and really enjoyed the car; I had no issues whatsoever during the 3 years of ownership. The S6 is at another price point but I felt it was good bang for the buck especially when tuned and the AWD makes these cars great from a dig.

I'm now on my second F10 M5 and absolutely love the car in all facets.

I've driven an RS7 and it's a beast with performance comparable to an M5 and AWD to boot.

I'm not a big interior guy so I'll leave that to others to pass judgement. Both BMW and Audi seemed ok to me.

Not sure this helped but in the end people's taste in cars is a personal choice and there's no right and wrong.

1st world problems .....

Good luck ...

[socialpro]

Thanks for all the feedback. Currently looking at both, and hoping to make up my mind soon.

Going to go re-test drive both back to back in the upcoming weekend or so to walk away with a definitive answer. I know can't go wrong with either one as they both offer something similar but completely different at the same time. Will follow up with thoughts and feedback --

[Phatcat]

Originally Posted by socialpro

Thanks for all the feedback. Currently looking at both, and hoping to make up my mind soon.

Going to go re-test drive both back to back in the upcoming weekend or so to walk away with a definitive answer. I know can't go wrong with either one as they both offer something similar but completely different at the same time. Will follow up with thoughts and feedback --

RS7 Performance is quite a bit faster than the standard RS7 in a straight line, FYI>

[ur20v]

If you can't make your mind u between them, choose the dealer, they can make a HUGE difference to the ownership experience...

[BDWonder]

Originally Posted by Phatcat

RS7 Performance is quite a bit faster than the standard RS7 in a straight line, FYI>

indeed ...and the RS7 is already super fast, blows the M5 away.

[Phatcat]

Originally Posted by BDWonder

indeed ...and the RS7 is already super fast, blows the M5 away.

Well the standard RS7 one could make an argument that the M5 will catch it in a half mile race. But based on the magazine tested numbers on the RS7 performance, M5 won't catch it.

But yeah, a standing start to quarter mile, the RS7 will win whether it's standard or performance version.

[RDD56MCAR]

Wait for the new 4WD M5, sounds like it will be out next year. For me the roof line at the back of the RS7 is a MAJOR design flaw. Brings the rear top edge of the Trunk down to far making the RS7 look like it is dragging it's ass around. Such a shame, all they had to do was raise the rear Trunk line a couple of inches and flatten out the Trunk Lid angle a little and it would be an awesome Car with stellar class winning performance right out of the box.

Audi would have sold double the amount of RS7's if they had done this.

[Vic55]

I kinda miss my RS7- didn't have it long enough but boy it was a ripper with the GIAC tune. I agree that its a bit of a "love or hate" car with its looks but with the right subtle aesthetics one can make it look good. It performs well, in a straight line, and clearly owns the dig battle but.. it has tremendous amounts of tq steer due to the split of the power and the engine placement practically ahead of the front wheels. Also it has a lot of understeer with the Quattro system along with a fluffy suspension but with thicker sways my car finally woke up. I'm actually considering a Competition car if I kick my M5 just because I never fully got to enjoy it (I went on a whim and got a Ferrari FF).

my car:

[BDWonder]

Originally Posted by RDD56MCAR

Wait for the new 4WD M5, sounds like it will be out next year. For me the roof line at the back of the RS7 is a MAJOR design flaw. Brings the rear top edge of the Trunk down to far making the RS7 look like it is dragging it's ass around. Such a shame, all they had to do was raise the rear Trunk line a couple of inches and flatten out the Trunk Lid angle a little and it would be an awesome Car with stellar class winning performance right out of the box.

Audi would have sold double the amount of RS7's if they had done this.

I CANT wait for the xdrive M5!!!!!
lolol its true, looks like a dog trying to go to bathroom you're right

[boots]

Originally Posted by ur20v

I have an M5 but am considering a RS6 performance. At these power levels, rear wheel is hard work at best, all the way to bloody dangerous lol! going sideways gets old when you just want to pull out into traffic or do a simpe over take.

Audis have some of the best interiors, tech and reliability going plus I prefer the dealer net work.

Peddle modulation is all it takes. Sounds like your foot is heavy

[RDD56MCAR]

Originally Posted by Vic55

I kinda miss my RS7- didn't have it long enough but boy it was a ripper with the GIAC tune. I agree that its a bit of a "love or hate" car with its looks but with the right subtle aesthetics one can make it look good. It performs well, in a straight line, and clearly owns the dig battle but.. it has tremendous amounts of tq steer due to the split of the power and the engine placement practically ahead of the front wheels. Also it has a lot of understeer with the Quattro system along with a fluffy suspension but with thicker sways my car finally woke up. I'm actually considering a Competition car if I kick my M5 just because I never fully got to enjoy it (I went on a whim and got a Ferrari FF).

