2012 BMW 528iX
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From: Boston, MA
2012 BMW 528iX
The wife wanted to test drive the X3 over the weekend, so off we went to our local BMW dealer. While I was there, I test drove the 528iX for the heck of it. Overall, every aspect of the car was what I expected from reading the reviews. The 4 cyl. turbo is very quick, it’s a bit more responsive than the Audi's 2.0T in my opinion. The 8 speed transmission really took advantage of the turbo engine's power band, the power train always seems to be in its sweet spot. The handle was a bit better than the 535iX I test drove last year, probably due to the lighter engine. The biggest disappoint was again the interior, it look cheap and un-inviting when compare to the A6. The few 528iX we look at had almost the same MSRP as my prestige A6, around $55000, even though the prestige A6 is better equipped than the $55000 528iX. Overall, the 528iX is a very nice car, but in my opinion, it almost felt like a down grade with a higher price tag when compare to the A6.
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Cannot believe you thought the new 528 was quick. During my buying process I test drove the new 528 4-banger and I didn't get 500 yds out of the dealership and turned around. That engine in that car was completely unacceptable and imo, the vehicle couldn't get out of it's own way. And I agree, at the same price point there is no reason to consider BMW. I promptly went next door and bought a prestige 3.0 A6 and have never looked back. A comparably equipped 535 was $7-$8k more which of course doesn't make sense either. Good luck with your decision.
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From: Boston, MA
Well, you need to compare apples with apples. The 528i is quick for a 4 cyl, of course it will not as quick as the A6 3.0T. I dont have the exact numbers, but my bet is that it is much quicker than the A6 2.0T from 0-60 MPH.
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From: Southern California
The wife wanted to test drive the X3 over the weekend, so off we went to our local BMW dealer. While I was there, I test drove the 528iX for the heck of it. Overall, every aspect of the car was what I expected from reading the reviews. The 4 cyl. turbo is very quick, it’s a bit more responsive than the Audi's 2.0T in my opinion. The 8 speed transmission really took advantage of the turbo engine's power band, the power train always seems to be in its sweet spot. The handle was a bit better than the 535iX I test drove last year, probably due to the lighter engine. The biggest disappoint was again the interior, it look cheap and un-inviting when compare to the A6. The few 528iX we look at had almost the same MSRP as my prestige A6, around $55000, even though the prestige A6 is better equipped than the $55000 528iX. Overall, the 528iX is a very nice car, but in my opinion, it almost felt like a down grade with a higher price tag when compare to the A6.
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From: Ottawa,Canada
The N20 4 cylinder turbo is fairly new, nothing is wrong with that but I feel it is more suited for less heavier F30 BMW 328i and not for 528i.
While 0-60 mph of 528i can be done in about 6.6 seconds it can be launched fast. I still feel 528i should have received tuned down Turbo version of 535i.(6 cylinder)
I own new A6 and kept my 2009 535i, I did not test drive 2012 528i but tested 2012 535i and found Audi A6 best overall value as compared to BMW 535i. Now adding some options to 528i like exec package, M Sport ,,,,etc it will get in A6 3.0 land. If pricing is too close I would test A6 3.0 it is a wonderful machine, smooth and effortless from the start. Perhaps 528i may have bit better fuel economy but that is about it.
While 0-60 mph of 528i can be done in about 6.6 seconds it can be launched fast. I still feel 528i should have received tuned down Turbo version of 535i.(6 cylinder)
I own new A6 and kept my 2009 535i, I did not test drive 2012 528i but tested 2012 535i and found Audi A6 best overall value as compared to BMW 535i. Now adding some options to 528i like exec package, M Sport ,,,,etc it will get in A6 3.0 land. If pricing is too close I would test A6 3.0 it is a wonderful machine, smooth and effortless from the start. Perhaps 528i may have bit better fuel economy but that is about it.
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From: California Central Coast
Yep, it's qiocker than the 2.0; however, it gets less gas mileage and is approximately $6K - $8K more than the 2.0 comparably equipped!
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From: Boston, MA
The few we look at didnt even have the exec package or the M Sport package. One had the winter package and premium package and Navi if I remember right and a few other small option and the MSRP was already up to $54000+. The front cup holder on the BMW was joke, I dont know what they were thinking of when they design that thing. Almost everything I touch on the BMW wasnt as nice to the touch as the A6, such as the steering wheel, arm rest console, gear selector, control buttons or compartment covers. The seats were on par with the A6.
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From: Ottawa,Canada
A6 has more rear seat room as compared to F10 BMW 5 series, the reason for that is the front BMW seats are bit thicker than A6 so took a little from rear room, also A6 is slightly longer. I'm not sure details of pricing in States, but $54K I think may come close to A6 3.0. A step up from 528i is the 535i base price was higher than base A6 by $11K in Canada, I could not see any performance benefits to 535i over A6 to justify that increase. It is still very fine car but I could not justify that increase when I decided on A6. But going back to 528i some folks would say who cares 4 cylinder or 6 cylinders,looking at BMW forums since I still own one, there is a lot of debate on how to justify BMW 528i cost,realiability is another point yet to be seen since this is new 4 cylinder Turbo engine that also goes in new 328i. With this cost, I think a good deal on A6 3.0 can be found. One thing also Navi on new BMW is not even close to A6, they plan to update that in 2013. In summary as compared to loaded 528i, the best overall value (handling,comfort,technology,....etc) stays within A6.
