I think the new grille suits the shape better and we all know the new grille on the D3 was an afterthought..

The only feature that I do not think is perfect is the extraordinary long nose on the C6. I think that the A8 with its longer body makes the line a bit more symmetrical and thus looks a bit better. Both are very beautiful vehicles and bring a welcome option to the Mercedes and BMW cars.

<center><img src="http://www.allcarpictures.com/pictures/saturn/l300/saturn-l300.jpg"></center><p>

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/102367/picture_006.jpg"></center><p>If you are referring to the chrome strip, it runs along the lower part of the side windows to complete the uniformity. If you are not a chrome guy, which the census seems to be here on Audi World, then it would probably look better to you if it was brushed aluminum (I would agree). Either way I think that it adds a touch of class to the aft.

The Saturns strip is just too big and plastic looking to embrace, just my two cents though.

<center><img src="http://www.otomax.com/AracResim/521084_3.JPG"></center><p>

From the side, the profile looks much better than that of the C5 IMO; with the somewhat elongated roof line (as compared with that of the C5) it takes on a much sleeker appearance, similar to the M-B CLS.

I still can't embrace the front end and grill design. Ever since it was dubbed the "fish mouth" at its introduction it's not appealed to me although I don't dislike it as much now as I did earlier.

The rear end, while certainly not unattractive, seems a bit too generic IMO. I guess I can't get past the notion that to my eyes it really <i>does </i> resemble the back end of a Saturn. I struggle with that.

One thing I really liked about my C5s (2000 2.8q and 2003 4.2) was the interior. The instrument panel was simply the best I've ever seen in a production car. If they could combine the C5 IP with the rest of the C6 interior (console, door panels, etc.), they'd really have something IMO.

I don't mean to offend anyone here. Believe me, I love Audis. Many days I wish I'd have kept my 2003 4.2 since I may never again have a chance to own a car whose combination of styling, features, and performance appeals to me as much as its did.

The silver bar on the rear end isn't unique among cars. Don't Jaguars all have the metal bar also?

<center><img src="http://www.carpages.co.uk/jaguar/jaguar_images/jaguar_xtype_rear_09_05_05.jpg"></center><p>

However, the D3 has tough competition on looks. The Maserati Quattroporte is the most beautiful at the moment, and will be bested by the Aston Martin 4 door.

Next to the Aston Martin (circa $250K but pricing is not final), the Audi A8 and Maserati will be relative econoboxes.