[bimmer456]

Comparing Kia to BMW and Audi is heresy.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by jeffc83

I really wanted to like the new Kia Stinger but there's something about the styling, fit and finish and "overall package" that just doesn't "draw me in". I look at my car every morning and smile after admiring it's appearance yet every single time I see a stinger, I soon forget. I can see it being competitive in this segment but I'm just not feeling the whole package and would EASILY lean towards the Audi or maybe even MB. (personally, I like the Alfa) To each his own and at least there's more competition!

The comparo should be to the Genesis G70, to compare luxury interior fit and finish vs stinger which is economy class.

[Hammer Werke]

Originally Posted by jeffc83

I really wanted to like the new Kia Stinger but there's something about the styling, fit and finish and "overall package" that just doesn't "draw me in". I look at my car every morning and smile after admiring it's appearance yet every single time I see a stinger, I soon forget. I can see it being competitive in this segment but I'm just not feeling the whole package and would EASILY lean towards the Audi or maybe even MB. (personally, I like the Alfa) To each his own and at least there's more competition!

I mean... its a kia. Prob the nicest Kia...but cmon.

Audis are fine machines but the styling is trying too hard.
In my opinion BMW is still much more refined than the lot. Elegance.
I like alfas but don't have much experience..I just wish they offered a wagon

[jeffc83]

Originally Posted by Hammer Werke

I mean... its a kia. Prob the nicest Kia...but cmon.

Audis are fine machines but the styling is trying too hard.
In my opinion BMW is still much more refined than the lot. Elegance.
I like alfas but don't have much experience..I just wish they offered a wagon

They're really fuxing up here with the lack of wagons. The last one I was interested in was the CTS-V wagon how long ago? Nothing good makes it to the US!

[benf207]

I hear people talk about the handling/suspension of the F3x platform is a lot worse than what Audi has, which this article confirms. But how noticeable is the difference when daily driving? Or do the differences only really show up on a track?

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by benf207

I hear people talk about the handling/suspension of the F3x platform is a lot worse than what Audi has, which this article confirms. But how noticeable is the difference when daily driving? Or do the differences only really show up on a track?

Audi's engine is in front of the axle and it doesn't have 50/50 weight distribution. This makes more of a difference in daily driving when turning at an intersection or off ramp. With high performance summer tires and sport + mode on the LCI the F30 handles pretty well, though some may say the suspension is still soft, though you appreciate this when you hit a pothole, as it is quite stiff in sport. Comfort is very nice ride quality but compromises handling.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by benf207

I hear people talk about the handling/suspension of the F3x platform is a lot worse than what Audi has, which this article confirms. But how noticeable is the difference when daily driving? Or do the differences only really show up on a track?

Zip. Zero. Zilch. You'll never feel the understeer unless you're at the limit.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Comparing Kia to BMW and Audi is heresy.

I agree but I have noticed that its fashionable for guys who drive Bimmers and wouldn't actually be caught dead in a KIA to talk on Bimmer forums about how great KIAs and Hyundais are.

[Gen13 F36]

I would rather buy a Honda than a KIA anytime.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

I would rather buy a Honda than a KIA anytime.

But Honda doesn't have a model that's comparable. An Accord is an Optima competitor.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by tex2670

But Honda doesn't have a model that's comparable. An Accord is an Optima competitor.

I test drove the new accord 2.0T touring and I think its better than an Audi with only FWD....much much cheaper too lol.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by RPM90

"Rebates" and "As tested price" = pointless points category.

With all the pricing threads here focusing on discounts, I’d think otherwise.

[KGB_123_99]

Times are changing. 20 years ago, you wouldn't put Audi in the same group as BMW or Merc but you do now.

Competition is great for the end consumer.

[BimmerBoomer]

The F3x platform in xDrive is hobbled by the compromised suspension and run flat tires. And then there is the EPS steering. I can't speak to these entry level cars, but my full zoot 2018 S5 Sportback easily out-handles my old 2014 435i xDrive coupe despite being 200 pounds heavier and more nose heavy.

[benf207]

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

The F3x platform in xDrive is hobbled by the compromised suspension and run flat tires. And then there is the EPS steering. I can't speak to these entry level cars, but my full zoot 2018 S5 Sportback easily out-handles my old 2014 435i xDrive coupe despite being 200 pounds heavier and more nose heavy.

How noticeable are the differences when daily driving?

[xlover]

in the context of C+D taste the suspension on the F3X cars in xdrive needs to have adaptive to even be in their ball park. the current gen cars will never fit what they are looking for.

This will all be fixed on the G2X series where the xdrive cars should share the same suspensions as the RWD Msport or not.

[donkey]

Audi's suspension and driving dynamics are very well sorted these days.

[donkey]

[BimmerBoomer]

Originally Posted by benf207

How noticeable are the differences when daily driving?

Even a raised lip on a manhole cover could cause a seismic shock with the 435i xDrive. I can drive over the same spot in the Audi and it is a quiet little bump. Take a sharp corner onto broken pavement and some off camber and the body motions would upset the steering of the 435i xDrive coupe. The Audi doesn't roll nearly as much and the dynamic steering (in dynamic mode) is precise and unflappable.

But as long as the roads were smooth the BMW was great except for the tire and wind noise (another story), and felt a little smaller - which it is and which I like. I too am looking forward to the iterations of the G2X platform: after 24 years of driving BMWs I'm a little disconcerted to be driving an Audi. But I definitely feel that BMW dropped the ball here.

[benf207]

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

Even a raised lip on a manhole cover could cause a seismic shock with the 435i xDrive. I can drive over the same spot in the Audi and it is a quiet little bump. Take a sharp corner onto broken pavement and some off camber and the body motions would upset the steering of the 435i xDrive coupe. The Audi doesn't roll nearly as much and the dynamic steering (in dynamic mode) is precise and unflappable.

But as long as the roads were smooth the BMW was great except for the tire and wind noise (another story), and felt a little smaller - which it is and which I like. I too am looking forward to the iterations of the G2X platform: after 24 years of driving BMWs I'm a little disconcerted to be driving an Audi. But I definitely feel that BMW dropped the ball here.

Do you have any experience with the adaptive suspension or variable sport steering?

[BimmerBoomer]

Originally Posted by benf207

Do you have any experience with the adaptive suspension or variable sport steering?

I generally left the drivetrain in Comfort and the chassis in Sport. The Audi goes a step further, with the sport suspension, dynamic steering and sport differential all communicating with each other. And the their steering in dynamic setting uses a fixed ratio, which I far prefer.

[jeffc83]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

Zip. Zero. Zilch. You'll never feel the understeer unless you're at the limit.

^^ THIS!!!