It´s not that S is top of the range some times. It´s just that with some models, Audi doesn´t consider suitable the RS trim, in the same way some BMWs have no M variant. The S8 would compete with the rumored M770i, and with the S63 AMG. The RS8 would fight the M7 and the S65 AMG.
I know what you mean but what i wanted to say is that a rs8 would be no option today like a M7 isn´t for BMW. Maybe time will change
When you look at the acceleration times, S8 vs S65AMG: S8 - S65 AMG: 0-100 km/h: 4.0 - 4.5 0-200 km/h: 13.1 - 12.9 It's pretty close, so you could say they are competitors, performance wise.
On paper the S8 and the 760i are extremely similar. S8 520hp 2,050kg 254hp/tonne 760i 544hp 2,180kg 250hp/tonne The fact that BMW chose not badge it M760i seems to be the only reason not to compare the two. And don't give me this nonsense about the 760i not having a sporty set up. You hit the "Sport+" setting on the DPC and it becomes very sporty indeed.
My comment was a joke to suggest that an S model should again be compared with an M BMW, the reality is now right this moment in time that is solely the duty of the RS model and no other. Audi choice to badge some of their cars as S where as BMW called their just regular version as is the case with the 760i but as Betty rightly showed this two cars are so close as to seperate them would require a jimmy bar.
The A8/S8 is IMO one of those strange cases where one lower class car of the same manufacturer looks much better, that being the A6/S6. The last A8 was much "special" looking, the present is just.. meh; the inverse case with the A6, the present one is stunning and IMO nicest Audi (along A3 and A5 coupe) this side of the R8
The 760i does not, in any way, pretend to be sporty like an S8 or M5. A simple Sport+ button being available is a freaking lame excuse. And this is from my own personal experience with a 760i. Even a 7er M sport model has the exact same chassis as a regular 7er. I personally think a potential S8 owner would look at an M5 and definitely not a 760i. but I am not even going to try to convince you (let alone Tumbo), so let's just try to stick to the topic at hand, which is NOT the BMW 760i.
BMW has no rival, what IMO is wrong. But the 760i is an S600 and an A8 W12 rival, not an S63 AMG or S8 rival.
^Does the 'sport +' button effect the suspension as well as the throttle and gearbox, if so then I don't see how things are much different than the S8 which itself is equipped with adaptive suspension. We are talking about BMW for heaven sake, are they not the more sporty of the 3 big German brands. I think the real difference on this occasion that might seperate them in outright ability is the quattro in the Audi.
No of course you don't. Lets call the 760i competition of the S8 if that makes you happy But instead of outright ability, I would say outright borebom.
The new 7-series isnt known to be a sportycar. True compeititior to S8 is GT86 Review on the 750i: Impressively refined – but depressingly dull. BMW claims that the suspension has been tweaked for better bump control, but it still seems to struggle when asked to smother potholes and to keep sharp ridges from disturbing the cabin. The steering is merely a positional device that does nothing to inform you of what’s going on at the point of contact with the road. It’s not lacking in performance, but it is lacking in the sort of emotional appeal that used to make previous versions of the 7-series such interesting cars for those who wanted to drive themselves. After a day spent piloting the new 7 it’s hard not to conclude that this is a limousine that needs a chauffeur.
So if 760i is S8 rival BMW doesn't need any "M770i"? Or that will be an RS8 rival? We must forget the "RS8" and the S65 AMG. If there is an S65 AMG is is only because it is a Mercedes, an S Class and has a V12. Mercedes wanted to stop it but becasue demand is to high, in the Petrol Countries, it is yet going to be produced, but nobody would by an RS8. An M7 with +600 PS V12 would sell well also, but of course only in Russia and the Petrol Countries, unfortuntely not enough for BMW to make a case.
Performance wise, an BMW Alpina is always inferior to a BMW M. Just look at Alpina B5 F10 vs. BMW M5 F10.
Well, I didn't make any sweeping statements about Alpina being superior or inferior to M. I just pointed out there is sporty version of the 7 that I didn't see any one else mention. And for the the discussion on what 7 competes against S8, it is probably a better fit than anything else.
Yes, the B7 is a better fit, but it is still not really a performance version. Alpina does not focus on sportiness but on exclusivity, and sportiness automatically adds to that without being the main aim.
It is nice to have a pleasant surprise from tests. Audi has been very conservative on their posted crank dyno results lately. I was a wee bit concerned that the S6's strong results meant that the 4.0T in the S6 and 7 was really a very slight detuned S8 version, and the 100hp figure was for damage control on seling the 8's. It safe to say with 3 seconds spread in the 0-200, that the S8 does indeed put down another 100hp. Both are pushing larger than expected numbers to the road, as shown by keeping pace with the pp merc. I am even more anxious to take delivery now. This car is shaping up to be a beast. Is a 12.0 sec 1/4 mile in the cards?
