Its an S…equivalent to an AMG43… the new S versions, amg 43’s, are just a marketing scheme to make people believe theyre getting something that resembles an iconic brand. The S and amg 43s models have nothing in common with performance. Its just a 6 cylinder engine branded as an S or an amg…
This is purely subjective. I don’t look at the performance of an S5 and say “That’s bland not very capable.”
The B9 S5 handily outperforms the B7 RS4 and comes with more advanced technology. The RS4 was considered to be among the pinnacle of sport sedan performance just 10 years ago. 10 years isn’t really that long of a time in the automotive industry (it is in the technology industry).
The S5 in my mind is better than the C43 AMG. It’s just how you define the segments and they tend to be so equipped.
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Those tricky luxury car makers. Good thing all their customers are so stupid they can be so easily conned.
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The RS5 is also a 6 cylinder engine. I’d recommend test driving one before passing judgement. The S5 is more than capable and a blast to drive. Also, a 4.4 0-60 and >13 second quarter mile are nothing to laugh at.
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If 0 to 60 is what interests you get a mustang gt that does it under 4 seconds…at least theyre not asking for unnecessary premium markups …
It fooled you… i know its wayyy better than the caravan you used to drive.
. . . and there is the ad hominem attack. It’s what one does when logic is unavailable.
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How can you say this, but yet ask if a 2019 BMW 330 for over $650/mo is a good deal? Talk about a regular, dime a dozen, vehicle.
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Dealers literally mark up Mustang GT depending on the market. The S5 in this thread is marked down from MSRP with dealer discount.
What marked up premium are you talking about? The quality of materials inside and outside of an S5 is vastly superior to anything Ford has cobbled together on a Mustang. What’s it say that a V6 turbo from Audi can almost match a GT in speed?
Regardless, the S5 is a phenomenal car and I am biased towards it for the very specific reason that it (now along with M340i) will lead the pack in the segment.
It’s a blend of luxury and performance and the experience is very refined. My kind of Grand Tourer.
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Agree with everything except the speed part…not really comparable as a Mustang GT would wipe the floor against an S5.
I did not say the S5 was faster. I also don’t think half a second is that significant of a difference in this context.
Mustang GT puts up similar 1/4 mile numbers as the F80 M3. I test drove one (10A)and man the power out of the box was very impressive.
But S5 sportback and Mustang are two different cars obviously and I’d bet not too many people are cross shopping them.
Agreed, two very different cars. I’ve never experienced a customer cross shopping the S5 with a Mustang. Something worth noting for enthusiasts that mod their vehicles. A simple stage one tune unleashes so much power in these!
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Please close!! Flame suit catching fire!!
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Oiiii, but it’s never just the stage 1! It’s the intercooler upgrade, the bigger brakes, the transmission programming, etc.! Balance and engineering is so important in performance cars.
Very true, as the saying goes - you have to pay to play. 
I think that people who buy the cars know what they’re getting into. With the turbo I4 engine taking over the marketplace that amg43 and S cars fill a valuable role in providing better performance without obliterating the bank.
I’m currently considering an E43 after having leased an E300 for the past 3 years. The E300 is a great car but the i4 is just not that fun. I don’t car about that AMG badge, I’m just looking for a car that has the amazing interior of the E class with a more engaging driving experience.
You’re imposing your opinions on what an AMG or S should be and stating it as fact.
Good work on this deal, OP. I’ve pinged a couple dealerships on this car and the out the gate numbers are pretty extravagant.
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Wait a second. So you’re saying that people who have the wherewithal and desire to spend an additional $10k + over the base model may actually have some idea what they’re getting?
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Op requested a close.