dr.bob

Here's the poll question:

2015 Audi A8L OR

2013 Bentley GT Continental (under 6K miles) OR

2015 Mercedes S550

What would you do & Why?? (not by John Quinones)

texex91

I had multiple Audi's - Boring interiors (however my 2013 RS5 seats were nice) and electronics, great B&O stereo (but it's no Burmester) and the design and lines of
A8L are B O R I N G to me.

Bentley GT - Very nice car, but don't like used cars.

2015 S550 - Best car I've ever owned, and trust me that's saying a lot. Get the sports package--you won't regret it. It's a sporty and a spa on wheels, and looks killer with 20" AMG rims. Bang for buck not even close in my mind.

If you don't get S550 get Bentley, Audi is so dated to me. Have you driven the S550 and A8L? No comparison in my book.

XxLHCxX

Why not the new 2015 Audi S8? When equipped similar to the Benz, it's like the same price. The A8 in general is cheaper than the S550. That's what I mean.

Vik888

2015 S550 - it has the best of all worlds IMO.

I don't buy used cars.

BenzV12

The W222 hands down all the way
MB has been raising the bar and setting the limit in it's class for years
Bentley GT is like a polished up VW with a fancy name on it . A Real Bentley for me is Arnage ,price tag can help you verify this as well
Their design is too quirk to me
I checked Audi A8's interior and exterior ,and liked it very much .All the Audis look almost same but Audi's A8 for an trained eye is looking like a top model indeed

hyperion667

S550......because it's an S550


not a used Bentley or that horrible Audi either

Wolfman

S550 for sure.

The only thing cool on the A8 are the new led matrix headlights (and the S8 performance), but it's in a completely boring package, both inside and out.
Plus the model is due for a refresh, so the current design will take a big hit.

Hate the shift lever on the A8' never had so much trouble putting a car in reverse. Outdated MMI, no USB ports, really?

Golden Lover

Based on the newly designed Mercedes, I would opt for the S550. If this was 2013, and the older W221 model, then I would opted for the Audi A8. I test drove both the Audi, Mercedes, BMW 7-series and the Panamera before deciding.
Unfortunately, I don't like buying used cars, thinking I'd be getting someone else's headache.

Ormond2004

I'm considering both. The pros for the Audi include:

• Money. The Audi is probably $10,000 to $15,000 less. I have an Audi now. The incentives may vary in your area.
• The front seats. I like the upper articulating back rest. The 7 has this also.
• The blind spot monitors. The warning lights are on the posts and are clearly visible. One can also adjust the brightness. I prefer this to a small triangle in the outside mirror.
• Google Earth overlay on the navigation with Google search.
• Reliability. I've had great luck with my A6.

The pros for the Mercedes are:

• Styling. Looks count. The S is fresher, but a bit flashier too.
• Technology. The S has all of the safety features that Audi offers. I like the LED lighting.
• Ride. The Mercedes seems a bit softer. It depends on your preference.
• The interior is fresher. Mercedes uses, in my opinion, nicer leather.
• Air filtration. I think the S is better at keeping out fumes.
• The star on the hood. I actually like having a hood ornament.

I'm not as familiar with the Mercedes. It may have Google Maps and Search. Some might prefer the more conservative A8 or A8L.

MTrauman

The new S550 does have Google Earth with the Overlay while navigating. It also has the street view pictures of the location you are navigating to. I just used this feature for the first time since getting my '14 S550 4matic four months ago.

darwinl

For this feature, does this need MBrace?

MTrauman

Yes you need to subscribe to MBrace for $280 per year.


You then need to subscribe to MB Apps for $14 per month or you could choose to pay $28 per month for both MBrace Plus and MB Apps (MBrace plus is $20 per month, MB Apps is $14 per month or both for a discounted $28 per month).


In any event you need MBrace and MB Apps for this feature to work.

Vik888

I also don't buy cars that are built with a non-luxury brand parts .. Audi has VW parts. A Mercedes has Mercedes parts. End of story.

texex91

All of MBrace plans are so darn confusing--MB would be better suited to just have one price for everything. They have three different plan segments--stupid. Make it simple $30/mo for everything. I never even applied for Trial as it's way to confusing to figure out their silly what you get a trail for, for how long, and what.

AppleFan1

I'm not sure I understand this google earth feature for the MB. So, what's the advantage in having this? What does it do that the Nav system is not capable of on its own?

MTrauman

I think the best way for me to explain this is to first ask a question.


Have you used Google Earth on your computer before? If so, think about this in an interactive state as you are driving or when you are planning your route. You can see locations from a satellite view or a street level view along your route or at your destination while you are driving. Your navigation system can use the Google Earth map in satellite view instead of the old "Atlas" map view. It is pretty neat. Now it may have limited use for many people but none-the-less it is pretty cool.

AppleFan1

nm

AppleFan1

Ok, thanks Trauman. Yes, I have used Google Earth on my computer. However, I am such an Apple lover that I try to avoid anything that's not Apple when possible. And, I'm not afraid to admit it.

Kratos-TM

S550 hands down.....

hyperion667

is it true that only the 'A-hole' Dr's actually make you call them "Doctor".......

MTrauman

What kind of question is this?

jrpisha

Hi Bob:

Never been in a Bentley, but I did compare the S550 to the Audi 8L and the BMW 7 series.

I chose the S550 - better fit and finish, better controls, better ride, & better overall "feel".

The BMW 7 series is too boat-like; floaty, bloated and isolated. I've driven BMW's for the past 15 years - I loved what they used to be...

The Audi 8L. Very competent car -the new BMW (drivers car). My issue with the 8L was the interior. I'm a tall guy and the seat backs were too short (low) for me...

petee1997

I would pose the same question on the Audi forum. Just like here, you will get a biased opinion but the respondents will tell you why they bought the Audi. This forum will tell why they did not buy an Audi.

My own opinion is worth even less since I have decided my next car will be an S. Why? Because it's become a habit and I shop nothing else. I am on my 20th MB.

Ormond2004

My main reason to buy the Audi would be past experience and to save money.

I pay an extra $25 a month for the Wifi and Google Maps. Honestly, the map is more legible with Google Maps disabled. The main advantage of the connectivity is searching for, and setting your destination.

Have the new S class owners had many problems?

WEBSRFR

What makes it even better when the maps are automatically updated and displayed via Google Maps is that you also get access to the Waze database of speed cameras all over town and it has interactive features to get notifications about speed traps in real time. Having the Waze data integrated into the built in navigation system which can alert you when you are closing in on a speed camerra and you are doing 15 mph over is really useful.