Audi A7 or BMW 520d M-Sport

Sligo1

What would you prefer and why?

Audi A7 or BMW 520d M-Sport

R.O.R

I'd take an A7 3.0Tdi S-Tronic quattro (prefer the 313bhp twin turbo model, but the 245ps or even the 204ps would do I suppose) over the 520d M-Sport, but I'd take the 520d M-Sport over the 3.0Tdi Multitronic as that gearbox ruins the car.

You'd also need sports seats in the A7 quattro or you'll end up sliding around on the standard seats as there is very little side support.

Sligo1

R.O.R wrote: »

I'd take an A7 3.0Tdi S-Tronic quattro (prefer the 313bhp twin turbo model, but the 245ps or even the 204ps would do I suppose) over the 520d M-Sport, but I'd take the 520d M-Sport over the 3.0Tdi Multitronic as that gearbox ruins the car.

You'd also need sports seats in the A7 quattro or you'll end up sliding around on the standard seats as there is very little side support.

Audi A7 quattro for drive... And for looks?

R.O.R

Sligo1 wrote: »

Audi A7 quattro for drive... And for looks?

Still not sure on the looks of the F10 M-Sport, but it's growing on me.

I do like the A7, but it gets mixed reviews for the styling. It's a kind of love it or hate it - looks better with the spoiler up.

bazz26

Hate the rear of the A7 and the front just looks identical to the A3/A4/A5. The new A6 looks decent with the exterior S Line trim.

OP, have you considered a Jaguar XF?

BrianD3

Cheapest A7 is over 10k more expensive than the 520d Msport so it should be better. I love the A7 - has big road presence and looks somewhat exotic, reminds me of an old Monteverdi or Maserati. Yet is a practical hatchback

I really like the F10 5 series too but would go for the SE instead of the Msport, Msport looks fussy IMO.

Leonard Hofstadter

OP, if you're prepared to spend enough on an A7, why are you comparing it to a 520d?

You're not comparing like with like to be fair to both cars.

A front wheel drive A7 TDI Multitronic is €63k, a 525d SE automatic (the nearest 5 series competitor in terms of power) is €53k.

A 530d M Sport automatic is €66k, that compares to an S-Line 3.0 TDI quattro 245 PS which costs €74k. Indeed, you could have the 530d M Sport auto for less money than even the front wheel drive A7 TDI Multitronic in S Line trim.

If you're prepared to spend €63k (or €68k when you add in the S Line pack, which presumably you'd want if you want an M Sport 5 series), then you should be really looking at more than a 520d.

Anan1

captainspeed wrote: »

OP, if you're prepared to spend enough on an A7, why are you comparing it to a 520d?

You're not comparing like with like to be fair to both cars.

A front wheel drive A7 TDI Multitronic is €63k, a 525d SE automatic (the nearest 5 series competitor in terms of power) is €53k.

A 530d M Sport automatic is €66k, that compares to an S-Line 3.0 TDI quattro 245 PS which costs €74k. Indeed, you could have the 530d M Sport auto for less money than even the front wheel drive A7 TDI Multitronic in S Line trim.

If you're prepared to spend €63k (or €68k when you add in the S Line pack, which presumably you'd want if you want an M Sport 5 series), then you should be really looking at more than a 520d.

You're assuming that power is important to the OP, whereas I have the impression that style/appearance is the primary consideration. And I have to say, on that front i'd rate the A7 streets ahead of the 5 series.

Sligo1

All good points. And yes... going for style and space more so than engine etc. TBH, if the Audi A7 had a 2L engine... Id pick that over the 3L. If was going for the Audi would prob get the quattro s line. Money not so much the issue... just dont want to be going overboard! And the BMW seems a good reliable decent car.

And reason I spose im comparing the 520d is that we've always had BMWs and I find them really good and reliable. Good service, nice drive and practical. Never had a Audi so was just wondering. Not too bothered bout the A6... Just thought the A7 was nice to look at and seemed to be a good size with decent hatchback boot. The boot size is important too. Took it for a test drive and was a nice drive. Just as a lot of people have also commented... Im not too sure if I like the back of the car....

