MB S550 vs. Audi S8...want your opinions!
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MB S550 vs. Audi S8...want your opinions!
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!
Anyone here familiar w/the S8? Which do you prefer? Why? I need to make a decision soon, let's hear it!
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From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
Originally Posted by 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!
Anyone here familiar w/the S8? Which do you prefer? Why? I need to make a decision soon, let's hear it!
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Originally Posted by 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.
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Originally Posted by 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
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From: Long Island
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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).
In order to have something a little different, I was contemplating a S550 Sport w/Designo (Mocha Black/Brown leather interior).
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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 
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AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
Originally Posted by 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.
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From: NY, NY
G550
Hmm, I wonder what the ML forum thinks?
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.
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.
Last edited by yetis; Apr 23, 2006 at 10:47 PM. Reason: spelling
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From: VA
M3
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.
At this price range, price is secondary to a few things: comfort, agility, reputation/ostentation, panache, and a few other factors.
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
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
M
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Originally Posted by yetis
If panache is what you want, you are not going to see too many of those on the street.
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2004 S55
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
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
Last edited by rgbyhkr; Apr 24, 2006 at 08:27 AM.
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Originally Posted by 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
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
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From: Ohio
ML-350, Maserati Quattroporte
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.
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Originally Posted by AMGBENZ
jpresscott did you buy the A8 from Stoddard do you know Jason Grim at Stoddard
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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.
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.
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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...
I went w/the S550...
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
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From: Bethesda, MD
Porsche
Originally Posted by MBZFAN55
Unfortunately, it appears to be only available in the "short" wheelbase, which IMO detracts from the shapely look the A8L.
Really? It certainly looks nice to me...
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2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Originally Posted by EKaru
Really? It certainly looks nice to me...
