n8236

I have plans to buy the new GS, but I'm a bit shocked that some of the things I expected as standard features are options. The items I am regarding to are heated/ventilated seats and dynamic headlights.

My current IS, those two options were available as stand-alones, but not the dynamic headlights for the GS. A huge package needs to be purchased and it brings up the costs to something I am not too comfortable with.

With that, I looked at Audi's A6. It starts with a lower base price, but also less standard features. However, it appears the GS isn't all that of a steal compared to the A6?

I appreciate your input.

SW17LS

I think you'll be surprised by what things are options on the A6, for instance you have to get the Prestige model to get a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel...

sydtoosic

i beg to differ young man... the GS fully optioned is a steal compared to a fully optioned A6. doesn't matter which model GS except for the Hybrid which is pricey with and without options. what are Dynamic lights? if you want H/V rear seats you need the Luxury model GS.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Well you can compare specs but in terms of driving feel and engagement, the GS is currently a segment leader

Mojo122

I took a long hard look at the A6 and ended up with F-Sport and couldn't be happier.

dseag2

I'll weigh in on the A6, since I traded an S5 Cab for more usability. The A6 would have been a logical step, since I was totally satisfied with my S5, but I thought the exterior looks were bland, the interior was too fussy (although very upscale) and there were lots of complaints from owners about the seats (not as comfy and sport-oriented as the GS). Also, the general concensus was that the sound from the BOSE system was really poor. One can upgrade to B&O, but as I recall it is over $6,000 as an option. That takes it way above the GS price range.

The biggest positive for the A6 is the 3.0 Supercharged engine. It could really haul in my S5 and torque was available throughout the band. However, I find the GS has more than adequate pickup and the sound piped into the cabin when you step on it is intoxicating. The fuel economy is also slightly better.

I would have gone for an A7 as far as exterior looks, but the interior didn't do it for me and there have been lots of complaints about A7 road noise on the Audi forums, apparently related to the hatchback design.

Hope that helps.

LuxoRocket

Almost all auto makers offer pricey option packages, and the Germans are probably the worst of the lot (I'm looking at you, "$1,000 to turn on the Rudolph's nose security light", BMW)..

On the A6, one has to check the Premium Plus option to get xenon headlights with LED DRLs, a Parking system with rear view camera, Audi MMI® Navigation plus, Audi advanced keyless entry and HD Radio. The Premier package has to be selected to get ventilated front seats and adaptive headlights with cornering lamps. Even things like rear side airbags and window sunshades are options.

I think the pricing differences will be marginal in a true apples-to-apples comparison.

2013F

I looked at the A6 before the GS. The A6 was $4k more to be equipped with the options of the F-Sport. Add that to Lexus reliablity and quality, the GS F-Sport was the obvious choice.

xyzstudio

agree with u, i had a4 n a5 and i love the quattro and i had so much fun with it before i pick up a 350f , i was gonna go with a7 i love ext and int, however it couldnt fit in my garage ( too long) so i end up with 350f, i tested drive the a7 the new engine and transmission they have on are great. so far i have my new 350f jz less a month, i really can not commend on it. but remember my 1st choice was audi. lexus still a Japanese's car after all.

natnut

"still a Japanese's car after all"

You say that like it's a bad thing. You might have been right in the past in that the Germans used to have the monopoly on ride and handling that the Japanese brands couldn't emulate.

However, with the new GS, Lexus has beaten the Germans at their own game. So yes, Lexus GS is a Japanese car with Japanese reliability and quality AND NOW German-beating handling/ride.

dseag2

Japanese reliability and German-beating handling/ride... hard to beat that combination!

SW17LS

I spent about 2 hours today at an Audi dealer, drove an A6 3.0 Prestige with pretty much everything, sticker was $64k. This car had a $6k package I wouldn't want consisting of heads up display, adaptive cruise, around view camera (which is very cool). So, optioned how I would want would basically be $58.5k...comparable to a Luxury model GS.

I *really* like the car by the way, the A6.

I did have them work up some numbers, and I think a significant negative to the A6 compared to the GS (or the E or 5) is the lease support from Audi. The leases are terrible, low residuals (residual on the just out 2013 is only 53% compared to 61% for the GS). Equally equipped, the GS is much cheaper to lease.

I gotta say, if the leases were similar I might choose the A6...I really might, but I'm not going to pay a lot more per month for it.

wayner

As Baetta said - If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. Buy it outright, it's a luxury car not a Chevy.

My biggest annoyance is that Lexus, at least Lexus Canada, doesn't give you a deal if you want to pay cash for the car. But they will let you finance at 0% for 4 years. If that has a value of something like $2k then give me $2k off the cash price, don't futz around with financing.

SW17LS

LOL, no interest in buying a luxury car outright, sorry. I lease for business and trade every 3 years anyways, buying would make absolutely no sense for me, whether I financed or paid cash. Thanks for the unsolicited financial advice but I've got it figured out.

82nd

After owning several german two-door fun cars. I will take the reliability and customer servicxe of lexus anyday.