frybear

I know, you see these posts often enough, I assume. I have a 2011 BMW 750ix with the M package. I love my car, and I mean LOVE. But I think I'm ready for a change. Considering another BMW 7, a Panamera and the A8. I found quite a few 2013 A8s that look appealing. Anything I should know? I can't really afford to get into a 2014, so 2013 it is. I have had A6s in the past and really didn't have any feeling for them. They were nice cars, great tech but a bit boring.

So, how is the 2013 A8 in your opinions? Do I really want the sport package or is it really just cosmetic? In the BMW, it is a different suspension, etc. And I'm 46 y.o. mind you so I'm not out to race anyone. And, big question, so I want the 3.0 or 4.0? I'm used to a V8 but hate the gas mileage (pretty low in the BMW, usually around 15pmg in the city).

I do love the panoramic roof and the seats in the Audi and I like the dash set up. So, any help is appreciated.

TIA!

RED HORSE

What you want is the S8.

frybear

Probably true but too much moolah for me.

Jack88

Well, the 4.0t is an even match with the Panamera, in a straight line. In the corners, it would take a professional to pull that bit extra the Porsche has there. The 750 is slower than either cars, but matches the A8 in terms of luxury, an area where the Porsche falls third. The 750 is the more traditional of the 3, with the Panamera being the most polarizing design.

So, my take is all three are good cars. It's just a matter of personal taste. Take all three out for test drives and see what you like. Take enough time to use the various features to see if any of them have any quirks you dislike or details you do. As far as whether to look at the 6 cylinders or 8 cylinders, I recommend the 8 cylinder models, if only because, for me at least, sound is important, and the sixes never sound right in a high end car, with few exceptions.

frybear

Thanks!

MP4.2+6.0

Add to what is being said here, Panamera is a four seater not five, at least the ones I know. My D3 W12--like most of them--is a four seater so I know that part well. If you love the four seat luxo approach, Panamera gets some points there--or special four seat options in the others including A8s with the right options. If you want five seats for that occasional final passenger (like I definitely do on my next and whether short wheelbase or long) , cross off the Panamera. Too many times I have gotten burned now, usually involving somebody's kids rather than another adult couple. We end up squeezed in the Q5 just because I have no fifth seat in what otherwise is a much more luxurious spacious ride.

RED HORSE

It has been a couple of years since I drove a 7 series BMW, but drove the Panamera before buying the S8. The Panamera more oriented towards sports car feeling while the Audi is much more a luxury sedan. Panamera felt much more planted in the curves, but the S8 is more sedan like on the highway. Straight line performance, the S8 is a beast. Didn't drive any of the A8 models so can't comment. Coming from a 911, I am happy with the performance of the S8 and my wife is happy with the comfort, otherwise I would still have the 911.

Panerai197

Just traded a 730d 2012 for the new 2015 A8, it's in a different league altogether in every way.

frybear

Thanks all. I'll go drive a few - have to decide between a 2013 V6 and a V8.

Mike911A8

As to the sport package, I have the sport package on my D3, and when I test drove a D4 without the sport package a few years ago I felt the normal D4 handling was comparable to the sport option NWB D3, and I could live with the normal D4. In the D3 I felt that the sport option presented a noticeable handling difference verses a non sport option, although wheelbase was probably also a factor.