you know what, i was in an R8 not too long ago with a knackered passenger side too...i mean ive seen that on the drivers side after a few years of use but never on the passenger side.

 

it just seems so typical but most people don't pay attention to those small details. this is usually one of the few things i check before buying a new car. my R8 had the alcantara seat insert so the center area is ok. the side bolster however, started to show wrinkles when new. the RS4 was worse. frankly, small thing like this can totally turned me off.

Porsche is the same when u have the leather seat. i just move the seat all the way back when getting in & out to prevent sitting or sliding on the bolster. Audi on the other hand seems to be unavoidable to the issue.

 

nice car
wrong color

 

Let me guess.... White?



But I agree

 

I might be seen in a white one

 

White + red interior = perfection.

 

Great writeup Chris. Have you driven an E92 M3 and can you compare the two? I've been waiting for the S5 coupe to get the V6 Supercharged engine which is plenty for everyday driving, but your review makes the RS5 sound very tempting!

 

So the question I hadn't answered yet - 911 vs. RS5. Tough call. I sold my RS4 because NOTHING drives like a 911 (my Cayman was meant to scratch the itch, but didn't). This car doesn't want to make me ditch the 911 again, but it does make me think it could share garage space. Ideally, I'd do a "Haku" and have a GT3 and the RS5.

I have driven the E90 M3 (sedan, not coupe, I know). I thought it was a really fun car, I like the looks (esp. the coupe), and it was damn fast. Thing is, I think the RS5 is more car. It might be close enough that it'll depend on whether you're a BMW guy or Audi guy - it wouldn't be an objective decision. If the RS5 comes available with a 6-speed, it's game over - RS5 all the way.

Finally, for what it's worth, I've driven the new S4 as well. The RS5 feels faster, but more importantly, it's more exciting. That noise! I keep coming back to it, but the sound coupled with the brute force is really intoxicating. Corvette guys probably understand that the best (they just don't know what a good interior is).

 

There is a simple fix to the side bolster wear.

Slide the seat back before you get out of the car each time.

All my cars have very aggressive bolstering, and the side bolsters all look near perfect because of this.

 

Great review Chris, I think that this and a Cayman CS would be a killer combo