Still deciding whether I should get E55 or RS6? Can you guys answer these questions:

1. When is W211 E55 coming to U.S.? I can get RS6 by July
2. What is 0-60 time? I wonder if it beats RS6
3. Will E55 have the magic ABC control as an option?

Thanks!

 

Are you on the list for the RS6? I understand the entire allotment has been sold. RS6 & E55 are not cars you just walk into the dealership and drive off with especially upon introduction. You usually have to pre-order, place a deposit, be on waiting list to purchased or be subject to a $10k, $20k, etc dealer markup on any cars on their lots.

With all things being equal the 2004 E55 should beat the RS6. The RS6 is heavier. The HP rating for the RS6 is 450 and I am not sure if that is a DIN Europe rating or a SAE US horsepower rating.

The 2004 E55 is being 'advertised' with 469HP for US and 476 for Europe. Some of us on this board have speculated that the E55 will have the same horsepower as the SL55, CL55 and S55 which are rated as 493 US and 500 Europe. For some reason, MBZ marketing advertises the E55 with a lower HP but sources and owners manual show the same for all the cars with the same size engine and identical torque.

The 2004 Suspension is:

SemiActive Air Suspension AIRmatic DC

 

Yes, I'm on the list for the RS6, and I'll probably keep that car for my brother, because he likes Audis a lot. I'm going to get on the list for E55 this week.

Do you know the difference between ABC and "SemiActive Air Suspension AIRmatic DC" ?

 

The 211E55 has the same braking and suspension controls as the top of the line SL55.

The RS6 looks like it will be a poorer value. For one, its body style is about to be revised, so you'd get a new RS6 and it would be outdated in no time, while the E55 is just starting what should be a 6+ year body style run. Audis have abysmal resale vs MB's. And the cache and desirability of a tuned Audi is considerably less than that of an AMG. Check any used car source and verify for yourself.

The RS6 looks like it may cost more.

Various 0-60 tests suggest that times will be pretty close. MB's E55 brochure has published times for E55, RS6, M5 and Jag X Type and lists E55 as fastest.

From 0-150 and 0-200 the SL55 (much heavier than E55, same engine) beat the Lamborghini Murcielago, Porsche GT2 and Aston Martin Vanquish...all of which are over $185,000.
Makes the E55 look like a pretty good bargain.

 

good observation, thanks. I'm sure I'll enjoy my E55.

I still have to keep the RS6, my brother is an Audi freak I can't convince him otherwise. I used to be the same way when I got my first S6 in 1995. But then totally changed my mind after getting a 1995 S500 coupe. Loved that car!

 

ABC uses high pressure hydraulics to virtually eliminate any and all body roll, pitch and dive.
Airmatic DC tries to do the same thing, but it's not as good.
If you drive a car with ABC on sport mode, you will notice that the car stay completely flat thru every turn... but the Airmatic DC technology is not as complex and still leaves quite a bit of body roll.

 

I've had $1k down on an RS6 since August, #2 on my local Audi dealer's list (he is getting three cars). Anticipated delivery still June-July. Last month, I put similar amount down and became #3 on MB dealer's list for E55. Definitely leaning toward the E for all the reasons mentioned above, plus I have enjoyed my CLK 55. Having that engine blown blows me away. I've owned three Audis in recent years, an A8, an S6 and an allroad, and while they are nice cars, especially in a four weather climate such as the upper midwest, I really don't want to spend $85k for an older bodystyle. I drove a new E (5.0L) and was really impressed by the style, both in and out, and freshness of the design. Also, neater options and I think the pricing will be a bit south of the Audi. I have to admit to being a 0-100 driver and the torque of the E is what really impresses me.
As far as the snow days, I'll just hang onto my GTI with four snows and if some SUV bangs my $20k veedub, that's better than having my euro premium sports sedan damaged (assuming I am not killed, that is).

 

FLIP IT! Some guy, so far, has received a $16k Ebay bid on his RS6 spot.

EBAY RS6 Spot Bidding