meem

check out this thread on the e65 forum:<ul><li><a href="http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e65/forum.php?postid=485866&page=1">http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e65/forum.php?postid=485866&page=1</a</li></ul>

silverA8L

That poster has a 2001 740iL, that's the E38, NOT E65! The new BMW 7-series as 745i, 745Li and 760Li (and BMW did in fact switch from iL to Li) in North America! It seems that most posters only talk about the design car and don't own one...

I've read somewhere the new A8 will have its own version of i-drive to access some features (someone can clarify that?). One new feature that was featured in the Avantissimo, the finger print recognition system will probably come out in the new A8 (just hope it's an optional thing)...

Audi S5 TC

It is called MMI (multi media interface). More versatility, less wiring, much less complexity yet not overly simple and a few large, easy to read and easy to reach switches for frequently used systems (stereo, radio, CD, minidisc, etc.) if front seat occupant do not wish to use the MMI ****. By more versatile I mean a rear seat DVD/CD entertainment system, DVD navigation system and most likely XM satellite radio. Oh, and MMI still allows floor mounted sifter but not floor mounted, hand activated parking brake lever and no foot actuated parking brake pedal either. Electro hydraulic parking brake is button activated and automatically deactivated when transmission is put in D or S. No touch screen concept for any of the stereo and climate controls like Lexus' DVD navigation system so driver does not have to pull over in a safe spot and put the transmission in P just to operate any stereo or climate control functions.