TEST DRIVE Ride and Performance
Both vehicles feature lightweight construction and as such both vehicles are somewhat similar in weight. The BMW is understandably faster than the Audi in a straight line thanks to its power advantage. The Bimmer hits 100kmph from standstill in about 6.6s and powers on to a limited top speed of 250kmph. The Audi, on the other hand, accelerates to 100kmph in a little over eight seconds and tops off at 240kmph. We have driven the 523i before and we can say that its times are almost identical to those posted by the Audi. When it comes to cornering, however, we found it hard to keep up with Audi. Its Quattro all-wheeldrive provides levels of grip and composure that is hard to match. Despite its light steering, the A6 is
still extremely fun to drive keeping you thoroughly engaged through every bend. You definitely won’t be losing out on the fun when driving the BMW. A naturally-aspirated straight six powering the rear wheels in the body of a BMW is a match made in heaven for any spirited driver. It’s true, a proper manual transmission would have made the combination perfect but alas we can’t have everything. Besides, the eight-speed automatic is a very capable transmission with barely a hint of lag when switching gears. On the road, as a daily drive, both cars are equally good. Both are extremely refined, smooth and comfortable. And the road noise we first experienced when driving the Audi two issues back was thankfully absent.
Inside the cabin
Both cars have extremely supportive seats with ample adjustment to fit drivers of all statures. Both are also extremely spacious, even in the back. The centre console layouts are quite similar with only the audio and AC controls present on the centre console. The primary controls for the centre mounted screen are near the gear lever on both cars. The Audi’s controls feel a little more cluttered than that of the BMW’s but it allows for quicker navigation of the menus once you get used to them so it is excusable. Both feature top-notch build quality and materials. All controls and dials are clearly labelled.
August 2011
SPECS Engine: 3.0l, I6 Power: 258hp@6,600rpm Torque: 310Nm@2,600-5,000rpm Available features: LED tail lights, BMW Connected Drive, lane departure warning, driving dynamics control, cruise control, xenon headlights ENCAP: Base Price: RO26,000 Highs: suave looks with power and performance to back it up Lows: specific options needed to bring out the best of the vehicle Verdict: old school fun with new school tech
Audi A6 2.8
BMW 528i
Both cars were also very well equipped with cruise control, climate control, steering wheel-mounted controls for the stereo, leather upholstery, sat nav, Xenon headlamps, electronic park brake and more. Additionally, both vehicles can be optioned up to higher levels should you want to and the prices are almost identical.
SPECS Engine: 2.8l, FSI V6 Power: 204hp@5,250-6,250rpm Torque: 280Nm@3,000-5,000rpm Available features: LED tail lights, MMI navigation plus, Quattro with sports differential, Parking system plus, cruise control, xenon plus headlights ENCAP: not tested Base Price: RO22,270 Highs: looks good, is technologically advanced and handles well Lows: Steering could use more feel Verdict: A technological powerhouse that is light on its feet
Conclusion
Both cars are significant improvements over their predecessors offering the very best of German engineering in light weight bodies and sporty engines. They both offer great ride comfort, refinement and space, and also come well equipped. Despite this, they are very different beasts when it comes to the drive. If you prefer great cornering stability and the security of an all-wheel-drive system then the A6 is a no brainer. But if you are looking for a bit of rear-wheel-drive fun then it has to be the 5-Series. But make sure the latter has the sport automatic transmission and ‘Driving Dynamics Control’ option equipped or you will never be able to enjoy the full potential of the vehicle.