clembo

Does anyome have any new information on the launch date of the new car in the U.S? I had thought it had a January target. The lease on my 2011 is up soon, my dealer is working me to get a 2014, but after 3 A8's in a row, I may try another car if the 2015 refresh is not available soon.

Tuesday

Not to bring up another brand, but have you looked into the new S550? I hope to get one as soon as I'm done with the A8. Just want to wait a few model years to get the kinks worked out.

scottphillip

I looked at the S550 yesterday. It's very impressive and has lots of new technology. I think the S is much plusher than the A8. I didn't drive the S. It's not being discounted yet.

clembo

I agree with you guys on the S550, I drove the new one a few weeks ago, very impressive. My dealer sells Audi, BMW, and Benz so it is easy to compare, the Audi guys are working hard to get a 2014 price that is good, but I'm not sure.

One of the reasons that I've had 3 A8's is that I think it is a bit more "subtle" than an S Class. I like the fact that some people have no idea what it is, where with an S, everyone knows it and some people make assumptions about money and status. I like the lower profile aura of the A8, but this time I don't care as much. If the 2015 A8 was ready soon, it might sway my opinion.

scottphillip

For the price of the S550 I drove, I could buy the S8. The Audi is more exciting to drive. I like the lower profile of the Audi also. There is $3,000 in loyalty cash and free maintenance.

If we really want to be subtle, there's always the Equus.

derfA8L

Still hear Spring earliest we'll see the 2015 MY PI in North America. Also doubtful about the matrix and sequential lighting.

Also on my 3rd A8, and getting a bit "bored." Also haven't found the D4 A8's "Comfort Seats" to be all that comfortable. Thinking about changing up when my lease expires a year from now to a Pan 4s; maybe the new Macan for something completely different. Guess I'll also have to look at the MB S550, as well as the CLS 550. I have until this coming June/July to make a decision, so lots of options to explore. Would like to stay with my Audi/Porsche dealer, but a Benz could be a callin' this time around.

clembo

You and I are thinking in a simliar fashion. I am not considering the Panamera, have 2 2012 Porsches already, and I still don't like the styling.

I would get the S8 but having my car in Boston doesn't work well when it only comes with summer tires and Audi will not support using snows.

If I felt a little love from Audi of America that might help. But after paying a premium for three A8's in a row, I am not prepared to do it again when an S Class leases for the same $, and a 750 is much less. A little Premium Owner Respect would be nice, but my dealer and AoA don't seem to care much since they are gaining share and selling boatloads of cars these days.

Who knows, I thought if the 2015 update was ready soon I might stay with the brand, but probably not if it is later.

L0U

s class looks like hyundai lately. too japanese looking vs german.

perlfather

Can you explain this? This is important!

clembo

My dealer told me that all "S" models are designed for high performance summer tires only except the S4, due to its lighter weight. I assume that they are giving me solid information as they have a 2014 S8 that I was moderatley interested in, and they pitched a semi aggressive price to me.