Vic55 - appreciate your larger Sway Bar mod information on your RS7, that you found so successful. Your RS7 is the best looking one I have seen yet.

We may have a mutual "Car Guy" friend, I'm a long time friend of Eric Jackson's, just a hunch on my part.

[brad850csi]

The RS7 dash is plastic and cheap looking, whereas with the M5 or M6 GC you can get full leather which makes the interior a much nicer place to be. That combined with Vic's notes on torque steer and understeer make the BMWs a clear winner to me.

[ur20v]

Originally Posted by boots

Peddle modulation is all it takes. Sounds like your foot is heavy

Really

Still in a 4 wheel drive car whether it be an Audit or GTR etc, it is a case of foot flat at any speed in any weather, that never gets old!

[KMORGSM5]

Originally Posted by brad850csi

The RS7 dash is plastic and cheap looking, whereas with the M5 or M6 GC you can get full leather which makes the interior a much nicer place to be. That combined with Vic's notes on torque steer and understeer make the BMWs a clear winner to me.

Wish they sold the RS7 with full leather in the states like they do in Europe, really makes it the RS7 feel special over the A7

[Phatcat]

RS7 Performance model just put in another monster straight line number in the latest Auto Bild magazine test. It was almost 10 seconds quicker to 280km/h than the new Porsche Pam Turbo.

Track was wet hence Porsche and Audi had a much quicker lap but CTS-V was picked overall winner.

[nabizzy]

Have owned an RS7, and now own an M6GC

The RS7, as everyone has said by now, had the advantage of traction over the M. Traction at any speeds, in almost any weather. And it goes like a bat out of hell. Front end lifts up and it just takes off. However, I would argue that stock vs stock the M cars would pull the RS7 on the top end. (I may be wrong, just feeling wise)

As far as the M6, it spins in 2nd gear, the tail kicks out, and it also, once it gets traction, goes like a bat out of hell. This isnt my daily driver, it is a weekend car, so I dont mind, however, if you daily drive it this may well be annoying.

Both interiors are nice, however, the sport seats in the RS7 (honeycomb) are not as comfortable as the seats in the M6. The massage seats in the RS7 are about as comfortable, but you lose the cool factor of the honeycomb pattern.

Both infotainment systems are wonderful, as are both upgraded stereo options. I would not buy an RS7 without the Bang and Olufsen.

Looks wise, it is of course subjective. I prefer the M6 to the RS7 by a slight margin.

RS7 with an exhaust sounds more like a 6.2 AMG than the M6, which sounds almost V10 like to me.

M6 has more aftermarket support, therefore modding an M6 is cheaper than modding an RS7 at face value.

RS7 air suspension is much more comfortable than whatever it is we have in the M6, and the ability to code lowering is convenient vs having to change springs or coilers or bag setup.

RS7 will hold its value much better than an M6/M5. That may be good or bad for you, if you can get an M car relatively cheap with low miles, you can enjoy it and know it isnt gonna tank much more. However, if you think about buying new, or newer, you may be better off with the RS7. I bought mine for 106k with 6k miles and traded it in with 29k miles for 98k.

BMW maintenance covers brake pads and rotors, Audi does not. Besides that the warranty is about the same for both.

Dealer makes a difference as stated. Both my Audi and BMW dealer know me, so I had no issues there.

RS7 has more cargo room, seat room is about the same as the M5, feels like probably M5 has better head area, and more comfortable rear seats.

I think Ive covered everything lol, I hope this aids your decision making process. Both of these cars are wonderful, and for many people both are dream cars. You will be happy with either I am sure, depending on your needs however, you will have to pick one over the other,.

[soooma]

RS7 is a beast PERIOD!
Actually nope, a beast that loves is ugly from behinds but hey I have no doubt it would embarrass any M5 but in my mind apples to oranges !! AWF vs RWD?!!!

Interestingly and in he same vein,
I ate an RS7 for lunch a couple of days ago and was a couple if not 3 cars lengths ahead of it and the driver gave me thumbs up imor asked with how the Tesla P90D performed unbeknownst to him how jealous I was if his exhaustto the point that a few days later I ended up getting my 3rd M5 but this time around with proper exhaust

Love it as archaic the Nav and everything about the car seems to be it hey so does look the Ferrari and I loved driving it too! Drama as it turns out is very important and I'm back with an M5 and a Tesla LOL