Vs AMS: Audi A8 4.2 FSI Quattro vs Mercedes-Benz S450 4Matic

[cawimmer430]

Just got my latest Auto Motor und Sport. A good comparison between two of the best luxury cars in this segment. No need to translate the whole thing, the Fazit's below explain everything to the point.

1st Place: Mercedes S450 4Matic (512/650)
An excellent luxury car with incredible comfort, handling, power, refinement and safety. Traction through 4Matic is excellent. Price and maintenance costs are very expensive though.

2nd Place: Audi A8 4.2 FSI Quattro (501/650)
The A8 has a much sportier character, which explains the harder suspension and aggressive sounding engine. The A8 is more fuel efficient, easier to use (cockpit controls) but falls behind in the comfort department.

Technical Data


Ratings


THE SCANS
http://img516.imageshack.us/my.php?image=amsaudimercedes1zn7.jpg http://img74.imageshack.us/my.php?image=amsaudimercedes2if5.jpg


Also in this months issue:
Test: Audi TT 3.2 vs Porsche Cayman (the Audi trashes the Porsche)
Test: BMW X5 4.8i (Will scan this ASAP)
Test: Honda CR-V
Test: Opel Antara
Test: Subaru Impreza 1.5

 

[ree]

Test: BMW X5 4.8i (Will scan this ASAP)

http://www.germancarforum.com/showthread.php?t=9541

Maybe, you could write a short summary of the result?!!

 

[RICHBOY]

Their not even the premium leather seats with the preforated leather in the A8! When magizines pull stunts like that it show's their bias!

 

[Bruce]

Thanks for the scans Wimmer.

These two vehicles really are evenly matched, both in straight line performance and sound levels within the cabin. However as you pointed out, the A8 is the more sporty of the two and the S-class is arguably the more luxurious of the two.

My personal choice? That's a hard one, especially as I admire these two near equally. I'll get back to you..

 

[LaArtist]

well this result wasent a surprise

 

[cawimmer430]

http://www.germancarforum.com/showthread.php?t=9541

Maybe, you could write a short summary of the result?!!

Checking it out now.

 

[cawimmer430]

Thanks for the scans Wimmer.

These two vehicles really are evenly matched, both in straight line performance and sound levels within the cabin. However as you pointed out, the A8 is the more sporty of the two and the S-class is arguably the more luxurious of the two.

My personal choice? That's a hard one, especially as I admire these two near equally. I'll get back to you..

In this segment, I like the S-Class, A8 and the Jaguar XJ8. The Lexus LS is a nice car too, but I don't see myself wanting one when I can have one of the three Europeans above. I guess though I'd be happy with any one of these if someone gave it to me.

By the way, I've heard nothing (press releases etc.) about the release of an S450 (or a 4Matic version) in Europe and all of a sudden AMS compares one.

 

[Bruce]

I guess though I'd be happy with any one of these if someone gave it to me.

For sure I just can't decide which I would buy...I think the S450..but maybe not

By the way, I've heard nothing (press releases etc.) about the release of an S450 (or a 4Matic version) in Europe and all of a sudden AMS compares one.

I've never heard of one either

 

[cawimmer430]

For sure I just can't decide which I would buy...I think the S450..but maybe not

If you're gonna go S-Class, get the S320 CDI or S420 CDI.

 

[Yperion]

S class won so congrats.

I still don't like that overly complicated Mercedes interior though.

 

[cawimmer430]

S class won so congrats.

I still don't like that overly complicated Mercedes interior though.

It's not that complicated really. The only thing which takes time to learn is the new COMAND system though.

 

[meisocool]

Wow these two are evenly matched....i really like "7er looking" interior of S Class,looks clean and high quality..but A8's interior is definelty one of the best interior ever...but still if i have to choose one of them,S Class is my choice.!!

 

[Zafiro]

Finally a competitive engine from Audi, they been underpowered too long.

BTW those two interiors on the pics dont impress me. I dont like the colour combination.

 

[cawimmer430]

BTW those two interiors on the pics dont impress me. I dont like the colour combination.

How about this?

http://imageshack.us

I myself prefer lighter interior color combinations.

 

[PanterroR]

Let me choose MY interior and exterior combo and you'll see what's an A8 when compared to S design wise...

In any case, A8 is my choice over this new S anyways; in diesel or petrol versions, regadless what AMS or, for me the most important, EVO, says...

Kudos to S for the win, though... It's really hard to beat this car and that's why i ...

 

[Centurion]

However as you pointed out, the A8 is the more sporty of the two and the S-class is arguably the more luxurious of the two.

That is the problem with the A8 and which is the reason why the S has won just about every comparison. When magasines test the 7er, S and A8 comfort is what's most important and supreme comfort is exaclty what most people want when they buy a large saloon.

 

[Zafiro]

what most people want when they buy a large saloon.

not everyone, thats why some people buy an A8 instead

 

[Centurion]

not everyone, thats why some people buy an A8 instead

That true but some also buy it becasue they can't properly afford the S.

 

[Zafiro]

That true but some also buy it becasue they can't properly afford the S.

those people are a minority. If you spend almost one million swedish kronor then another 100.000 extra doesnt mean much.

 

[Yperion]

That true but some also buy it becasue they can't properly afford the S.

It's not that , the price of the two cars is very similar. If someone can afford an A8 4.2 lt TDI (the best selling A8 in Germany) you surely can afford a S class for the same amount of money.
In fact Audi before the new S class was presented was the market leader in the 8 cylinder and above segment meaning that those who bought the A8 bought the more expensive versions while S class and 7 series buyers mostly bought the cheaper 6 cylinder versions.