I am in the market for a new car over the next few months. I was able to see the new BMW 750LI today at BMW Manhattan. It is a very nice car although the changes they made to the trunk are almost unnoticable. The interior looked very cool and was equipped with the rear entertainment package [DVD player, ETC.]The sticker was $86,000 and was just about fully loaded except for Sport Package and self closing doors and electric trunk opener. I currently have a 2004 S4 and 2003 CLK-500. The CLK-500 is coming off a lease in about 4 months and I have my mind set on a Audi A8. I like the lines on the A8 and the all wheel drive. I recently read the May issue of Road & Track and most of the reviews from the guys rating the various cars preferred the Audi A8 because of the same reasons that I like about the car. The BMW came in first primarily because of it's performing ability and I am wondering if the 2006 A8 will have the same engine output of 360 hp as the new BMW. The car R & T tested was a 745LI. Decisions,Decisions.

Thus the better performing car. Not quite equal there.
There is a Sport package available for the A8 now.

The A8 is a great car and I hope you decide on getting one and joining us here. I don't know offhand what the output for the 06 version will be, but it will have enough power to make it an extremely enjoyable car. Yes the car will be and feel different than your S4. It will be a big mindset change for you, but once you get the feel for the A8, you'll understand and appreciate what the A8 is.

the '06 will have the same engine as the '05/'04 - 330 HP - and based upon my experience with the A8L that's more than enough -unless you are on an open road (or a performance extremist) - no sooner do you accellerate than you realize yo need to brake because your catching up to folks real fast.

I've been a devote BMW owner for many years but based on the latest models they put out I started looking around (didn't like the styling or the I Drive). A friend suggested looking at the A8L and I feel it is one of the best "all around" luxury sedans I have ever owned.

It was listed as 330 for Phaeton marketing.

its a 335 hp unit. But marketing wanted to have the P-ton with a slight advantage so they said 330 for the A8. They do it all the time.

When we had our little girl, I soon realized my B5 S4 was too snug for a car seat. I was sour on the idea of getting another Audi (due to occasional poor service). And yet I went to test drive the B6 S4 avant. I left the dealership with an 04 A8L. My wife initially wanted the MB E500 wagon. Luckily we didnt. At first my wife thought the A8L was way too big for her to drive, now she feels at home in it. My 11 month princess sleeps in her carseat in comfort and safety. The rear seat room is so good we change diapers back there (sacrilage, I know). With 330 hp, there is plenty of "get up and go" for this 4400 lb vessel. If I want to take my car to extremes, I have my S4 for that. I found the A8L to offer a good mix of luxury and refinement, without flash. Plus, here in CA, the 7 series and E/S series are on every corner.

I thought the C6 had the shorter V8 with the timming chain on the back rather than frount.