I drove a few Q7 SUVs recently when I knew that my X7 buyout was a matter of time. Loved the interior in newer Audi generations, cabin and suspension tuning in both Q7 and SQ7 was great, rear wheel steering in the sedans and SUVs was great.... top leather option was as good as full merino in BMWs and just as good as semi-aniline in Mbenz. HOWEVER..... the infotainment system was a huge turndown especially coming from a BMW. I even prefer MBUX over Audi infotainment. It was sluggish and laggy, crashed a few times, and while the touch response was good it always feels as if the display took half a second or so to process in every Q7 I test drove with model years 2022-2024. Road insulation was fine and like I said I loved the suspension, but couldn't get along with the software no matter what. Not even close to what I consider acceptable. I ended up. obviously, with a GLS.

 

So I had 2 Audi a8l 2006 and 2012. Both went past 200k no issues and the 2012 got up to 28 mpg. The 2006 had the older V8 and could only get 23 mpg on the highway. My RS7 V8 is turned to 760 HP with unitronic stage 1 plus and it feels amazing. The s580 V8 is no slouch but the transmission though is lazy and has some jerking. This is base on my experience wolfman. Maybe others had different experiences.

 

I personally don't like audi or volkswagen group products for that matter, but the fact that volkswagen announced they are bringing back buttons, I was intrigued.

Only disappointed with the new interior of the Q5 and A4 with all those screens and capacitive touch buttons and very apparent cost cutting in certain materials (although at least it is less than the new X3's cost cutting from what I seen online) that said will need to wait till new generation of Q7 come out to come to an conclusion. Guess the announcement of bringing back physical buttons only applies to volkswagen and not audi.

 

I'm also curious how the new Q7 and Q9 will be. For sure it will mostly be touchscreen with few buttons on center console like the new S5 and Q5. I love the new S5 looks. Not a fan of the new A6 e tron. I am on the fence on the new x3... My 2024 X5 50e has the best combo of touch screen and center idrive buttons.

 

Yup, I thought of capacitive touch not being a big deal if I wear gloves and use a ball point stylus touch pen to prevent fingerprints or get used to using voice commands to perform basic functions that we used to with buttons. Like turning on the heated seats, setting temperatures, etc.

I mean although I really wish this capacitive touch non-sense will stop but looks like it is just going nowhere and all 3 German brands have them, might just have to get used to it. Guess can somehow blame MB for starting it in the first place.

I understand the concept of voting with our wallet but seems like the majority doesn't care sadly and only care about the badge so they aren't really losing business (apparently).

 

I don't know if you did it but you can turn off the haptic touch feedback and make the touch sensitivity more sensitive which is much better and very responsive. Haven't had any issues or delays in my RS7 mmi.

 

Sorry for the confusion, I am aware of that, it is not the touch sensitivity being the issue, is the fingerprints that is left behind that challenges my OCD. That is just me though : ) ​​​​​​​

 

All good! I did put a fingerprint resistant screen cover which has worked perfectly in the RS7 and s580. I forgot the brand

 

Neat, that certainly helps, is there something similar for (back to MB for example) the steering wheel buttons, the heated seats, the ventilation etc. ?

 

This is what I have:
Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector [GlasTR EZ FIT] designed for Mercedes Benz S Class (2021-2024), EQS (2022-2024) 12.8 inch Touchscreen - Matte$44.99Amazon.comScreen Protector · Tempered Glass · Touchscreen

I remember there was a store selling the films for the steering wheel etc buttons but let me research today.

 

I wonder if we should just apply an oleophobic coating on the screen like smartphones?

 

I’ve been playing around with the configurators and here are the results:

BMW M5 Sedan: $128k. Touring isn’t listed yet but I would estimate maybe $135k fully loaded sans ceramic brakes.
Mercedes S500: $140k+ (fully loaded sans rear seat executive).
Porsche Panamera 4 e Hybrid: $148k (fully loaded to my liking).
Porsche 911 Carrera: $152k (nearly fully loaded but all the options I want).

I think I’m going to nix the Panamera and choose between the M5, S500 and 911. lol, all of these have nothing in common. I’ll be honest, it’s Mercedes race to lose right now. But seeing the touring and 911 in person can change things quickly.

 

I am kind of wondering something, what about the E 63 S I guess the W213 generation, I mean the M5 competes with the E 63 after all. What about the AMG GT? Or even the new E 53? That is like E 63 power from just a few generation ago.

 

The W214 E63s Estate would be interesting to me, but I haven’t heard a thing about it. The 911 is the only coupe I would buy.

 

What about the GT 4-door?

 

The GT63 is out of my price range and I’m not interested in the 53. I would rather have a fully loaded S500.

 

Fair enough.

 

I’m still confused why you won’t consider the S580. The 580 drives so much nicer than the 500.

 

It’s $12k more for a comparably equipped S580 and I’m fine with the 500. It’s powerful enough for me for the car in question.

 

It’s not about power, it’s about the feel and experience of the car. I test drove an S500 and I turned right around and took it back.

 

The I-6 feels fine to me. I would take a fully optioned S500 over a lesser optioned S580 at the same price.

 

I guess the other forum member was trying to say the V8 would be smoother, I mean if you test drove the S 580 and find the extra smoothness isn't worth the price difference, that is totally fine though : )

 

I did drive both and I found the I-6 smoother.

 

I see, since you considered the RS 6, did you consider the S8 as well, since you like something more sporty but is also considering a non AMG S-Class.

 

I can't even fathom that also having driven both...