JJJJNR

F10 520dA. Black 2 (Jet Black) with Veneto Beige Interior, Black Trims and Black Floor Mats.
Extras: 8-speed Sport Automatic, Sport Steering Wheel, Xenons, HiFi Professional (16 Loudspeakers and 600 W Amp),
PDC, Extended AC Functions in Front, Fold Down Rear Seats and DEFA Heating System for the Engine and Cabin.
Summer Wheels: OEM 20" Cross-Spoke 312 Wheels (Silver) with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 245/35 Front and 285/30 Rear non-RF Tires.

I like this one.

Leonard Hofstadter

Personally I would take an A7 quattro S Line over a 520d, but if I was prepared to spend the kind of money an A7 quattro S Line costs, I wouldn't be looking at a 520d in the first place - I'd be looking at the A7 as a comparison to a 530d, and in that case I'd be going for the 5 series easily.

If you're not bothered by power (a 520d is hardly what you'd call slow anyway), then I think the extra premium for an A7 is a complete and utter waste of money.

The main reason the A7 is so much dearer is because it has a much nicer engine (a six cylinder engine will be much quieter and smoother than the four cylinder unit in the BMW, not to mention a good bit more powerful) and since that is something that doesn't concern you, there's no point in spending a crapload off extra money for something you don't care about in the first place:).

Tea 1000

captainspeed wrote: »

Personally I would take an A7 quattro S Line over a 520d, but if I was prepared to spend the kind of money an A7 quattro S Line costs, I wouldn't be looking at a 520d in the first place - I'd be looking at the A7 as a comparison to a 530d, and in that case I'd be going for the 5 series easily.

If you're not bothered by power (a 520d is hardly what you'd call slow anyway), then I think the extra premium for an A7 is a complete and utter waste of money.

The main reason the A7 is so much dearer is because it has a much nicer engine (a six cylinder engine will be much quieter and smoother than the four cylinder unit in the BMW, not to mention a good bit more powerful) and since that is something that doesn't concern you, there's no point in spending a crapload off extra money for something you don't care about in the first place:).

Yep, this makes sense. You're paying a big premium for mostly the thing you don't care about.
What about an A5 5-door? Most people can't tell the difference anyway and that does come with a 2 litre!

Limbo123

Id go for the A7 myself. I prefer to be different.

Every man and his dog are driving around in a 520d M-Sport at the moment. You see more of them than you do potholes!!!!

Tea 1000

A5:


A7:

Sligo1

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Yep, this makes sense. You're paying a big premium for mostly the thing you don't care about.
What about an A5 5-door? Most people can't tell the difference anyway and that does come with a 2 litre!

Thanks Tea,

TBH yes the A5 is nice. And im sure a lot of people dont see much difference in looks between that and the A7. But in my opinion the A7 looks far nicer. Main reason I wouldnt go for the A5 however is that, there really isnt enough space in it for what I want. It really is just a coupe with 4 doors. Much the same size as the BMW 320 coupe (which I already have). Im looking for something bigger.

I realise im not really comparing like with like in regards to the A7 and the 520d. I know A7 would be more comparable with the Merc CLS or the new BMW gran-coupe... However, the A7 is a good bit cheaper than both (30k)... and has a bit more rrom in the back.

Thanks for all replies

Tea 1000

Sligo1 wrote: »

Thanks Tea,

TBH yes the A5 is nice. And im sure a lot of people dont see much difference in looks between that and the A7. But in my opinion the A7 looks far nicer. Main reason I wouldnt go for the A5 however is that, there really isnt enough space in it for what I want. It really is just a coupe with 4 doors. Much the same size as the BMW 320 coupe (which I already have). Im looking for something bigger.

I realise im not really comparing like with like in regards to the A7 and the 520d. I know A7 would be more comparable with the Merc CLS or the new BMW gran-coupe... However, the A7 is a good bit cheaper than both (30k)... and has a bit more rrom in the back.

Thanks for all replies

How about something like an E-Class coupe? Bit odd looking alright, but not too bad. Plenty of engine choices and much cheaper than A7.

