Poll: The True "KING" of Germany (S,7,A8)

[HighestOfHigh]

I went for the S Class. Even though I do not like the fender flare (and the black softens the design) I have to think that this car is the leader and will continue as the most popular top of the line sedan.

Because it is the leading seller in this luxury sedan segment, it follows that most if not all of the current S Class owners will eventually migrate to this edition. I know in the US most buyers of the S Class just order the car and wait for delivery when they want to replace their current S. They may make some remarks or ask a few questions but they end up and driving the S.

When the time comes (or the urge) to trade my S430, I now will automatically look at the S as the replacement. I will not look at the A8 (that grille turns me off quick) or the 7 Series (had a Z3 but never liked the sedans.)

If the Audi is going to grab a segment of the luxury sedan market in the US I think they will have to do if from a brand other than MB. Audi is just not thought of as being in that segment here yet (at least in this MB driver's eyes.)

So do you feel the changes made to the A8 will put it above Mercedes?

 

[LaArtist]

looking back at this thread im amazed that the 7er has more votes than the A8

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Well the 7 series is more popular. Personally I never even thought about the A8 until this model.

When I got inside this one, I knew it was a true competition to the S-class.

 

[JasonR]

I went for the S Class. Even though I do not like the fender flare (and the black softens the design) I have to think that this car is the leader and will continue as the most popular top of the line sedan.

Because it is the leading seller in this luxury sedan segment, it follows that most if not all of the current S Class owners will eventually migrate to this edition. I know in the US most buyers of the S Class just order the car and wait for delivery when they want to replace their current S. They may make some remarks or ask a few questions but they end up and driving the S.

When the time comes (or the urge) to trade my S430, I now will automatically look at the S as the replacement. I will not look at the A8 (that grille turns me off quick) or the 7 Series (had a Z3 but never liked the sedans.)

If the Audi is going to grab a segment of the luxury sedan market in the US I think they will have to do if from a brand other than MB. Audi is just not thought of as being in that segment here yet (at least in this MB driver's eyes.)

I think the Audi in the US issue is quite interesting. I used to laugh sometimes when I heard that Audi is not known in the US, or that it is not seen in the same league as their competitors. But last year I realized how true that is. I've always been in the Tri-state area or Miami, where Audi is quite popular. It is rather normal to see Audis everywhere. But I went on a very long trip throughout the US for about 3 weeks in a Q7. It was really amazing that I saw 4 or 5 Audis during the whole trip mostly through the Central part of the US (someone at a gas station in Missouri asked my uncle what brand the SUV was. ) ,except when we arrived to California where it went "back to normal".
Audi sales take place in Metro areas only and that is the problem. If you live in a Metro area you will not undertand the concept that is often expressed about Audi in the US. I was talking to one of my cousins about this and he said that is basically because these areas tend to be more "global" and more in touch with the perceptions of the brands arround the world due to more cultures, immigration etc..., and of course there's more money.