<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/121922/a5_vs_3er_rear_view.1.jpg"></center><p>2 months ago BMW was my only choice BUT now? If AUDI prices are comparable to 3series coupe...it´s clear...vorsprung durch technik (und design)! BTW here in Czech rep. BMW importer(I mean, dealers participate) offers 5 years/100.000 km BMW basic services inclusive(oil,filters etc.)for all models from March 2007. (if it was only for coupe, i would ask WHY from March :-)) I wish AUDI to do the same. How it´s in US, guys?

We have to pay extra for the 'Audi Advantage' but the price is not all that bad - only $500 (roughly). We're looking at the end of the year before we see the first A5/S5's arrive.

In Germany first deliveries expected in June, so in Czech July/August...but in June it should arrive to showrooms. Prices of most models Audi/BWM/MB are very similar here but on forums many people still says that Audi is only better VW (I hope they´re kidding) and that in rest of he world (except Europe) and especially in US it means nothing to BMW or MercedesBenz. So I want to ask you if it´s true and/or why?

Many are speculating on where the price will come down on the A5 models. I priced a 335i coupe to my specs (minus nav and active steering) resulting a a very well loaded configuration, coming to a little over 48k US. I am afraid a closely configured S5 will likely come to 8-10K more. At the usual $30 or so per $1,000 in price on lease payments that means up to $300 more per month. We shall see.

they're not really the same class of vehicle....it would be more appropriate to compare the S5 to the 650i.

I think that is a reach but am willing to be convinced. In particular, what are the S5 features not found in the 335i (other than quatro, of course)?

....a V8 engine with 350hp (650i is 360hp), 19" wheels, Bang &amp; Olufsen audio (a $6300 option in the A8/S8), rear parking camera integrated with MMi, 3-zone climate control, DSG (possibly), and this is just taken from the limited info on the microsite....as the launch date gets closer, Audi will make more info available.

I think a fully loaded S5 is going to be close to $70k....mid-60's at least. The 650i starts at $72k, so it makes more sense to compare it to that than the 335i at $20k+ less with less features.

Yes, similar output from V8's though 335's twin turbo performance specs nearly identical. 18" wheels with sport option though, yes, not 19", Logic 7 audio system is quite a fine performing system (note the auxillary input jack inlcuded in addition to IPOD option) B&amp;O lovely to look at but bit on the bright side for me, rear parking alert but yes, no camera, etc. DSG would be incredible. Good points but still not convinced. How about size of 335i/650 with S5--how do those compare?

However, if your price forecast is accurate (close to 70k loaded) vs. a well configured 48k 335i I think Audi may be in for some volume sales problems. Time will tell. My bet is on our seeing the fully loaded S5 a bit less than 60K--I certainly hope so.

i'm not referring to perception, production volume, or physical size. the simple fact is that a loaded S5 will have equipment and options MOST COMPARABLE TO 2 other German luxury 2+2 GT cars: the BMW 650i and the M-B CLK550. the price of a loaded S5 will be less than, but probably within 5-10% of those 2 cars. no current BMW 3-series is comparably equipped or priced to either the S5 or CLK550.