Sligo1

Tea 1000 wrote: »

How about something like an E-Class coupe? Bit odd looking alright, but not too bad. Plenty of engine choices and much cheaper than A7.

Nope need a 4 door with plently of space in back so a coupe wouldnt really do .

ofcork

Surely the A7 is not 30k cheaper than a cls with comparable specs and power?

ofcork

After checking the prices they are very similar actually and the cls imo is a much better looking car.

VictorRomeo

We have an '10 A6 Allroad. Been thinking of an A7 for '13. I'd have the A7 over the 5 series anyday - certainly the 520. There's no doubt that the 535D is one of the most amazing engines in the universe, but the A7 Quattro s-tronic 245hp version gets me going every time I drive it. In S-Line trim and pearl phantom black it's stunning...

Sligo1

ofcork wrote: »

Surely the A7 is not 30k cheaper than a cls with comparable specs and power?

Yep you're right. CLS is only slightly more expensive. BMW 6 is a lot more tho.... :-)

Leonard Hofstadter

Sligo1 wrote: »

Yep you're right. CLS is only slightly more expensive. BMW 6 is a lot more tho.... :-)

Indeed, the 6er Gran Coupé is about €20,000 more than its A7 equivalent (3.0 Bi-TDI quattro). I think it is grossly overpriced. A 535d (exact same engine as a 640d despite the badging) is an astonishing €30,000 cheaper than a 640d Gran Coupé:eek:.

BMW seriously got the pricing on this one wrong I think.

Jimbob 83

Whats with this crappy brown/bronze colour im seeing loads of A6/A5's with it's horrible

THall04

Sligo1 wrote: »

But in my opinion the A7 looks far nicer. Main reason I wouldnt go for the A5 however is that, there really isnt enough space in it for what I want. It really is just a coupe with 4 doors. Much the same size as the BMW 320 coupe (which I already have). Im looking for something bigger.

I realise im not really comparing like with like in regards to the A7 and the 520d

The A7 is a hatchback.....a great looking ,very desirable hatchback.....but also much more practical than a saloon like the 5 series.
So if you wanted a premium car that was also good for carrying prams/buggies.....or mabey a dog.......then the A7 would be much better.

Just remember to remove the parcel shelf for doggie.......

Sligo1

THall04 wrote: »

The A7 is a hatchback.....a great looking ,very desirable hatchback.....but also much more practical than a saloon like the 5 series.
So if you wanted a premium car that was also good for carrying prams/buggies.....or mabey a dog.......then the A7 would be much better.

Just remember to remove the parcel shelf for doggie.......

Lol. I take it uve seen my previous posts! . And yes that would be a big reason I'm also looking at A7. Lots of room in boot with removable parcel shelf. And a very stylish car. So good all round really. It's good to get different opinions from people. Thanks.

Sligo1

Hey! So pretty much decided on the A7. But going for the 3.0L Multi in S-line auto instead of the quattro. Phantom black, full leather, 19inch alloys... but possibly 20inch.

I know all ye car lovers would by far prefer the quattro... but just dont think its something I need....

Anyone any comments in regards to the Multi auto box??? Heard a few things about front wheels jumping!!! lol...

Prob going to make order in the week or so for 2013. Drove the 520d m-sport auto and although a perfectly good car... just seems slightly boring to drive....

Blazer

nice one...i love the 520D but even I'd take the A7 over it anyway...then again there's about 30 grand in the difference

R.O.R

Sligo1 wrote: »

Hey! So pretty much decided on the A7. But going for the 3.0L Multi in S-line auto instead of the quattro. Phantom black, full leather, 19inch alloys... but possibly 20inch.

I know all ye car lovers would by far prefer the quattro... but just dont think its something I need....

Anyone any comments in regards to the Multi auto box??? Heard a few things about front wheels jumping!!! lol...

Prob going to make order in the week or so for 2013. Drove the 520d m-sport auto and although a perfectly good car... just seems slightly boring to drive....

