S4NoRice

What's their advantage and disadvantage

Is there any issue regarding the design and driability?

Thanx

Egil A64.2s - S6

The Bimmers will tell you BMW and the Audies the A8. Depends on your needs and wants.

Alan A

By most accounts, the current A8 is not a real match for the latest S-Class, 745i or the Lexus LS430. I would take one as a used bargain in a heartbeat, but buying a new A8 toward the end of its current life cycle is not a wise choice, both from resale and technological standpoints. If you can wait for the new A8, it will likely be a quantum leap over the current car which is largely unchanged since its U.S. debut as a 1997 model.

ryoung

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look one post up.

BTW, unless you really need the rear legroom, I'd avoid the long wheelbase. Not only does it add weight, but even the A8/S8 feels longer than you'd like when you're backing up in parking lots.

Xialater

besides the fact that the 745Li is one of the ugliest cars I have ever seen, I'd say go with an A8, but after seeing the look of the new A8 (see post above) I'd be pushing towards a MB S500, or, my personal favorite the S55 AMG (or the E55 AMG if you don't need the size).....I agree buying a new A8L at this stage (old body being discontinued, new style coming) would mean HEAVY depreciation, which you are gonna see no matter what. It's all a matter of personal taste, which car do you like the lines of the most......Figure that out, then go buy it, and don't let anyone else second guess you......

just curious, whatcha gonna do with the S4??

Brutal-8

If you drive at least a 1,000 miles a week like I do and spend a lot of time in your ride, than it is the Audi. For the sake of comfort, luxury, looks, easy to use and understand features.

Audi BTW is the worst experience I have ever had with my '01 S-8 in regards to service. I owned all makes pretty much.
I know BMW dealer here in Miami had to take some cars back due to problems with that single button. But the service and their help is not something you can compare to Audi. BMW is years ahead of Audi the way they take care of their customers.
Just decide how long you will be keeping the automobile. If it is short term go for Audi, if it is long term go for BMW as when stuff starts going wrong, you will appreciate them.
God luck

Pk14

Really depends what you are looking for - by all means, drive them both before putting too much brainpower into it. The I-Drive has had a lot of poor press not because it didn't do one of the intended things of a clean cockpit, but in the user interface (6 separate push/pulls to manually change the radio!). I chose a 2001 A8L over a new 745i, a 2000 S500, a 2001 S430, and a Lexus 430. Can't stand the looks of the 745i + user interface for the secondary controls (the car drove very nice). The MBs were great rides, a little lighter on their feet, but the interiors were not as nice as the A8L, plus I felt as if everyone was staring at me in the S-Class. The Lexus was nice, but low on the charisma scale - would have considered it if I was going to keep it for at least 6 years. Most people don't know what the A8 is and I do like the rear-legroom for passengers / clients. I did not take a new car hit because of the past track record on depreciation for the A8. (Leased and will see what 2004/5 brings for excitement - in the interim, I absolutely love the ride and interior where I spend at least 1.5 hours a day.) Respectable performance from a big sedan - hard to go 9/10ths where I live and not have law enforcement knowing me on a personal basis! Good luck.