[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

For me,

The "lower to middle end": M3 or S4

On the high end: Panamera GTS/Turbo/Turbo S are simply the best driving larger luxury cars, bar none.

[Luke_Enderle]

Originally Posted by Year's_End

I'm doubting the sales staff that told you this. The 'S' badge is a textbook example of effective marketing; it leads people to believe that you're buying into a much higher tier of models relative to the competition. Throw in some minor bespoke detailing, like aluminum highlights, bolder fascias, and quad tailpipes and people will think its competing at a higher level than it actually is.

Comparisons by tier are as follows:
Base: A4 vs 328i
Mid/upgraded: S4 vs 335i (M-Sport if you want the frivolous bespoke items)
High/Motorsport: RS4 vs M3 (large replacement of powertrain, drivetrain, body panels, etc)

What BMW lack(ed) in their lineup was a badge that could be marketed effectively against the S brand. In comes their M-XXXi/d "M-performance" lineup.

I would agree, it may be better for BMW to differentiate 328's and 335's as that would compare closer to Audi not in performance but in advertising, marketing, and making the two cars more comparable to the S4. That's just me but there's always the plus of not changing and staying with the way it always has been.

On topic though, at my age, with what I like, I would say an RS4 or a C63 AMG sedan

[P1]

[buildbright]

Originally Posted by P1et

Good Choice.

[pootytang]

If I could go anything -

328 => ATS 2.0 MT

335 => S5 sportback

M3 => RS4 Avant (not really fair I suppose since it's a wagon)

M5 => CLS63 AMG S

[F1Venom]

Depends on price really.....
But for anything below $45k, it'd either be an Evo or WRX STi.

$50-$90k: M3 (obviously), C63, CTS-V, S6

For +$100k: CLS63 AMG, Panamera GTS, Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin Rapide, CL63 AMG, you get the pic.

[b0bab0i]

Originally Posted by Wolfinwolfsclothing

For me,

The "lower to middle end": M3 or S4

On the high end: Panamera GTS/Turbo/Turbo S are simply the best driving larger luxury cars, bar none.

One of the ugliest POS on the road.

[pootytang]

Originally Posted by b0bab0i

One of the ugliest POS on the road.

I think calling the Panamera a POS is taking things a little far But agreed, the visuals are strange for a P car...personally, not a fan.

[bga23]

Originally Posted by b0bab0i

One of the ugliest POS on the road.

Agree Panamera isn't a looker but one can't argue with performance. Turbo/S is faster in straight line and around a track than many "sports cars."

[saeyedoc]

I think the look of the Panny is very polarizing, I like it, but I can see how many wouldn't.
It's amazing how it drives like a much smaller car, great handling. Almost traded my M3 for an S last week, but it got sold before I jumped on it.