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Audi A8
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Comments
It's not just an A8 thing either. My daughter's(soon to be mine) S4 has a better interior than a SLK 55, BMW M3, and Porsche Boxster S. No maker in this class of cars gives better execution of quality of interior materials and fit/finish, both inside and out.
Another selling point for shrink to remember: The A8 is also one of the safest cars on the market today, in any class. With a total of 10 airbags, self-clinching seat belts, passenger recognition, 5-channel ABS w/ EBD(a world first), and accident prepardness/avoidness helped bring my insurance premium down a full $140 from the BMW 760iL. And this ain't even including the butt-saving quattro AWD...
I had pretty much made up my mind in favor of the A8L over the M-B S 4MATIC, mainly based on my understanding of the benefits of Quattro over 4MATIC - even tho the technical discussion was w/ an Audi dealer (but confirmed by all of you!). I live in Baltimore, and altho we don't get as much winter road cover as in NY State, my area of the city is frequently not plowed out, and I have need of AWD transportation. After having driven my S430 for 5 yrs, as well as a newer acquisition of an SL500 for the past year, I have been very satisfied with the M-B interiors...so my attraction to the Audi is more for its performance and safety and less for the interior and instrumentation - which I'm sure I'll get used to.
I appreciate the one recommendation re full leather upgrade, which I shall pursue, in addn to the Premium pkg, wood/leather steering wheel and 19" wheels. I appreciate the comments about the fancy interiors, B&O stereo (the local Audi dealer had just delivered a car w/ that system the day I did a test-drive!), et al., but I am trying to contain cost - just a bit! Sorry to hear about Tony's "close call".
Thanks to all your replies - they have been really helpful!
shrinkrap
Mine stickered at about 81K, and IMNSHO, it was well worth it. At the time I felt that there were no other vehicles in the price range that could compare. At this point (8 months later) I am more convinced than before that this is so.
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BTW, I have the wood/leather wheel and think it is great. There is enough leather for a secure grip (8-10 and 2-4)....and the birch wood with the cream interior is awesome.
Oh well....
(original quote)
"well, I did not order double-pane glass, and that was a mistake"
I feel really honored that all of you have been writing in response to my original posting "A8L vs M-B..." of nearly one week ago! All of you have been very helpful in recommending various aspects of my car. Gee, if I don't order it pretty soon, not only will it have every option imaginable (well, I won't be as self-indulgent as blkhemi was!), but the agent from the leasing co. thru which I will be acquring the car will be very frustrated each time I add another option!
I'm interested to know why a number of you have recommended the double-pane glass. I must admit, I've never had that in a car, and possibly one never misses what one has never had; and yet, somehow, I can't imagine that this car would be so poorly insulated without the double-panes. However, I will at least consider it. So far, I'm shooting for quartz grey w/ platinum interior, w/ options of full leather interior, Alcantara headliner, wood/leather steering wheel, Premium pkg and 19" alloy wheels. Don't anyone try to talk me into the B&O stereo, special gourmet interior pkg's or adaptive cruise control!!!
Obviously, I'll have to let you all know when this car arrives! Again, thanks for your comments!
shrinkrap
...but how about the cooled front seats with massage? I have that option and find it very nice....
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My car also packs 20" wheels. BUT, with the double windows, the car is ACTUALLY quieter than both Lexuses I've owned, and these cars are the kings of quiet motoring. There is absolutely no wind, road, and engine noise. So, for me having the W12 with the big exhaust, I can't tell you how it sounds(until I let ny windows down and let it roar- what a sound!)
i will prob be in the market for a new car in abt a year or so. i currently have an 03 BMW 745Li and the cabin is pretty quiet (but can be improved). one of the things i strive for when purchasing a car is cabin noise. how does the A8 compare to the 7 series (assuming you're driven one) when it comes to cabin noise?
thanks!
