The Mercedes was next quickest, gunning itself to 60 mph in 6.34 sec. Given that it offers the lowest horsepower rating among our foursome, this surprised us-but in an obviously pleasant way. The defeatable traction control and limited-slip differential made it easy to launch and get consistent times: Just stomp and go. The moral is that rated horsepower and torque numbers aren't everything; vehicle weight, differential ratio, tires, electronics, and a host of other factors come into play when getting all the power to the ground.
Given our past experience with several six-speed manual-equipped 540i testers, which regularly clock 0-60 in 5.6-5.8 sec, we expected the automatic version to be the first or second quickest of the group. But it ended up either second or third, depending upon the stat being considered. Running 0-60 in 6.58 sec, it was just nipped by the Mercedes off the line. But the deep-breathing, variable (intake and exhaust) valve timing-equipped Bimmer caught and passed its crosstown rival, completing the quarter mile in 14.59 sec at 95.13 mph, as compared to the Benz' 14.74/97.20-though the Benz hit a higher terminal speed at the traps. Mighty close, any way you slice it.
The A6 4.2 notched the fourth fastest 0-60 romp at 6.69 sec-still quick by any measure; the Audi's high-winding powerplant and tallish second gear would actually run to 75 mph before the 2-3 shift. No traction problems here, as you'd expect with AWD. Its initial takeoff is quite undramatic, but once the five-valve V-8 builds some revs, this thing really boogies and sounds wonderful in the process.
Lexus and Mercedes scored a virtual tie in the braking department, the GS 430's best 60-0 stopping distance being 115 ft and the Mercedes dropping the anchor to a halt in just 116. However, the Benz' somewhat squishy, non-linear brake pedal feel didn't confidently communicate this good a job. Senior Road Test Editor Chris Walton got exactly the opposite feeling from the Lexus' binders, however: "Amazing brakes; I knew they'd be good, but not this good. Zero fade, zero ABS pedal kickback-I think it dislodged one of my retinas."
The 540i and A6 also turned in similar braking performances. The BMW took 121 ft in 60-0, and the Audi needed a still respectable 123 ft. Walton noted no particular bad habits with either, though the BMW offers outstanding pedal feel and modulation. All four players performed this test within an 8-ft window, so in practical terms, they're all close and all competent stoppers. (See chart for 100-0 distances.)
From our first drive around the block, the BMW felt like the superior handler of the bunch, and test track numbers only confirmed what our well-calibrated backsides were feeling. The 540i shimmied through the cones of our slalom course in an amazing 66.7 mph, far and away a test best. This means it blends high grip levels with accurate steering and minimal body roll, and makes directional changes with more aplomb than the rest. Communicative steering gave our test driver the confidence to push the car right to the edge and keep it under control. And if that 66.7-mph number doesn't mean anything to you, consider this: A standard Corvette coupe does the job at around 65 mph, and even Ferrari's $200K-plus 456M automatic barely betters the 540i at 66.8. Absotively impressive for a chassis using MacPherson front struts!
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