gta8

Hey folks, I have been reading up and decided to join.

A couple of questions, I owned a a Volvo S60R which had a very low front spoiler that hit every thing it became un-fun to drive. Moving to my current Charger (R&T w/STP) which is fully loaded I didn't have to worry about anything as the clearance has been fantastic.

I am down to two cars a brand new A8 with 3.0T or a 2016 CPO 4.0T with 5k miles.

The 4.0T has the sport bumper, is the spoiler so low that you have to watch out for everything or is it reasonable?

Also, if anyone has opinions on final choice: very simialrly opotined, new 3.0T or 6 month old CPO ex-service loaner with 5k miles 4.0T and sport body for about the same price which would you choose?

Thanks and happy to have found you all.

derfA8L

Not sure the 4.0T "Sport" front bumper lip is any lower than the standard lip on the 3.0T. In any event, you can raise the suspension when approaching parking curbs/obstructions, which handles that issue. As far as which vehicle to choose---Have you driven them both? If not, get some seat time in both and see which version you prefer. Try to test each on local roads as well as on the highway to get a feel for the power range on both motors.

the_duke

I would choose the 4.0t. But I like power. I always choose the most HP I can afford.

I'm guessing at prices but you can most likely get a low miles CPO S8 for that money. Probably not any newer than 2015 but hey it's an S8.

MP4.2+6.0

By the time you get to the S8 bumper anyway, the answer is yes need to be careful. I think the S8 bumper and the Sport bumper are basically the same. But the S8 is also somewhat lower overall. Having looked at both at various times, yes the others (non sport, 3.0, W12, etc.) end up at the same height underneath, but it is that underneath spoiler is located further back. That changes the angle of approach some for curbs and driveways and such, plus it is not a paint finished edge where run in's can show. When in doubt, I turn on the front parking camera and look at that and/or the 360 view to get a good idea of where I am relative to its leading "chin." You wouldn't have had those aids on a prior Volvo.

I would let the other aspects of the car drive the decision. The camera helps, you can use lift mode if really needed, and A8's don't sit quite as low anyway. Drive the 4.0T and you will be impressed. Since 4.0T has COD and the 3.0T supercharger uses somewhat more gas inherently, the MPG's are not all that different, at least in the ratings. Both are well regarded motors.

FWIW in decision, remember on a CPO you get balance of 4/50, but then CPO takes you out the 6 years and 100K. So on one that's new you get 4/50, but on CPO you start with 3 ½ years and balance of 50K, but then have warranty out to 5 ½ more years and 100K. That's important on any luxury ride with lots of features and gizmos. Honestly as D4's get closer to end of current run (another year or so), I think recent CPO's with the longer warranty and someone else having taken the first depreciation bath are more compelling. If you can find the colors and options you want that is, what ever the motor.

1guitar

Unless you have a need to go fast quickly, buy the 4.0, if you can wait a few more seconds the 3.0 works just fine, plus the gas mileage is better and Audi's like to drink alot of gasoline. Personally, after owning a few A8's and a few MB "S" class cars I will always opt for a V-6 if it is offered. Good luck.

absent

My E63S always had a problem with the front clearance when parking against those concrete stoppers so it made me particularly sensitive to this issue.
My current S8 Plus, especially made me careful with it's CF front lip but I found out that I have no difficulty at all clearing in any parking lot I have had problems with the Benz.
Get the 4.0 otherwise you will always regret it.

OhNoMrBill

Just get the top camera and pay attention when you park. I have not had a issue n my 13' hitting curbs.
I had a S60R as well. This Audi is nice, but I would rather have the S60Rs seats, probably the best seats ever put in a car. I would trade them for the massaging seats.

Tom C

4.0 and massage seats is the ONLY way to go!

Garycw

From everything I've heard and interpreted. Deffinrtly go with the 4.0T. That would be my choice hands down.

lennon31987

4.0 or bust