But, due to it's rigid and tight construction, the car is remarkably quiet. CG gives it the same points in quietness as the LS 430. And with the dual-pane glass, it's almost too quiet, erie in fact as does not feel like you're driving an automobile.
My Dad's A8L is a 2004.
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Well, it looks like we're leaning over for the S600. After much debate and tiresome research, the car just offers everything that we're looking for. From the ultra-posh interior(altho clearly one-step behind the A8), to the elegant exterior and gadgets galore, this car is much improved over the W220 I owned. The wife has stated once again that as long as "her" S8 is not "disturbed", then I could have the car of my choice, just as long as it's not an A8-based car.
My daughter, who is a recent Doctorate grad from M.I.T., was actually intimidated by the immense amount of electronics and gadgetry. She has rode in it several times, but never thought about the electronics that control the car. This car is a definete huge step foward from the S4 Cab aspect. My son-in-law is happily enjoying his Q7. He had the roof rack and Audi ski-rack installed for this winter's family trip to New Hampshire in the snow season. I'm very impressed with the work that Audi has done on this SUV to differentiate it more from the VW and Porsche.
Until the S8 gets here in Oct, I'll be Audiless. Or not. I'll have the my daughter's S4 until I get it sold, which of course, won't take long in here in New York because of the car's rarity on L.I.
BTW: Great news on your A/C Tony.
As to my wife, it's only a matter of time before she wants to swap cars. She is the one telling me to go with the S600, which I'm fine with anyway. I'll have that S8 in no time, especially when she goes back to Holland this fall.
The car is just as comfortable as the A8, but the interior craftsmanship is a notch below Audi, again, what car measures up to the A8's interior in this class? Not a one.
Mercedes has infused much technology in the S, for instance the radar-cruise that can stop completely and resume speed with the flow traffic, without the drivers intervention. The car is also one of the safest cars on the road today. Still, no car in it's class has the accident-sensing system MB has installed on this car. The car senses a minor or major accident, then prepares the car accordingly. This is how this car continues to earn great marks on all government and independent crash testing, but again, so does Audi.
MB has brought this car out of the grave with the W220 platform to the W221 platform that actually makes this car like it's worth it dough. For me, even with the inpending release of the LS 460, only the MB and Audi will do. No car offers the complete blend of luxury, performance, and ease of use(in this class, this counts more than ever with the ever-present increases in electronics and rotating knobs to control EVERYTHING).
I'll keep you posted re progress! shrinkrap
Look at me. Instead of just having a S600, I have to have another A8(S8 in this case) because the car is just that great. Not many cars in this class, maybe not in the industry, can say that.
In any event: the A8L will be in Quartz gray w/ platinum interior. [Parenthetical remark: I find the Audi color spread to be too austere...example: if I were ordering a Quattroporte, I'd opt for the luscious maroon w/ beige interior!] Options=Premium pkg, full leather (which includes the Alcantara headliner), 19" alloy wheels, wood/leather steering wheel, dual-paned glass, ventilated/massaging front seats, and dual-rear climate control. And, yes, you're right that I don't very frequently carry around a full complement of passengers, but those who will have the benefit of being in back will be quite comfortable! Even the one sitting behind me as driver, since I always need full legroom (being 6'5"). So, I'm getting excited!
Thanks for all your useful postings. I'll let you know how things progress.
shrinkrap
575 miles= A much shorter trip and jail time to follow(lol)
You're a brave man. You drove right in the face of Ernesto.
My buddy has an '05 A8 w/19" wheels and he came to pick me up for our golf workout today. I was surprised at how remarkably well the car took bumps in stride despite the low-pro's. Very nice ride with less body lean that my W12 had, but the shorter wheelbase does have answer bumps with more of a snap than does the L models.
You won't see many Lexus' here in L.I. Mostly MBZ's and a few BMW's.
I have an appointment for repair and will keep you posted.
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Which leads to a question which I was recently asked: what is the significance of the 4-circle Audi trademark?
shrinkrap