Don't - please don't go for the FWD Multi :(

I drove an A6 3.0Tdi Multi and an A7 204ps quattro S-Tronic recently, close enough together to get a decent comparison, and the Multi kills any sort of decent performance from that engine. Wheel hop and torque steer weren't too bad in the Multi, but the throttle response is so slow that it lumbers along a bit in comparisson to the S-Tronic. Response from the S-Tronic is instant and turns it in to a much nicer car to drive.

It's less than a €3,000 difference between the Multi and the 204 quattro, and in my opinion, it's really worth the extra.

The Future Now offer on the A7 is a bit pants so wouldn't bother with that. Night Vision, HUD, Parrallel Park and Main beam assist would be nice, but I wouldn't pay €3,025 for that. The A7 I drove had the HUD and it was a bit weird to be honest - and I couldn't figure out how to turn it off.

Sligo1

R.O.R wrote: »

Don't - please don't go for the FWD Multi :(

I drove an A6 3.0Tdi Multi and an A7 204ps quattro S-Tronic recently, close enough together to get a decent comparison, and the Multi kills any sort of decent performance from that engine. Wheel hop and torque steer weren't too bad in the Multi, but the throttle response is so slow that it lumbers along a bit in comparisson to the S-Tronic. Response from the S-Tronic is instant and turns it in to a much nicer car to drive.

It's less than a €3,000 difference between the Multi and the 204 quattro, and in my opinion, it's really worth the extra.

The Future Now offer on the A7 is a bit pants so wouldn't bother with that. Night Vision, HUD, Parrallel Park and Main beam assist would be nice, but I wouldn't pay €3,025 for that. The A7 I drove had the HUD and it was a bit weird to be honest - and I couldn't figure out how to turn it off.

Thanks! I understand what you mean about the quattro... I know a lot of people would say if one is paying that much for a car why not pay the extra 3 grand.. Thing is im already pushing it at the price for the multi.... and the extra 3 grand well.... would be pushing it even more!. For what I want the car for... a few trips down the country and mostly around the city I am hoping the multi would be ok. But I do understand where you are coming from. Do you really think the multi auto would be such a bad choice?

R.O.R

Sligo1 wrote: »

Thanks! I understand what you mean about the quattro... I know a lot of people would say if one is paying that much for a car why not pay the extra 3 grand.. Thing is im already pushing it at the price for the multi.... and the extra 3 grand well.... would be pushing it even more!. For what I want the car for... a few trips down the country and mostly around the city I am hoping the multi would be ok. But I do understand where you are coming from. Do you really think the multi auto would be such a bad choice?

Take a 3.0Tdi Multi for a long test drive and see what you think. I find it not too bad on motorways, but it's around town where the delay between pressing the pedal and something happening is the big issue. Might not be as much as an issue to you as it is to me.

I do think that an A6 Avant would suit you better. You could get a 3.0Tdi 204ps quattro S-Tronic S-Line and stick on the S-Line + pack (Valcona Leather and Nav - possibly a wheel upgrade) and it would still come in less than an A7 Multi SE.

Sligo1

R.O.R wrote: »

Take a 3.0Tdi Multi for a long test drive and see what you think. I find it not too bad on motorways, but it's around town where the delay between pressing the pedal and something happening is the big issue. Might not be as much as an issue to you as it is to me.

I do think that an A6 Avant would suit you better. You could get a 3.0Tdi 204ps quattro S-Tronic S-Line and stick on the S-Line + pack (Valcona Leather and Nav - possibly a wheel upgrade) and it would still come in less than an A7 Multi SE.

Thanks again. Have taken the A7 for a test drive around town.... But will take your advise and take it out again. Sometimes you dont notice things until someone points it out to you. It was prob that I liked the car so was oblivious to obvious things that may stand out to others when driving. So will def take note. Thanks again!

If anyone else has anything to add about the 3.0L Multi Auto.... My ears are open!

Tea 1000

Sligo1 wrote: »

Nope need a 4 door with plently of space in back so a coupe wouldnt really do .

