..and was totally underwhelmed.

Sticker on NWB is 77,nnn. nicely configured for 92K. 3K back for previous Audi owner.

LWB prices no available today.

I bought a Merc S550

CONGRATS ON THE MB, BUT I WOULD HAVE WENT WITH THE AUDI SINCE THER ARE MILLIONS OF S CLASSES ON THE ROAD.

I only went for the test drive because I (1) I was not blown away by the Audi and (2) since I was spending 100K (give or take) I really had to look at all the options.

Halfway through the test drive in tne MB I said to my wife, "I guess I now know why there are so many of them on the road!".

I really did not want to like the MB as much as I did. On top of that, they found the exact car I wanted as a 2010 leftover at at substantial discount. After looking at the changes that will be made for 2011 on the MB I signed the deal on the spot.
..>Under 90K for a car with a MSRP of over 104K. ...and I like the car better than all others in the class.

Sorry to be leaving you guys...it's been fun.

Eric

Great deal and understandable hard to resist. Good luck with it.

Thanks

I guess you are getting old too fast! :)
congrats!
cheers!

Law of Averages

I am going in the exact opposite direction. Having been a Mercedes Benz S series owner for years, I am leaving that marque for a 2011 A8 (hopeful November delivery). After a lovely honeymoon period, my S500 has been a nightmare once out of warranty. I remember when I was researching S500's some years ago, Consumer Reports primary criticism was the electronics... Wished I woulda, well you know how that goes. She was a dream when new, but:

Right turn signal, flooded passenger compartment from leaves blocking a $2.30 valve in the engine compartment, necessitating removal of dash, rugs, seats, etc., a unrelenting noisy fan in the dash, a complete shut-down of the Distronic system, loss of cruise control, and adaptive distance control, a balky CD player in the trunk, and most recently a breakdown of the Active Body Control system (second time) so the car wallows down the highway (only $900 for the pump and $600 for labor) on unfettered shocks and springs.

I wish you well, but that new pretty friend of yours will have a lot of electronic wrinkles that no amount of Botox will cure.

Best of Luck

doctorharrison

I just had to order a new seat for my motorcycle! The old one was just no longer comfortable (I guess after 13 years I can't really complain too much!)

Law of Averages

I am going in the exact opposite direction. Having been a Mercedes Benz S series owner for years, I am leaving that marque for a 2011 A8 (hopeful November delivery).

Had dinner with friends last night, and one of them is also planning to trade in his S550 for the new A8. While no major service issues, he thought the Benz was a bit boring. ***Sorry for the hijack***

congrats on the new car!!
maybe a short report on what underwhelmed you in the A8 and what you liked about the Merc?

For those who don't mind the 2010 models, the A8 can be had with steep discounts as well, for about 12-14K off MSRP.

I rode a couple of times in an S430 of 2-3 years ago and I must admit it was a very comfy and supple ride, yet the car seemed very agile. But in terms of price, I really think the AWD V8 S-class is in a different price category. Starting prices are $75K for the A8 versus $95K for the AWD S.

..and was totally underwhelmed.

Sticker on NWB is 77,nnn. nicely configured for 92K. 3K back for previous Audi owner.

LWB prices no available today.

I bought a Merc S550

The Merc interiors just totally underwhelm me. The design issue is obviously a matter of personal taste, but the S550 seems to be too understated and well, boring. The big-open dash kind of reminds me of an 80's Cadillac, the car just seems to be missing the front bench seat. Yes, yes, I know the S550 has a center console, but it just doesn't feel that way.

When I tell this to most non-Audi people, I get a look like I am crazy. I chalk that up to people never having had experienced an A8 interior, which seems to cradle you more, especially now when surrounded by an abundance of tech.

However, you obviously have owned and cherished your A8, so I would be curious as to your take on the interior amenities between the two.

..and was totally underwhelmed.

Sticker on NWB is 77,nnn. nicely configured for 92K. 3K back for previous Audi owner.

LWB prices no available today.

I bought a Merc S550

Maybe the reason why you were so underwhelmed with the new A8 is that deep inside, you really wanted a change.

I'm with you on that one. My S500 was a mechanical and electronic nightmare. Thank goodness for warranty. I had one repair bill for a valve in the suspension system which would have topped $20k if I had to pay for it myself. They had to pull the engine to get to the valve.

I tested the S550 before I bought my current D3 A8. I'm not sure what you saw, but I think even the D3 is a better car than the S. I looked at the D4 this weekend & even though I don't think it's as striking in appearance as the D3, the technology and detailing are terrific.

Why spend that much money for the poorer technology, poorer finish, and poorer economy than the Audi?

I too just came back from a test drive and had a different feel. I have a Cayenne Turbo coming off warranty. I hate the new body style Cayenne and the Panamera, the way I want it, is not in my pay range.

I really liked the A8. I actually went looking for an S6. Certainly has all the technology, one could ever want. Though I must admit, all the electronic doda's, make me nervous. I am waiting to place the order as I have been told that cars delivered before the first of the year, will not have the google map option and there is NO retrofit. I look forward to seeing the A8 with the sport package!

I have driven them all, the new seven, the S class and the Panamera. Didn't care for the S class or the 7 series. The Panamera still has transmission issues, similar to the ones my Cayenne has. Not the smoothest thing in the world.

Good luck with the MB. Clearly there are people that like the MB!

Never heard any A8 had got any kind of a ''sport-package''! Only S8s have been getting very subtle alterations but that's it!

Never heard any A8 had got any kind of a ''sport-package''! Only S8s have been getting very subtle alterations but that's it!


Well, I have an order sheet in front of me and its on the web site.

"For more performance-oriented handling characteristics, the Sport Package includes Audi Adaptive Air Suspension Sport, a specially tuned, firmer suspension as well as diamond-stitched, Valcona leather, 22-way ventilated sport seats with massage functions and lumbar support. The 20" sport wheels have a bold, aggressive design and come equipped with summer performance tires*. quattro® all-wheel drive with sport differential provides state-of-the-art traction and sportscar handling."

No S or RS, but it's something...

Never heard any A8 had got any kind of a ''sport-package''! Only S8s have been getting very subtle alterations but that's it!

D3 A8s have had Sport Packages available for both the NWB and LWB trims, which involved firmer tuned suspensions and different/larger wheels with performance (summer)tires. The D4's Sport Package adds to those elements with the additional equipment previously described by Yetis---but only available on the NWB model for 2011.

Here's the complete Package from the Order Guide:

Sport package PPT
20" five-triple-spoke wheels w. summer tires
22 way sport/comfort seat with pneumatic lumbar support and multicontour
Adaptive air suspension sport
Front seat ventilation and massage
Dynamic steering
Valcona leather with sport stitched diamond look
quattro sport differential

ok, my bad... I thought you were talking about exterior ''sport package'' or whatsoever, aka s-line...
cheers