LeicaNut

My opinion in comparing '15 Mercedes S550 and '15 Audi A8L

General Appearance – Exterior

Depending on personal preferences – with its wide front grill and marque figure give the Mercedes a classic appearance. I prefer the stealth appearance of the Audi. The Audi’s A-series sedan look quite similar, but each a characteristic LED headlight and rear light that set the different series apart. The generic appearance of the front and rear make identification of the S-series very difficult to distinguish between the entry level C- and S-serie.

Edge – Audi










Interior –

The redesigned Mercedes S looks very classy covered in Wood, MB-Tex and leather. Audi interiors have always had classy interiors, and likewise covered in Wood, leather and stitched vinyl. Addition of alcantera suede in the door panel, really set the Audi to the head o the class. The seats are equally comfortable in both the Mercedes and Audi. Both are heated and ventilated. Both have a panoramic sun roof.

Edge – even





Performance and Handling

Mercedes has a 4.7 liter twin turbo V8 and the Audi has the 4.0 liter twin turbo V8. Both have the sport package with 20 inch wheels. The steering, responsiveness and the fun factor in spirited driving provide the definite edge to Audi. The A8 drives and handles like a much smaller car, while the Mercedes handles more like a luxurious yacht. Mercedes has run flat Goodyear tires and the Audi has Pirelli all-season. The Pirelli handles better than the Goodyear. If you blow a tire, you need a tow since the S550 has no spare.

Edge – Audi

Technology

Both have standard navigation, Sirius traffic, and Google search. Google Maps/satellite google earth are unique to Audi. Mercedes has two large 12.5 scrrens and have a digital speedometer/odometer cluster. In my opinion, there is more electronics to breakdown and need extensive repair. Both have active lane assist and lane keep, both have surround view. Distronic adaptive cruise control is better than Audi’s adaptive cruise. Mercedes command unit can accept and read messages and text depending on the cell phone and cell provider; Audi MMI cannot. Both have touchpad entry. Audi MMI is more easier to navigate than Mercedes command

Edge – Mercedes





Overall, I prefer handling and performance over technology and therefore prefer the Audi. My better half prefers the Mercedes.

frybear

I can't do an S550. To me, and it's just me, it's an old man's car. It's stately, luxurious and a beautiful car, but i don't like it. I drove it. It drives like a Cadillac, very floaty and comfy but not a driver's car.

05audiman

That Mercedes dash looks way better.

the_duke

Complete opposite for me. I dislike the flat giant screen look of the Mercedes. I prefer the Audi dash.