Only saw this reply now, seems too late! The E-Class coupe is a 4 door, similar space inside to the A7.
Anyway, if the Multi is anything like the Multi that was in the last gen A6 3 litre, then it's shyte. I'd echo the comments to go for the S-Tronic.

lennie6998

Is the s tronic the one with the automatic + flappy paddles on steering wheel?

Sligo1

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Only saw this reply now, seems too late! The E-Class coupe is a 4 door, similar space inside to the A7.
Anyway, if the Multi is anything like the Multi that was in the last gen A6 3 litre, then it's shyte. I'd echo the comments to go for the S-Tronic.

You mean the CLS coupe??? not that gone on it. I know the E class coupe... the 2 door... a friend has one.. didnt think they came in 4 doors... will have a look. But pretty much decided on the a7 at this stage.

... Just about worried about the engine. Gonna take one overnight and see how I find it. Anyone know if the a7 multi is similar to the last a6 3L????

Leonard Hofstadter

Sligo1 wrote: »

You mean the CLS coupe??? not that gone on it. I know the E class coupe... the 2 door... a friend has one.. didnt think they came in 4 doors... will have a look. But pretty much decided on the a7 at this stage.

... Just about worried about the engine. Gonna take one overnight and see how I find it. Anyone know if the a7 multi is similar to the last a6 3L????

What would you be worried about the engine for? Six cylinders are so much nicer than fours to drive:)!

Sligo1

captainspeed wrote: »

What would you be worried about the engine for? Six cylinders are so much nicer than fours to drive:)!

Apologies... I mean the whole multi tronic thing! lol. yea I drive 6-cylinders now... was all decided but now thinking as people saying here the multi auto isnt great.....

TBH.... Im sure its gonna be a lot better than anything Ive had before tho!

RedorDead

Sligo1 - Future Now option price on quattro on A7 has it reduced to 2300 if ordered before year end. As ROR said - please go with this. Slightly thirstier on juice but much better ownership experience and will hold its value way better at resale time.

Tea 1000

Sligo1 wrote: »

You mean the CLS coupe??? not that gone on it. I know the E class coupe... the 2 door... a friend has one.. didnt think they came in 4 doors... will have a look. But pretty much decided on the a7 at this stage.

... Just about worried about the engine. Gonna take one overnight and see how I find it. Anyone know if the a7 multi is similar to the last a6 3L????

My apologies... just took a closer look at an E-Class coupe... I always assumed it was 4 door like the CLS, thought the cabriolet was 2 door, looks like both are 2 door! Rules that out then!

Sligo1

Tea 1000 wrote: »

My apologies... just took a closer look at an E-Class coupe... I always assumed it was 4 door like the CLS, thought the cabriolet was 2 door, looks like both are 2 door! Rules that out then!

Yea its a 2-door... think its lovely looking tho! But not what im after. . Thanks for your recommendations tho!

Taking the Multi auto A7 next week overnight to check out this acceleration lag thing... and will see if I think its going to be a problem before I put in my order. Tking it thursday and dont have to return it till friday which is great! The garage are very helpful and accommodating! It gives me more time to drive the car rather than rushing in a 20 min test drive. Thanks for everyones comments!

Tea 1000

Sligo1 wrote: »

Yea its a 2-door... think its lovely looking tho! But not what im after. . Thanks for your recommendations tho!

Taking the Multi auto A7 next week overnight to check out this acceleration lag thing... and will see if I think its going to be a problem before I put in my order. Tking it thursday and dont have to return it till friday which is great! The garage are very helpful and accommodating! It gives me more time to drive the car rather than rushing in a 20 min test drive. Thanks for everyones comments!

Accommodating garages are a new phenomenon... came about after people stopped buying new cars every 6 months!!

ION08

The A7 is horrendous from the rear. It reminds me of this:

Sligo1

ION08 wrote: »

The A7 is horrendous from the rear. It reminds me of this:

Hahahaha.. hilarious! . actually think thats very funny and c where you're coming from! My brother was initially of the same view but he likened it more to my dads 20 year old austin princess!!! said the back was like a skateboard ramp!

Agh well... I like it and think it looks cool... thats all that really matters