S8 is only 4277 pounds?!?! for comparision the w12 is 4729 lbs
10-20-2005, 10:08 PM
#12
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What does BMW have that competes with the S8?
The M5? Not really. Sure the S65 will be really really fast, in a straight line. That's one thing I love about Audi. They have comfort levels on par with Mercedes and dynamics closing in on BMW. I think that this car will bring in some converts, I believe that It's also appealing to a younger demographic. There are also going to be a couple people that might even use this as their daily driver and track day car.
10-21-2005, 06:10 AM
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I am switching from a CL55 Kompressor to the S8 because...
in the real world the ability to go from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and accelerate at blinding rates from all speeds is not nearly as satisfying as Quattro, especially with the grace that the S8 will likely have. Moreover, I suspect that S8's will be much more exclusive than any of the AMG's that MB overproduced in the past few years. Oh yes, In Boston I will be able to drive it 12 months a year, unlike my CL55. Try taking a CL55, even with all of its impressive electronic controls around a wet exit ramp at any real speed. I suspect that despite the new M5 or M6's impressive capabilities, it would not be much more fun on the same wet ramp. But, of course, some drivers like the challenge.
10-21-2005, 08:03 AM
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MB's reliability going downhill...and BMW E65/66 7-series has no equivalent model
While I do have a deposit on the new E60 M5 for when my A8L's lease ends (3/07), I am now leaning towards the S8.
I would not consider another Mercedes-Benz because of the recent quality issue, and I just don't like the new W221 S-class design. So even if the S63 AMG is the monster limo that I suspect it is, I would not consider it. My parents have an '05 E500 4matic wagon that has had so many electrical gremlins, they're choosing to live with the SRS light on instead of going back to the dealer...and the car has only 6,000 miles on it. This experience accurately reflects what has been discussed in the automotive press in the U.K. and North America, that MB's reputation as the builder of expensive and reliable automobiles is taking a beating. Personally speaking, I've been lucky with the SL500 but that's what it is...luck. I've heard so many other owners with problems on brand new MBs, ranging from the C- to the CL-classes that I would not go near another one with a ten foot pole.
As for BMW, I am a long time avowed fan of the Roundel marque, and my M3 track car gives me all the fun and excitement behind the wheel. But recent design directions and complexities have left me cold. As I'd said, I have a deposit on an M5, but a buddy who works at a large BMW dealer admitted to me privately that the E60 M5 (which have just begun arriving at dealers in the U.S. and Canada) left him "underwhelmed" as it looks too much like a 545i Sport. The V10 motor sounds horny, but the car has no presence on the road. And that's a troubling remark since the M5 has always been the uber-saloon within BMW's range. Given that they have never had an M version of the 7-series, I suspect the M5 will continue to hold that torch.
Which leads me to the S8. The A8L is the FIRST AUdi I have ever owned/leased and therefore have had no brand loyalty to speak of, but I've been thrilled with the experience as a driver, as well as for its reliability and the service I've received from my dealer (which I realize is subjective and YMMV across the country). But I can only base my opinions on my experience and it has been very positive. I know other D3 owners have had various problems though I've been lucky (knocking wood...) and have been spared of them.
The A8L doesn't drive as well as the E65/66 7-series, but then again I'm not driving on the Nurburgring everyday so that aspect matters less. What matters most is the fact that the car is a rock in the snow and icy conditions of the northeast, and was unstoppable (when equipped with the proper snow tires) in even blizzard like conditions. The car has been comfortable for long distance drives and is safe for us and our first child arriving soon, and it has been a rarer sight (though not as rare as the D2 model it replaced) than the myriad of 7-series and S-class saloons on the streets of New York and New Jersey. So the S8 is a very tempting proposition for me as the replacement for the A8L when the time comes.
I would not consider another Mercedes-Benz because of the recent quality issue, and I just don't like the new W221 S-class design. So even if the S63 AMG is the monster limo that I suspect it is, I would not consider it. My parents have an '05 E500 4matic wagon that has had so many electrical gremlins, they're choosing to live with the SRS light on instead of going back to the dealer...and the car has only 6,000 miles on it. This experience accurately reflects what has been discussed in the automotive press in the U.K. and North America, that MB's reputation as the builder of expensive and reliable automobiles is taking a beating. Personally speaking, I've been lucky with the SL500 but that's what it is...luck. I've heard so many other owners with problems on brand new MBs, ranging from the C- to the CL-classes that I would not go near another one with a ten foot pole.
As for BMW, I am a long time avowed fan of the Roundel marque, and my M3 track car gives me all the fun and excitement behind the wheel. But recent design directions and complexities have left me cold. As I'd said, I have a deposit on an M5, but a buddy who works at a large BMW dealer admitted to me privately that the E60 M5 (which have just begun arriving at dealers in the U.S. and Canada) left him "underwhelmed" as it looks too much like a 545i Sport. The V10 motor sounds horny, but the car has no presence on the road. And that's a troubling remark since the M5 has always been the uber-saloon within BMW's range. Given that they have never had an M version of the 7-series, I suspect the M5 will continue to hold that torch.
Which leads me to the S8. The A8L is the FIRST AUdi I have ever owned/leased and therefore have had no brand loyalty to speak of, but I've been thrilled with the experience as a driver, as well as for its reliability and the service I've received from my dealer (which I realize is subjective and YMMV across the country). But I can only base my opinions on my experience and it has been very positive. I know other D3 owners have had various problems though I've been lucky (knocking wood...) and have been spared of them.
The A8L doesn't drive as well as the E65/66 7-series, but then again I'm not driving on the Nurburgring everyday so that aspect matters less. What matters most is the fact that the car is a rock in the snow and icy conditions of the northeast, and was unstoppable (when equipped with the proper snow tires) in even blizzard like conditions. The car has been comfortable for long distance drives and is safe for us and our first child arriving soon, and it has been a rarer sight (though not as rare as the D2 model it replaced) than the myriad of 7-series and S-class saloons on the streets of New York and New Jersey. So the S8 is a very tempting proposition for me as the replacement for the A8L when the time comes.
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