Audi A8 named “Executive car of the year”

baharnu submitted on 08/22/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:07 AM
from: 4wheelsblog.com

[41] user comments | category: Misc News

Tags: audi, a8, executive car of the year

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executive car of the year

Audi A8 named “Executive car of the year”

In the executive rankings of German business magazine Impulse, Audi is once again the most successful brand. The Audi A8 in the luxury class and the Audi A6 in the upper mid-size class received most votes from Germany’s senior executives in their respective categories. The Audi A8 topped the survey for the third time in a row. Read Article

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david989 - 8/22/2007 11:38:46 AM

-8 Boost

Why not the Lexus LS460 or LS600h? They do everything so much better than the Audi A8 and let's not forget that they're so much more reliable. I guess German business people like spending time in the shop. No wonder their economy is hitting the crapbox because nonbody is working in that country. They are all busy fixing their cars at the shop! I have a German friend who tells me this too. Sucks to own a German car. Buy Lexus and enjoy life.

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Kinger - 8/22/2007 11:42:00 AM

+8 Boost

I just hate reading these perfectly legitimate Lexus fans posts, they're so biased...

bulldogz - 8/22/2007 12:04:28 PM

-3 Boost

Caltrans, the Phaeton is almost identical to the A8, hence the reason it sold so badly: no one pays $60k + for a VW when the lux version costs only another $5k. If you honestly think that an LS in NO WAY compares/competes with either an S or A8, you've either never tested one or know much about cars.

Kinger - 8/22/2007 12:14:57 PM

+6 Boost

david989 isn't a real Lexus fan, he's just making a mockery of them with his overtly biased and entirely factless posts.

Just for the remaining few who didn't know that. ;)

Agent009 - 8/22/2007 12:28:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Isn't it funny how you can see the age of a person by their comments? So David989 how old? I guess about 16?

Hard to take people serious when they slam another company on an award given by industry experts. Make no sense to mock them.

Will_ - 8/22/2007 12:30:43 PM

+5 Boost

And yet nearly all of you on the defensive now were on the offensive when the LS won all its awards. Hypocritical much?

Good for the A8, it's a wonderful car still after all these years on the market.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 8/22/2007 2:44:21 PM

+3 Boost

"Caltrans, the Phaeton is almost identical to the A8,"

Not even close.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/22/2007 10:49:25 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

The Phaeton is an excellent machine, but the two cars (Phaeton vs. A8L) are so utterly different that they almost cannot be compared.

Some key facts:

• Phaeton's chassis is made of steel, as opposed to the A8L's expensive aluminum piece. The Audi weighs about 500lbs less. As a result of this, A8 has much better handling.

• The A8 has 350hp and direct injection, while the not-for-NA Phaeton still makes do with 330hp.

• The two car's interiors are very, very different. Similar approach to simplicity, but the Phaeton still has a ton of buttons on the dash, and looks cheap next to the A8's timeless decor.

• Finally, their exteriors. While both are very good-looking and unassuming (depending on wheel choice), the Phaeton, to most people, looks like a big Passat. The A8 is easily identifiable as a luxury car, and reminds me of a tailor-made suit.

That will be all.

bulldogz - 8/23/2007 12:30:41 AM

+1 Boost

"Phaeton's chassis is made of steel, as opposed to the A8L's expensive aluminum piece. The Audi weighs about 500lbs less. As a result of this, A8 has much better handling."

expensive aluminum, yet it starts at $68K (per Audi USA btw Caltran, look it up)?

"The A8 has 350hp and direct injection, while the not-for-NA Phaeton still makes do with 330hp."

actually the Phaeton has 335, a 15 HP difference not "utterly different"

"The two car's interiors are very, very different. Similar approach to simplicity, but the Phaeton still has a ton of buttons on the dash, and looks cheap next to the A8's timeless decor."

God, I wish we could post pix, they are almost IDENTICAL inside, from the 4 pod dash layouts to the shifter, and the 4 seat option in both, all the same.

"Finally, their exteriors. While both are very good-looking and unassuming (depending on wheel choice), the Phaeton, to most people, looks like a big Passat. The A8 is easily identifiable as a luxury car, and reminds me of a tailor-made suit.'

If you remove the small window in the C-pillar on the Phaeton, you have the A8, that's it. Square taillights are there and the profiles are the same.

Didn't anyone read the reviews asking why they even bothered with the Phaeton, when there was already an A8?! That's because the similiarities were too close in their opinions.

