Vs Autobild: Audi A8 vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

[Remy Zero]

Let's not get carried away here...

+1

Besides the X5, i'm have never been a fan of BMW since 2001.

 

[EnI]

Is the wood, design of the shifter, the layout optional? I don't think so. Is the overall design optional? No.

M

If I'm not mistaken that particular wood trim is a part of Audi Design Selection option.

Other than that (layout, overall design, detailing) is standard though. But debating about taste is highly subjective.

The main issue was weather (base) D4 A8 is still much better in materials used + fit & finish than comparable S-class & 7er. I'm told it isn't - that in the D3 vs W220 vs e65 there was an objective difference, while now there's none. And it's all about subjective perception. I'm sure many will still find S-class interior much more luxurious etc ...

But I do admit (it's an evident fact) A8 & S-class interiors are more exclusive & special compared to the 7er - which shares the same design template with other BMW models, therefore lacking exclusivity. But in that term A8 lacks it on the outside - in exterior design. Meaning the S-class comes out as the most exclusive design in this class.

 

[PanterroR]

But I do admit (it's an evident fact) A8 & S-class interiors are more exclusive & special compared to the 7er - which shares the same design template with other BMW models, therefore lacking exclusivity. But in that term A8 lacks it on the outside - in exterior design. Meaning the S-class comes out as the most exclusive design in this class.

Well said.

 

[Human]

Yep! The 7er DEFINITELY lacks exclusivity.
But that doesn't measn that it can't look TEN TIMES better than the new A8, because it does. The 7er interior design is unmatched in the class. It's just perfect. The A8 has a lot of very (VERY) ugly design elements going on, with the giant pop up screen the most noticable.

Seriously, all this interior design talk is completely subjective. 7er is first by a mile, than comes the S-class, and last the A8.
In my book!

I agree FULLY, F01 does lack exclusivity because the F10 5er looks like a copy.

2 .The S-class has the RR Phantom 'feel'

3. The A8's interior is fresh, modern and looks great but without real elegance and strange elements.

1 . F01 - Layout is SUPERB....only REAL rival would be the Panamera

 

[Osnabrueck]

But in that term A8 lacks [exclusivity] on the outside - in exterior design. Meaning the S-class comes out as the most exclusive design in this class.

I don't see what's wrong with that. The A8 has always lacked exclusive exterior styling since its inception.

I don't see how this particular A8 is any different than its predecessors - all of which were basically enlarged iterations of their siblings in design approach. I am still let down that they didn't cough up something truly inspiring this time around, but it seems to me that the staus quo has more or less been retained.

 

[klier]

I don't see what's wrong with that. The A8 has always lacked exclusive exterior styling since its inception.

I don't see how this particular A8 is any different than its predecessors - all of which were basically enlarged iterations of their siblings in design approach. I am still let down that they didn't cough up something truly inspiring this time around, but it seems to me that the staus quo has more or less been retained.

Pretty much the proportions. Exterior design details were like the other cars, but the porportions of the previous A8 were unlike any other Audi, and the new A8 looks like an FWD A4 XXL

 

[Osnabrueck]

^^ Ok, I give you that one. The proportions look very much like a super sized FWD sedan. And, if I can recall, that's what most of us were bitching about a month ago.

 

[Merc1]

If I'm not mistaken that particular wood trim is a part of Audi Design Selection option.

Other than that (layout, overall design, detailing) is standard though. But debating about taste is highly subjective.

The main issue was weather (base) D4 A8 is still much better in materials used + fit & finish than comparable S-class & 7er. I'm told it isn't - that in the D3 vs W220 vs e65 there was an objective difference, while now there's none. And it's all about subjective perception. I'm sure many will still find S-class interior much more luxurious etc ...

But I do admit (it's an evident fact) A8 & S-class interiors are more exclusive & special compared to the 7er - which shares the same design template with other BMW models, therefore lacking exclusivity. But in that term A8 lacks it on the outside - in exterior design. Meaning the S-class comes out as the most exclusive design in this class.

I really don't see what you're reaching for here. There isn't any "issue". The design isn't going to change with the base car, and in the U.S. market/trim the materials aren't either. It really isn't about what others will find either, its about what I got from being around the cars at the same time. Of course others will find differently.

I'm stunned about your comments on the S-Class interior vs its competition.


M

 

[MBhmjs220]

But I do admit (it's an evident fact) A8 & S-class interiors are more exclusive & special compared to the 7er - which shares the same design template with other BMW models, therefore lacking exclusivity. But in that term A8 lacks it on the outside - in exterior design. Meaning the S-class comes out as the most exclusive design in this class.

couldn't have said it better myself!

 

[coolraoul]

I don't see what's wrong with that. The A8 has always lacked exclusive exterior styling since its inception.

I don't see how this particular A8 is any different than its predecessors - all of which were basically enlarged iterations of their siblings in design approach. I am still let down that they didn't cough up something truly inspiring this time around, but it seems to me that the staus quo has more or less been retained.

For me, the D3, while looking like another Audi for some people, was really special in its proportiosn ad execution. I never ever took it for an A6 or A4, while I often make confusions between those last two.

The D3 was, plainly said, the best looking of the bunch both inside and outside. It only was lacking in terms of drivetrains, comfort, and technology. But from an aesthetic PoV, it was a real winner.

I'm still stunned by every D3 S8 I see, after all those years. Only thing I didn't like were the rear lights, which were splendidly corrected by the second FL.

Stunner really. This one looks like a joke. A bad one.

 

[justanthony]

But I do admit (it's an evident fact) A8 & S-class interiors are more exclusive & special compared to the 7er - which shares the same design template with other BMW models, therefore lacking exclusivity. But in that term A8 lacks it on the outside - in exterior design. Meaning the S-class comes out as the most exclusive design in this class.

Eni are you at all feeling well?? I guess somethings (well a few) have changed after all

 

[Potential]

I agree with EnI on the matter of holistic exclusivity, but this doesn't mean I find the S Class design to be the best per say. I for one, have no problem with the BMW 7 Series family ties in terms of layout and design. It accentuates the idea of starting with the 3 Series young and upgrading gradually to the 7 Series as the bank balance and belly increase... That said, I think BMW will have to consider some serious revision to the interior with the facelift model, when the W222 S Class is released. Mainly, replace the steering wheel with something that actually blends in with the rest of the interior design...

 

[EnI]

Of course.

Saying S-class has the most exclusive design inside & outside, that doesn't mean it's the best design.

E65 7er was also very exclusive in design yet ....

 

[K-A]

Audi just really dropped whatever little ball they might have had in the segment. This segment is the one where M-B and BMW have both really gone above and beyond, and put out impeccable models, that are at levels above their predecessors at lengths unseen in the other segments.

I just don't see anyone aside from utter Audi loyal really going after the car. I'd say perhaps if they want something a little less "gaudy" per-se, than the S-Class, however that's where the slick 7'er would come in.... Unless it looked too Sporty or something, I dunno.