So i'm in the market for a new car. I am considering a C63, M5, Panamera S 8cly, and the S4. I have to say for the money and what you get I was really impressed with the S4 and it is a serious contender. What cars did you consider before you bought your S4 and are you happy with your decession?

 

Drive them & see what you like! The M5's will be a little while before the are here though unless you want to get a E60.

 

I wanted a balance of fuel economy and performance. I traded my 2004 BMW M3 Cabrio for the S4, and am getting slightly better mileage than the M3, but not much. I had a 2002 e39 M5 once, and boy, even without factoring the cost of gas, it is such a pain to have to keep pulling over to fill up. Keep in mind that I drive pretty aggressively though. Not racing or anything like that, but I've been known to run triple digits on the highway.

I also looked at the C63AMG, but besides the fuel consumption being outrageous, the pricing for options can easily make the car jump to $80k...and it's not AWD to boot. I would probably have gone BMW 335Xi. However, I was in the mood for a change-up for awhile, and I liked the pricing/styling of the Audi.

Some of the cars you mentioned are in way different price points from the S4. Are you thinking pre-owned?

 

I had been driving an 07' 335i with the N54 twin turbo.

Thought I would get the new F30 335i but was very disappointed with the turbo lag of the N55 in the new 335i...plus the car felt much SLOWER than my 07 335i N54.

I then drove the new A6 and the S4.

For me the S4 was just right....it was superior to my 07 335i in just about every regard.

It put a smile on my face and continues to do so..unlike the F30 335i.

The A6 is also a very sweet ride...but cannot match S4 in acceleration and handling.

But it is a good alternative to the 535i or 550i.

 

I looked at a CPO C63 AMG and a 2012 335i Sedan. I still may consider getting a 335i Sedan if they get one in by next week. They are working extremely hard in earning my business.

 

It all depends on where you live and what you are looking for. I wanted speed, AWD and luxury. (when I say speed, i had to be faster then my friends 08 350Z and the B6 S4 just edges it out) The 335xi is another option but the AWD is not even close to comparable and neither are the amenedies or comfort. I am in RI so i drive all winter and i do better with my car lowered then my father in his chevy 1500. Plus the V8 gives a great torquey feel of power you dont get from the 335xi. I have been extremely happy with my car for 2 years now and am just getting into building the motor for more excitement.