For 2011, BMW completely redesigned the 5 Series. The 2004 – 2010 5 series was successful but wasn’t able to maintain the momentum of the previous generation 5 Series mostly due to its styling and the 2011 5 Series changes all that! The new car is styled similarly to the new 7 Series with a visually long hood and aggressive front end.

Host Ross Rapoport road tests and reviews the new BMW 5 Series and compares it to the Mercedes-Benz E Class and Audi A6 as well as Japanese competition like the Infiniti M56.

Vehicle: 2011 BMW 535i
Base Price: $49,600
Price as tested: $66,175
Engine: Inline 6 cylinder, twin turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Horsepower: 300 hp / 300 lb-ft torque
0-60 MPH: 5.7 seconds
Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles maintenance included

EPA: 19 city / 28 highway MPG

Watch more car review videos at RoadflyTV.

The stylish and slick Audi A4 returns for 2011 with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission that raises fuel economy to a remarkable 22 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.

Its engine is a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that musters 211 horsepower and a decent 258 pound-feet of torque but we would have liked to see more power out of the A4 considering its main competitors, the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, easily outshine the A4 when it comes to power and acceleration. However, Audi’s standard all-wheel drive gives the ride a very stable and competent feel so you’ll never feel out of control in the A4.

The interior of the A4 is where Audi might just take the lead in its class in terms of quality. The standard leather is much more plush than you might find in a 3-series or a C-Class without adding more and more additional packages. The infotainment screen is well-implemented and convenient, making sure the driver is never at a loss for intuitive response from all of the A4′s amenities.

For those who perhaps prefer efficiency and style over raw driving power, the Audi A4 is a strong and beautiful competitor to the more expensive competition from other European manufacturers with a base price of $34,140.

For more car review videos, check out RoadflyTV.