Considering moving on...

[St3veM]

Can’t add experience of owning one but had a C7 and now have a C8. Like you I wasn’t keen on the new layout and looks and like you, looked at the E/5/XC90/V90.

Mercedes didn’t want to know (lack of interest from the dealer), but didn’t like the lcd screens over the dash.

5 nice but seats are not supportive enough for me (6’4).

XC90/V90 B5 tested, very gruff and had to be worked to make any progress. Lots of road noise too compared with C7.

Ended up with a C8 BE and really like it, am now over the interior looks and having used it, I’ve really taken to it.


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[istate75]

My car has just hit 3 years old and I'm in the same boat TBH. I'm not sure of the styling of the C8, although would have considered the S6 if it was petrol. I'm also disappointed by the lack of flexibility in options. Audi explained it's because of the new fuel testing requirements. Adding a single option invalidates the approval, which is why they have lumped them into option packs. Don't like the look of the BMW, doesn't stand out to me. A work colleague has an estate one though and loves it. He's done 40k miles in it in one year. I'm going to look at the E53, which is petrol. Interested to see what the dealers are like. Won't own a Volvo. Not sure why, but the brand puts me off. The Jag perceived reliability puts me off that too. I'm in no hurry, so think I'm going to sit on my hands and see what happens. I've had Audis for 19 years and they have all been excellent, so I'd like to stay with the brand. Hopefully they will introduce an S6 petrol and will sort out the options. My local dealer told me sales of the S6 are awful (as are S5) because customers won't buy diesel. I might even consider one of the very last C7 S6 Avants as a used buy.

[MFGF]

My car has just hit 3 years old and I'm in the same boat TBH. I'm not sure of the styling of the C8, although would have considered the S6 if it was petrol. I'm also disappointed by the lack of flexibility in options. Audi explained it's because of the new fuel testing requirements. Adding a single option invalidates the approval, which is why they have lumped them into option packs. Don't like the look of the BMW, doesn't stand out to me. A work colleague has an estate one though and loves it. He's done 40k miles in it in one year. I'm going to look at the E53, which is petrol. Interested to see what the dealers are like. Won't own a Volvo. Not sure why, but the brand puts me off. The Jag perceived reliability puts me off that too. I'm in no hurry, so think I'm going to sit on my hands and see what happens. I've had Audis for 19 years and they have all been excellent, so I'd like to stay with the brand. Hopefully they will introduce an S6 petrol and will sort out the options. My local dealer told me sales of the S6 are awful (as are S5) because customers won't buy diesel. I might even consider one of the very last C7 S6 Avants as a used buy.

I was in a similar situation with the S6. When I was looking at the beginning of the year, the S6 wasn't available over here in the USA, and I went for an E53. I don't regret that decision at all. It looks very much like a regular E300, but has an eye-opening rate of acceleration when you need it. The only issue is that almost a year later, the S6 is now available here - with a twin turbo 3.0 TFSI engine. I haven't seen one on the road yet, though...

Good luck - whatever you decide!

MF.

[Tripletrouble]

Just an bit of an update. The 5 is getting a refresh which launches shortly with a mild restyle and the LCD dash from the new 3 series. I only noticed as there is a picture of the new interior on the configurator.
With that in mind, I've decided to hold off for 6 months until the facelift starts making an appearance on the S/H market. The one thing I wasn't keen on in the 5 was the digital dash and now that's being addressed it's reinforced my opinion that the 5 will be my next car.
In saying that though, there are some great deals around on 530d Touring at the moment obviously because of the impending facelift launch such as £31k for a 500 miler with M Sport Plus pack, optional 20's and a few other extras which makes a strong case for buying now!

[Whippy53]

That's a heck of a deal!

[A6S]

There was some fantastic deals on the 5 series in September when I was looking. Some new cars were £15k+ off list
It was the same when the new 3 series was about to be launched the older ones were heavily discounted. Mate got a bargain on the old 335d xdrive m sport. That engine is fantastic.

[Tripletrouble]

Unfortunately there's no 535d in the range anymore but the BHP of the 530 is 261 and it gets to 60 in 5.7 or so, that's quick enough for me.

[A8Cruiser]

Two things I hate about the Mercedes, are:-
1) the stupid parking brake thing.... very surprised they still use it.
2) the automatic gear selector... how cheap and naff is that to have it on the steering column! This is Europe, not the US. Bloody awful.

Number 2 is enough to stop me from getting one. Especially when the BM and Audi's look sooo much better. Inside and out.

just my offering.

[Tripletrouble]

I'm with you on the gear selector.
I really am now torn between pre and post facelift due to the savings to be had, it's not easy is it?
I'm going to get a 24hr test drive and see what I think after that

[MFGF]

Two things I hate about the Mercedes, are:-
1) the stupid parking brake thing.... very surprised they still use it.
2) the automatic gear selector... how cheap and naff is that to have it on the steering column! This is Europe, not the US. Bloody awful.

Number 2 is enough to stop me from getting one. Especially when the BM and Audi's look sooo much better. Inside and out.

just my offering.

Mine has an electronic parking brake - just like an A6. It automatically engages when you put the car into Park, too (and disengages as you pull away in Drive or Reverse).
The gear selector doesn't feel cheap or naff (well, in my opinion). The only thing that gets me is I end up trying to use the wiper stalk when I drive the Q5

Each to his own, though.

Cheers!

MF.