EnnNorak - 8/23/2007 12:42:42 AM

0 Boost

Nothing beats Audi in overall value and bang for the buck. The only area in which Mercedes beats Audi is in the S-Class front seats which have some unique adjustments and feaures not found anywhere else. Lexus LS tried to clone the fully independent seat cushion length adjustment of the S-class but did it for the driver's seat only and did not do it as well and failed to match the S-class seat comfort. Audi A8 gives you a rust-free aluminum body and a superior AWD system with a Torsen centre differential. You could argue that Rolls and Bentley provide more luxury and automotive art but the latter two do so at a very high incremental cost for very little imcremental benefits over the A8. Then there is the Maybach which has a SOHC engine and 3 valves per cylinder instead of a proper DOHC 4-valve-per-cylinder engine.

david989 - 8/23/2007 6:39:04 AM

-2 Boost

Wow, people hate me just because I mentioned the better car? The Lexus! Do you see how bias Autospies is? Lexus fans have to suffer so much shame and insults at the hands of German fanboys. We need to stick together fellow Lexus fans! Will, 43LE everyone! Let's stick together!

chris760 - 8/23/2007 10:10:52 PM

0 Boost

at least they didn't choose a POS like the LS460/600h

Alec - 8/22/2007 12:12:55 PM

+4 Boost

Congradulations on the A8.

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AlexTx - 8/22/2007 1:53:32 PM

+4 Boost

The phaeton actually has a whole lot more in common with the Bentley than it does with the A8..
Both the Bentley and the Phaeton are built at the same factory with the A8 built else where.

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SuperstarDriver - 8/22/2007 2:29:00 PM

+1 Boost

you all stupid bmw and lexus fans thinking there are the best but the market and the reviews says contrary...M3 looses in front of RS4 SEVERAL TIMES, RS6 come closer this weeks with a performance range that M5 will never hear and of course the new A8 discreet facelift destroy the competition...want more?!
IN THIS WORLD ONLY 2 BRANDS COUNTS:
SPORTY:AUDI
SUPER LUXURY:MERCEDES
other only try to make good cars but they fail lamentablely

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bulldogz - 8/23/2007 12:34:50 AM

+1 Boost

as I posted above, in the US, the A8 starts at $68k, not $75k, and no one pays sticker.

Larry - 8/22/2007 3:42:32 PM

-1 Boost

selling 200 units a month for Audi in the US, a nonfactor in the USA.

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S4cabriofoxone - 8/22/2007 10:51:01 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Who cares?

IamEvilHomer - 8/23/2007 11:55:36 AM

+1 Boost

oh the us is the only market in the world ?

Larry - 8/22/2007 3:46:02 PM

-2 Boost

Why not tell us who won in other classes, why do you just report the audi awards?

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TauronB2G - 8/22/2007 4:23:10 PM

+3 Boost

I was lucky enough to drive an A8L last week at the Audi drive event and I really liked the way it drove. It was large smooth and fast. The interior detail was great and it was a wonderful driving enviornment. I loved the Bang and Olufsen stereo too. I think I'd probably buy an S550 4matic for myself but the A8 was super ride with good driving dynamics and interior.
T

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S4cabriofoxone - 8/22/2007 10:55:36 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

There are three reasons why I'd take an A8 SWB over the S550 (S8's similar price to the S550 4Matic nonwithstanding):

• Size
• Gas
• Image

The S550 would actually be hard to fit in our garage, it's so long. The A8L is equally long, but at least Audi offers a shorter version. I can't understand why Mercedes-Benz won't give us the SWB S-Class, or the more economical S450/S420 CDI models. Which brings me to my next point: S550 has terrible gas mileage. Worst in class. The A8's is at least decent... but I would feel guilty driving the Benz. The last thing: image. I'm not a Mercedes guy. Never have been. The S-Class is the epitome of the M-B image, and I feel that it's a slightly assholish car to drive. EVERY 55-year-old bloke with money to blow has one. It's still a fabulous sedan, excelling in almost every way... but I don't want one.

TauronB2G - 8/23/2007 12:06:38 AM

+4 Boost

Interesting the reasons you don't like the S550 are the reasons that I like it. I genuinely did enjoy my short time in the Audi and I think its a great car. I just like the Benz more for my tastes. I like the S Class because it is big. It'll fit in my garage too. The gas mileage isn't an issue for me and usually anyone else who buys a hundred thousand dollar car. I wouldn't feel guilty driving it...I'd feel rich. Thats why I buy cars. To feel good and enjoy them. In the mornings when I ride to work with my top down and my music up its a great feeling that justifies my outrageous car payment. That feeling justifies the long hours and the corporate bs that I deal with. As far as the assholish image...well what can I say. I'm an asshole, have been for years. But I've earned the right. I'm 30 years old, have a great job, two nice cars, a home and money in the bank. Lets face it. Is there anything wrong with having money to blow? I'm trying to live the american dream. Its a good image to me and I'm happy to portray it.
I learned a long time ago that it is okay to have things and to enjoy them. Thats what i'm doing. Heck I think Im gonna buy a boat next summer.
T

ZZZushi - 8/23/2007 2:34:16 AM

0 Boost

I agree with TauronB2G as well.

People usually buy a large car such as an S-Class to feel good. To remind and reward yourself of what you acheived.

I only can't see this with the A8.
I took a short test drive in one earlier this year. Yes it does have the driving dynamics.
But it lacks the substance you would expect from an S-Class, or from the sports car in a silk suit-7 Series.
I asked myself, "is this car just a big A6"?

