I am new to this forum and have been driving BMW models (Z4, 428i GC) for the last 6 years. Although I like BMW M3, somehow I feel I should try something different this time. With less than 6 months to my lease expiration, I have started doing some research on my next vehicle. It has to be sedan as I need to put 2 child seats. Here is my short list

Audi S5 Sportback - USD 60-65K for a new model
+ Beautiful inside and out especially Virtual Cockpit
+ Decent performance

- Least powerful approx 350 bhp (My ideal choice would be a RS5 Sportback)
- A step below other 2 when it comes to performance
- Quattro (I prefer RWD)

2016 MB C63 S AMG - USD 60 - 65 K approx
+ 500 BHP and one of the best sounding engines
+ Always wanted an AMG
+ Exterior although good is not as good as Audi
+ Probably the best deal out of 3 from a financial standpoint

- Not a big fan of tablet stuck on dash interior
- My wife drives an MB SUV and I am not a big fan of COMAND
- Don't wanna look like a 'brand *****' with another black MB in the garage

Alfa Romeo Giulia QV

+ Looks amazing from outside. Acceptable but not the greatest interior
+ Awesome performance as per everyone who has reviewed (I have not test driven it yet)

- USD 80K, No decent lease deals so would have to buy it
- Concerned about reliability and resale value


If it was your hard earned cash, which one would you buy?

 

If those are your 3 options, I would not pay 65k for an S5, Alfa's reliability is uncertain, and the C63 is a killer deal. Unless you absolutely need AWD, I would get the C63.

I own an M4 but would still consider a C63S coupe over it. Definitely not an S5 though. Audi's S nomenclature is too overpriced IMO.

 

I agree with this. If money is not a factor and you are not risk adverse, the Alfa makes a lot of sense as its a beast but the unknowns are certainly there. Having owned an M4 and C63S, I'd go with the AMG hands down. Having said that, the Audi has its place so if you plan to drive all year in the northeast, I'd consider the quattro. Otherwise, go with the AMG. You won't regret it.

 

Over last couple of weeks I was able to test drive Macan Turbo, Alfa Romeo Giulia QV, Audi S5SB and MB C63S. So updating my experience here


Macan Turbo
- It may be one of the sportiest SUV out there but it can't compete with a sports sedan. Its good but not that good. You can minimize the effect but can't defeat laws of physics
- Interior quality is good but design is nothing exceptional. Huge array of buttons did not bother me but could be polarizing
- The very first thing you notice on highway is the turbo lag. It is pretty significant and obvious. I was actually pretty disappointed
- Handling is great


Alfa Romeo Giulia QV
- One of the worst dealership experience
- Drive was pretty short as they were trying not to put too many miles on the only car they had
- Looks pretty good from outside
- Optional seats are uncomfortable (for most) and offer only manual adjustement
- Its easy to see why magazines are raving about it. Drive is pretty impressive
- Lease deal is awful and discounts are pretty much non existent (atleast in my area)


C63 S
- Glorious sounding engine and loads of power
- Engine, chassis, steering - everything about drive is pretty good.
- Interior quality is great but design is not modern at all
- COMAND is a step behind Audi and BMW

S5 Sportback
- Evolutionary exterior design. Likable but not much different from older S4/S5
- Interior is great and so is virtual cockpit. Google earth maps look great on large screen
- I enjoyed the drive. Car was firmly planted on curvy roads. The one I drove was loaded with sport rear differential, adaptive suspension and dynamic steering
- Engine note is good unless you compare it to AMG

Since than I have removed Macan and Alfa from my shortlist.
S5 seems to be a better overall car to live with day to day but lacks the bite of C63

Decisions, decisions

 

The QV is laggy around town and recommend test driving one to see if that will bother you for day-to-day activities.

 

I have both an s5 sb and a c63s cab. Both very nice, very different cars. Amg is a beast, fun, best exhaust ever and can go from full luxury and comfort to wild ride with the push of a button. Audi is quick, but does not feel nearly as fast to me. Audi exhaust is boring to me compared to the s5 is primarily my wife's car and we oft n haul a couple of grandchildren with car seats. Audi is fast enough that I enjoy it, but safe and roomy enough for family stuff. Both great cars, but to me they serve very different purposes. Not a right or wrong, but depends on what you want. You will enjoy either.

 

If you're coming form a 428i, then the S model will feel like an upgrade.

If you've ever owned an AMG or M car, the Audi S models will definitely bore you.

I've spoiled myself owning M cars and now regular BMW series cars don't do anything for me. It's gotta be M, AMG, or in the case of Audi RS. Anything below that leaves remorse for not getting the 'real deal'.

 

I am getting out of my lease on a white 2017 C63s cab amg, its listed on Swapalease , it's too loud for a daily commuter, I had an s550 for commute. Let me know.

 

C63 in a second. Not even worth a debate!
Audi is just a VW with a nicer interior - but you can still see loads of cheap VW bits (like put you hand on the power seat controls and feel how the entire panel flexes).

Alfa is junk. Terrible reliability and will depreciate like a rock. And it won't beat the C63S on the track. No way. Journalists are kind to the Alfa because it's a "comeback car"... drive them both and see for yourself.

Brand *****?! Who cares what others think! I happen to own 2 AMGs and my wife drives a a Benz.

 

Huh?

 

How about a nice Nissan GT-R!!!!!!!!!