<center><img src="http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2007/Q1/030620070939075989.jpg"></center><p>
If the M3 comes in around $55k - the S5 is in trouble... Better hope the RS5 is coming.

"The 2008 BMW M3 will compete with the new Audi S5 coupe when both go on sale in the U.S. in less than a year. The M3's extra 55 or so horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and lighter weight promise to deliver a more raw experience than that of the all-wheel-drive Audi, but we expect the M3 will cost thousands more.

The two-door seen here will be the first M3 to appear in showrooms, and the price is likely to be about $55,000. "<ul><li><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12525/2008-bmw-m3-concept-official-photos-info.html">Car &amp; Driver</a></li></ul>

It is a well known fact that the Audi equivalent of the BMW M cars are the RS not the S cars.

fit a similar market. It just comes down to what is most important. A high-quality all-around car, or a car that's fast but had so much of its design $$$ spent on the engine/performance, they forgot about the interior and design of the exterior. It all costs money, and I'd still choose the S5. I just hope that the car isn't too heavy.

The RS cars actually exceed the M cars, so if a no-compromise to all-out performance is desired, we still have that option... Although it will cost far more than the M3.

I find that very hard to believe. If the M3 really is only $55K, it will be great news because the S5 will be slightly less than that, and if it's not, I'll happily get the M3.

In my opinion just give me the S5.

and don't even start about the zit in the hood. :)

The audi designs are more classic,yet very contemporary. The BMW/Bangle are styling statements (like 'em or not) but to me they look more dated more quickly. I think the S5 will appeal to a much broader market. That said, I'm sure BMW will have no problem selling every single M3 that it can produce.

The M3 will always appeal to the show off kind of crowd. Audi designs are refined and elegant and fortunately (to me at least) they can't be appreciated by everyone.

What you said about the Bangle direction is so true of bold design directions -- they take courage to undertake, but they age very quickly. They look interesting at first, then become common looking, and 10 years later they're kind of laughable. I'm not just referring to BMW, but all auto companies. But if I were picking on BMW I'd say the Z3, Z4 and 5 series fall into that category.

I priced one out at starting at $55k to about $64k....every option except any audio video crap....no nav., no special sound system, no iPod integration, no sat. radio, no HD radio, no CD changer, no comfort access. All of this would add $5k to the price.

So figure $69k prior to gas guzzler for fully-loaded M3.

not sure what the equivalent S5 or RS5 would run

price and performance

M3s are very special cars. The M3 buyer is very discerning. That is why I bought my '05 S4. Every local BMW dealer treated the car as if it was a Carrera GT or Bugatti Veyron. I even got the same BS when trying to test drive a used M3 coupe with 20k miles. The funny thing is that I walked in and drove a Z4 M Coupe no problem.

Audi will eventually get my money for an S5 I'm almost sure of it. I've been without my S4 for about two months and I miss it already.

...with the 335Ci being probably at least few thousand less. I love the style A5/S5, but I really do think Audi has a price/performance issue to address.

I have also heard/read the talk about the 335i and A5 (or S5) being different types of cars - GT vs. Sports - and to a point, I agree with that as well.

Still, I am first and foremost a car nut, and while I do absolutely think the A5 has more style than the 335i, when it comes down to the driving, handling, and fun factor that is what I really care about.

Clearly, I haven't driven an A5 yet, and I'm pretty sure I won't be able to afford a S5 (I could barely afford a 335Ci loaded the way I'd want), but if it comes down to it performance is going to win me over, even if I can barely afford it.

Still, I just don't know if I could live with myself owning a BMW. Having driven the 335Ci, though, there was a very big smile on my face when I got out of the car...

Cheers,

loaded vs. loaded, that is.

will be in reach of $70k.

I think the M3 looks wretched, that bonnet is like a tumor on it and the front air scoop is horrible. I am a passionate Audi lover so I would never buy a BMW over an Audi however I couldn't understand how anyone could buy that even if its performance was wonderful. Just by looks the A5 and S5 are beauty redefined inside and out - what a stunning car. I can't wait to get into it.

most of them coming to the US are stickered around $48k or so.

...which would inlcude sport, premium, comfort access and heated seats - which is all I can imagine I'd really need - is about $47K.

A co-worker ordered a very similarly optioned model several weeks ago for European delivery and paid ~ $42K.

At that price, with that level of performance, and enough frequent flier miles to get my wife and me to Munich, that is going to be a hard deal to beat!

So I'm just praying an A5 can beat it - because my first car-love is Audi I KNOW I won't be able to afford the S5...

Cheers,

Sorry dude but you can't see very well.

While BMW of late has been the Pontiac of Germany, you would be hard pressed to not like the looks of the new M3.

The M3 looks wretched, that bonnet is like a tumor on it and the front air scoop is horrible like a gaping mouth. I couldn't understand how anyone could buy that even if its performance was wonderful, it looks like excrement on wheels. The S5 is incomparable to the M3. Its just such a good looking cool car inside and out. With the LEDs and curving design, and the performance is most definitely going to be outstanding. I can only begin to imagine what the RS5 will be like.

I DID say everything.

MSRP
$40,800
Options and accessories
$13,845
Destination charge
$775
Total price as built*
$55,420

Even at ~$53k, that would put the S5 at $68k to be that far apart. Given the pricing we're seeing in Europe, it looks like it's going to start in the $49k range. It would take a hell of a lot of options to get it to $68k.

Granted it's not out yet but figuring out how much more Xdrive adds to the price should be quite simple with a 328i vs 328xi price comparison.

I find it hard to believe too many buyers would be in the market for an S5 and prefer not having Quattro if such a choice existed. I guess it's possible, I just have a hard time imagining it, perhaps because I live in Canada.

Gold

would opt for that. You have to get AWD to get comparable handling to RWD, so it's not really optional on the Audi while it is on the BMW for a lot of people. Not to mention, there currently is no 335xi though it may be coming soon.

and that hasn't exactly stopped S5 comparisons.;)

I don't really disagree with anything you wrote. I think it comes down to regional preferences, not much of a choice in cold climates.

That being said, when doing these price comparisons shouldn't we be comparing similarly equipped cars? Just my $0.02.

Gold