Anyway, I was simply amazed at how similar this BMW feels compared to my Audi. It really feels almost identical in the way that it responds to throttle input. Like my A5, the BMW makes plenty of low-end torque, so it pulls away effortlessly from a stop. The turbo spools up quickly with almost no turbo lag. And it also has plenty of passing power on the highway while in 6th gear. There is no rev hang whatsoever, just like my car. The only thing that feels a little bit different is the clutch. Not so much the amount of effort or the engagement point, but more in the way that it almost "eases" into the next gear. I think that might just be due to the infamous CDV (clutch delay valve) that seems to be found on just about every BMW under the sun. It's not bad, but it does take some getting used to. If I owned the car, I'd probably just rip the CDV out. As far as the engine & transmission are concerned, I really have to wonder if BMW targeted Audi's 2.0T because it just feels so unbelievably similar. One thing that I didn't like about the BMW is that the engine ticks fairly loud at idle. Sounds like the fuel injectors ticking, but it's much less noticeable in my Audi.
The other thing that really stuck out about the BMW is the steering. It is electric now, and it definitely feels like they turned it more for luxury than sport. It's too light (reminds me of an old Buick) and can be turned with your pinky. I guess owner will adapt to it, but I prefer a heavier steering wheel with a better feel (especially on-center) and response.
Overall, I really liked the car. I think they did a great job with the drivetrain. I'd take the new engine over the old straight six any day, just because of the extra low-end torque alone. And I don't think the new engine gives up very much in the way of smoothness either. Don't get me wrong, BMW's straight six is an unbelievable engine (I had one in my old M3), but the new turbo four is apparently very well balanced and smooth.
