Taurian

So my lease is coming due on my S500, and I've got a deposit on the new Audi S8. But...now I'm thinking about a S550 w/Sport and Designo for a September delivery.

Anyone here familiar w/the S8? Which do you prefer? Why? I need to make a decision soon, let's hear it!

blazinginder

Since your in the NorthEast...I'd say either wait for a S550 4-Matic but if the lease on a S8 is cheaper...then I'd take the 450hp quattro

MBZFAN55

I've been a bit "nervous" about being "first on the block" with the new S550, after having numerous problems on my 2000 S430 (all much better with my 2004 S500), so I started looking at alternatives, including Audi A8L. The interior is gorgeous, probably on par with Mercedes Designo. It drove "nicely", but wasn't overly exciting. I haven't driven the S8, but I'm sure with a Lambo 450hp V10, it will be a more fun car to drive. Unfortunately, it appears to be only available in the "short" wheelbase, which IMO detracts from the shapely look the A8L.

Nevada Jack

Stop letting the "nervousness" alter your thinking. My 2006 S430 had no problems and the S550 has been perfect since day one. It has been on sale for over 6 months now counting EU sales and there is not even a hint of any problems on any forums that I have seen. I am not saying to not check the competition but don't let the "quality" thing distort or make you accept something less. Judge the S550 on it's merits and go from there.

Nevada Jack

Damn if I would lease one of these cars based on the lease cost...not in this price range. Either the S8 is a better car or stay with the S550...but don't make the decision on a lease figure.

kenstudios

Fully agree with Jack. Dont base your purchase on the lease payments but the car. I would wait for the 550 and if more power is what you need then opt for the 600 or the 55 AMG.

Taurian

Thanks all. My decision is not based on payments or price, although the s600 and S63 are above my limits. I think the S8 (not available in the longer wheelbase at it would defeat the purpose) is very unique (Lambo engine, quattro, Bang/Olufsen Stereo, paddle shifters, etc) and where I live (North Shore of Nassau County, Long Island) S55's and 600's are standard issue. True, the Audi doesn't have the panache of a MB, but it may be a whole lot more fun to drive.

In order to have something a little different, I was contemplating a S550 Sport w/Designo (Mocha Black/Brown leather interior).

slm95@aol.com

I would go with the benz. For large sedans an S class is the top dog and sets the bar for others to follow. If you want something sporty and more fun to drive I would get a sports car not a large sedan if that is what you are going for. Besides 382hp is more then enough to go fast

blazinginder

My fault for not mentioning that I like the S8 as much as if not a little more than the S550 4-matic's...this being said it basically comes down to the money for me...each car excels in certain areas...just my opinion

Kenzmbz

i cant stop drooling over your sigs gentelman. I love white cars !!

yetis

This is a MB forum, so its hard to believe that many people will tell you to run to the other guy!!.

I recently rented an A8l for a long weekend in Palm Beach and I was very impressed. If you can get over the short wheel base, I have to think the S8 is the way to go. If panache is what you want, you are not going to see too many of those on the street. In LI, the new S class is already about as common as the old one.

ohnoes

Go with the one you like. People will perceive the panache and reputation the Audi deserves if it truly does merit it. If people went only on the "accepted standard," things would never change. If you like the S8 better, well, then get it. After all, you're going to be spending a good portion of your day in it, not to mention the fact that you're going to be paying a heckuvalot for driving/ownership privileges (depending on whether you lease or buy).

At this price range, price is secondary to a few things: comfort, agility, reputation/ostentation, panache, and a few other factors.

Germancar1

I don't know, as much as I love the new S-Class I'd be seriously tempted by a V10 Audi of such limited production for the same money. For 100K I say be different and go with the S8, MB forgive me. Now if we were talking about the upcoming S63 or S65 (the Audi's true competitors) I'd say MB all the way, but the S8 is the "special" version of the A8.

M

Nevada Jack

Maybe there is a reason for that...think about it....

rgbyhkr

You definitely have to decide what areas are most important for you. It may help to make a comparative list using the features that you find most important. Specific areas of importance will certainly differ from person to person so your particular list is the only one that really matters.

That being said, perspective of others can help you better identify specific areas of comparison to target that you may have not considered. For instance, I like the look of the S8 much better than the S550 even with the AMG package. I also like the B&O sound system option on the Audi even though it carries a $7K price tag. However, there are several problems I have with the S8. For one, the RSE system is only available on the A8 W12 and is not even an option on any other model. Yes, I know you can go crazy aftermarket, but I prefer factory options for better integration. Audi also doesn't have an iPod integration solution (supposedly they are working on it with no specifics on when it might come out) and no aux input jack on the audio system. Last time I checked, even the aftermarket folks were still working on a solution for the A8/S8 line. My biggest problem is specific to my area. The closest Audi dealership is 25 minutes away in no traffic (and that route is heavily used for commuting so traffic is a regulra occurrence). By contrast, the closest dealerships for most other luxury brands (MB, BMW, Lexus, Jaguar, etc) are only 5 minutes from my home. For any potential service issues or even reguilar maintenance trips, that's a real negative and ultimately was the deciding factor in me no longer considering the A8L/S8.

Jeff

Nevada Jack

A good solid assessment and analysis and something he can hang his hat on..well stated.

rgbyhkr

Thanks Jack. I realized I forgot one thing. The S8 is only available in the short wheelbase configuration and I prefer the longer wheelbase of the A8L.

Jeff

jprescott

After 3 MB's including a 2000 S430 I jumped to an 06' A8L. In addition to the lack of problems, the interior styling and a drive that is similar to the W220, what I really love is that I'm the only one around with the car. We already have several new S550's in the hood. I have still not seen another 06(facelifted) A8. It's fun to experience a new brand.

AMGBENZ

jpresscott did you buy the A8 from Stoddard do you know Jason Grim at Stoddard

jprescott

No, I was between Sunnyside and Fred Baker. Ended up with Fred Baker ( Jeff Reuss) for a number of reasons. I was dealing with someone different at Stoddard who is now with Fred Baker.

mkaresh

My two cents -- A8 is much nicer to look at, S550 is much better in just about every other way.

It might not matter to you, but a ten-cylinder Lamborghini engine isn't exactly a recipe for reliability or low maintenance costs. Will Audi still be offering free maintenance when this car arrives?

The short wheelbase should make the car feel more agile.

Taurian

Started a new link, https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w221/145820-thanks-advice-all-i-went-w-s550.html

I went w/the S550...

absent

Actually,it's Audi developed engine,Gallardo just happened to be the first recipient.

EKaru

Really? It certainly looks nice to me...

Nevada Jack

Look at that car from the front and you cannot help but notice the biggest, most pimped up grille in this price range. Until Audi does something with that grille it will be a hard pill to swallow. Now Volks has instituted that style in their line.