August

I just looked at a new A8 (although there was a nice new shiney black S8 sitting right next to it in the showroom) and I was hoping for a little more room. The car seemed big enough, I thought, for me (6'3" and 225lbs)to feel as though I would be stepping up to a nicer car with more room than my '93 100. Its a beautiful car but it make me want to be a little smaller. Would the long wheel base cure this?

Any comments from owners with similar concerns? Thanks

EuroA8

First of all I'd like to say it IS roomy. But in comparison to other brands (especially MB), the head space in an Audi seems to be less. It's because of the sleekier, sportier (more of a coupe kinda) look it has. And the roof seems lower. It's simply not a box. Therefor it is so much easier on the eyes, and there's really no problem concerning space. Talking body room, I'd say the car is excellent. I'd even say the MB S-class seems a lot less roomy to me in that regard (except for the head space). In my view the S has more head space then required, and it doesn't help in the looks department. I was at the Brussels car show and I saw the new E-class. It looks ok (more coupe), but the space behind has shrunk to a minimum. That's what could happen with head room, but it shouldn't effect other spaces. I think Audi is better equiped dealing with this issue. Maybe it's just me?

The L version has ofcourse even more room, especially leg room, and a bit more head space as well. Take the A8 for a test drive and I'm sure you'll be convinced of its superiority.

August

Thanks for the feedback - I agree

silverA8L

Before we bought the A8L, looked and drove all three cars mentioned in the subject line. We previously had a W140 (old) S500. In comparison, the biggest is the old S500. The new S500 seems to be smaller on the outside but the interior space is pretty much the same (however, the seats are smaller and not very confortable). The old BMW 7-series (740iL) is very airy and very combortable and possibily larger than the new S500 (don't have actual numbers, but it feels like it when you sit in it). The A8L fairs well compare to the S500 and the 740iL, drivers and front passengers should not have a problem with leg room, but headroom may be a bit limited. However, I have a friend who is 6'4 and he doesn't seem to have any trouble finding a comfortable position in the A8L. So I tend to think if you want more leg room, the L version should do the trick. Of all three, the A8L drives the best, then the 740iL we tested and the S500 was the last (I think if we have ABC, it should ride and drive better).

escapA8

...and I have a short hair cut: still I have to put the back rest down a little compared to my ideal seat position, so my just showered hair (with some styling product) doesn't rub against the ceiling in the morning. I don't want to have the same black spot on my A8s ceiling like I had on my previous car. ;-)

Overall I feel comfortable driving it. Love the memory seats: Setting 1: Normal driving. Setting 2: Wet hair driving.

NakedA8

I mean *seriously* you're worried about that crap all over your headliner.....what about your hair?

Please no counterposts about how great it makes you look....I don't buy it. Ew...I gotta go wash my hands now....I got a greasy feeling from this post.

stumbo

snap, same here.... tried the back a couple of times (non L) and I'm glad I bought the car to drive .