Audi has it's own customers to satisfy. There are many people out there who don't like the way a BMW drives and those can always turn to Audi , Mercedes or even Lexus.

Especially in US , German manufacturers including BMW had to soften the suspension and the steering wheel feedback since customers over there like the cars more comfortable and less sporty. Remember that in Automobile comparison M5 was rated behind S6 and E55 AMG because it wasn't practical enough for everyday use. Having a harsh suspension and oversteering at the limit may satisfy some hardcore journalists but surely is not ideal for the vast majority of the drivers.

One last thing: when Audi officials said that they intend to offer the best driving dynamics they meant that the car will have top dynamics and drive like an Audi too , not mimic a BMW.

As far as I know only MB soften the suspension or if it was the engine, I have never heard bmw doing this. So Im curious where did you get that information?

American carjournalsists still claim BMW is the sportiest drive in comparisons so why change the suspension to be more comfy but still keep the sportiness. If americans dont like sport bmw would make their cars even softer.

I guess that is why M cars outsells S and AMG here in US - because the "vast majority" doesn't like them.

And if any of these reviews are to be believed, that is an oxymoron.

May be

Best regards, south

Τhere is always TT and R8 that prove that it's possible.

That doesn't make any sense at all

Please explain.

Every manufacturer has it's own philosophy. It doesn't make sense for Mercedes to make the C class drive like a 3 series
or that Audi will make the A5 drive like a 3 series coupe.

For example Audi TT has top driving dynamics but when you drive it you immediately recognize it as an Audi because it has common character with the other models.

Ok, i think i get your point.

You're saying that the S5/A5 is a good car to drive and has great driving dynamics...for an Audi. And it shouldn't be compared to the 3er coupe and CLK as such because it's developed under a different philosopy i.e combination of comfort and sportiness.

Audi's philisophy is a neutral car that will understeer at the limit of traction.
BMW prefers a nutral car that will either understeer or oversteer (if the driver wishes that) at the limit (always talking about ESP off).
Because Audis are either FWD or AWD and because of the way they are tuned , oversteer and powerslides are almost impossible but on the other hand the stability and vehicle dynamics can help the unexperienced driver and correct his mistakes. BMWs on the other hand while usually very safe , when the ESP is off require a skilled driver otherwise there is more danger of an accident.

Exactly.

And there lies the core difference between Audi & BMW: car behavior at the limit. Audi will understeer but stay glued to the road - very secure driving feeling. While BMW will usually oversteer due its precise steering - even start to slide in some cases. And this is the notorious "fun to drive" feeling associated with BMW (core BMW promise).

And most Audi customers want that secure driving feeling, while BMW drivers (most of them) want the car that is fun to drive (wild animal that needs to be tamed & controlled by driver).

As you see: completely opposite requests. So do not expect BMW to ride like Audi & vice versa - at the limits. While in every day driving (eg city roads & highways) there is no much difference. Both brands deliver dynamic cars with good performance, comfort & luxury. So the core difference is design (incl. materials), brand image & that particular difference of car behavior at the limit. You can also include MB, Lexus & Infiniti in this equation. Same case.