[circledriver]

What are you looking for in a new car? The E350 is a badly under-powered lux coupe with lots of gadgetry that is going to fail over time. The S5 is more of a blend of exciting, but not great, performance and a classy interior. If you want the lux path and performance you are going to have to step up to the 550. And of course if you want a great motor but don't mind a marginal interior go with the 335 or M3.

To me each of the German coupe alternatives occupy a clear market position...just depends what you will find satisfying. I can't comment on MB reliability not having owned one but that info is available from JD Power and Consumer Reports if you want to dig for it.

 

[circledriver]

Simple answer....we don't have the RS5 in the US. It's rumored to be here for the 2013 model year but on my last visit to the dealer they had no firm information on whether the car will soon be available.