Originally Posted by JD15

I was referring more to low-speed shifting, like in stop-and-go traffic, than full throttle type of shifting. Generally, dual-clutch manuals are considered to be a bit clunkier under those conditions, although they have improved considerably.

I remember reading that VW regretted equipping one of their standard vehicles in the US (Passat?) with the DSG due to complaints about the shifting harshness under certain conditions and would switch back to a standard AT in the future.

Originally Posted by Gear Junky

Having had a few Dual clutches over the years, ranging from VW, Audi and BMW I can say with certainty that the latest S-Tronic in the S4 among others is the smoothest of the breed and I personally prefer it to any current auto on the market at the moment. I rate it's smoothness in the situations you described to be as good as the ZF and better everywhere else.

Originally Posted by der Scherzkeks

I drive a Q5 3.2 (six-speed tiptronic), my wife has a Q5 2.0T (eight-speed tiptronic), and I have extensive seat-time in S tronic cars. The eight-speed is by far the best all-around transmission, smooth at low speeds and slower take-off (S tronic is not), nice close ratios to keep the car on boil, and can pull off very fast 3-4 gear downshifts (unlike S tronic).

IMO: 8-spd > 7-spd > 6-spd

PS - and yes, my family loves the Q5.

Originally Posted by der Scherzkeks

I drive a Q5 3.2 (six-speed tiptronic), my wife has a Q5 2.0T (eight-speed tiptronic), and I have extensive seat-time in S tronic cars. The eight-speed is by far the best all-around transmission, smooth at low speeds and slower take-off (S tronic is not), nice close ratios to keep the car on boil, and can pull off very fast 3-4 gear downshifts (unlike S tronic).

IMO: 8-spd > 7-spd > 6-spd

PS - and yes, my family loves the Q5.

Originally Posted by dlinoc

How do you like your 6speed tiptronic?

Originally Posted by Gear Junky

DSG is best, without a doubt. Though how much superior it is greatly depends on the engine it's attacted to, if it's a petrol engine that N/A then the difference between DSG and the latest 8sp from ZF is small but if it's a FI unit and especially a diesel turbo then DSG feels much better as you don't get the double delay of torque convertor and turbo spooling up.

The really odd thing is that Audi switch most of the models that come with DSG in Europe with a traditional automatic for the States, doesn't make much sense to me.