When you buy an S-Class or 7 Series, you have distinction.
Not only from other cars on the road, but within the brand itself.
You can't get this from an Audi or a Lexus.

Sure you are paying out the nose for the best luxury model.
But the money just doesn't cut it when people on the street can't tell it from an Avalon or A6.

david989 - 8/23/2007 6:41:35 AM

-1 Boost

Zushi!

The Lexus LS has more heritage and prestige than a Mercedes S class. Why? Superior engineering and technology and a more happy customer base. Every single S class owner I know is in the shop 24/7 365 days a year.

ZZZushi - 8/23/2007 7:46:37 AM

-1 Boost

If I wanted reliability, I would buy a Hilux.

Such is the price of luxury. Sure, a Benz may be less reliable; but on the other hand it isn't a Toyota.

Luxury isn't Gadgets or Reliabiliy.
Luxury is Prestiege, Exclusivity, the longing look from oncoming LS Buyers.

Lexus works in favour of us German car buyers.
Encouraging productivity, as well as diminishing the number of German cars on the road, thus creating exclusivity.

Will_ - 8/23/2007 5:23:21 PM

+2 Boost

Like it or not, Lexus has reached the same status that BMW and Benz are at already. The LS has been quoted as being the "most indulgent luxury car on the market" in the same review it placed last in for being too luxurious. With the LS you get just as much luxury and technology as the S-Class, yet with a small price difference due to the badge, which WILL be eliminated in a few decades. Buying a Benz gives snobs a few extra bragging points because they paid a few extra dollars, that's it. It's not a better car, it doesn't perform better, it doesn't offer more features, it's a badge. And with that, I add that buying a car so you can brag about it in other people's faces is childish. Oncoming LS drivers could care less about S-Class drivers passing by, I know I don't.

ronnsscooby - 8/22/2007 9:42:42 PM

0 Boost

audi is crap ...........

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EnnNorak - 8/23/2007 11:53:45 PM

+1 Boost

Audi used to be crap in the eighties and I gave up on them after they struck out thee times on me. However, I recently returned to Audi with a value-priced 4-year lease and I can attest to the fact that Audi is just about completely reliable now. Also, Audi has had better rust resistance than anyone else ever since they started using 2-sided galvanized steel for all body panels way back in 1986. In 1985, only the lower half was galvanized.

AUTO_UNION - 8/23/2007 8:29:20 AM

0 Boost

Audi is one of oldest carmakers with great heritage.
That is why executives buy them(because they know some history). The same cannot be said for some jackasses on this site who don't appreciate history.

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bulldogz - 8/23/2007 12:28:44 PM

0 Boost

Meh, the Mustang and Corvette have history too and you don't see anyone fawning over them. History is over-rated, you rarely if ever hear anyone talk about Audi heritage outside of racing, unlike MB with the Gullwing and other timeless designs, IMHO.

Having said that, Audi has definitely stepped up it's game in the last decade, making some of the nicest cars out there.

AUTO_UNION - 8/23/2007 12:55:23 PM

+1 Boost

You are comparing Mustangs and Corvettes history with Audis? Audi is much, much older. And you're saying nobody is talking about Audis heritage outside of racing. Probably because you hear more often word Horch or Auto Union. Don't be ignorant!

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SteveT - 8/23/2007 7:23:33 PM

+1 Boost

Ask the man that owns one.
I had Mercedes S-Classes from 1981 to 2002. The last one was bought back by MB as it spent over 2 MONTHS in the shop in 18 months of use. Except for a 1975 BMW 530i it was the most unreliable car I ever owned. Has a Lexus LS 430 from 2002 through 2006. Great car---no problems, very comfortable and roomy. The trunk was 25% larger than the S430 despite being significantly shorter. Except for seat controls it was ergonomically far superior to the Merc. Now I own an A8. Despite what you read in the press about it being an ergonomic masterpiece it is in realty an ergonomic NIGHTMARE. Had to have the rear seat headrests removed in order to be able to see out back. Entering a destination in the so-called navigation system by marking it on the map is IMPOSSIBLE. If the exact address is not in the Audi database, you can not enter destination by entering the address. The database is YEARS out of date. The Bluetooth implementation is pure crap. The center armrests break if you put more than 18lbs of downforce on them. Various controls such as the trunk release and fuel door release are extremely difficult to differentiate. The seat controls are on the side of the seat next to the drivers door and difficult to use compared to the door mounted controls MB. Loading Directory data into the MMI system is unintuitive and frustrating. The cup holders are too small to hold Audi cups and they are positioned directly behind the MMI controls making them difficult to use when there are cups in the holders. In addition, the cup holders are so shallow that the cups easily tilt forward in sudden stops spilling drinks on the console which gums up the MMI and other controls. That requires a $1200 replacement. And to top all of this off, AUDI doesn't give a s--t. The knuckle headed Germans think that they know what the customer wants or needs. They have no way for the customer to feed back suggestions. THEY DON'T CARE. And neither do I----this is my last Audi. Next car will be another Lexus LS.

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