What 'compares' to the A8?

[Chaz]

So,

Ive done a few thousand miles in the A8. Really like most things about this car, probably with the exception of the size.

Is there anything else similar, either in the Audi/VAG or other manufacturer guise?

As I may not need this car after April, Id like to have something with all the refinement, all the power (if possible) but not as big.

Any suggestions?

[centurion]

I'd say that A6 is probably closest match... it depends what your appetite is like and what you value [as in truly need vs. nice to have] in the car but generally the spec list in 6 is somewhat reduced in comparison to 8 and spec'd 6's are very hard to find 2nd hand for instance, e.g. no dynamic air suspension, no diesel V8's, memory seats, B&O, ACC, soft close etc.

I personally had number of A6's before and loved all of them as they are a great all-rounder's... however when I stepped into 8 it was a completely different experience .

what I always say to my mates that keep bragging on how some car makes/models are better than the other blah blah... try and close/shut the driver's door on any car and you'll right away 'feel' the quality of the build ... and that's what A8 is all about.

Hope that helps...

[Chaz]

Originally Posted by centurion

I'd say that A6 is probably closest match... it depends what your appetite is like and what you value [as in truly need vs. nice to have] in the car but generally the spec list in 6 is somewhat reduced in comparison to 8 and spec'd 6's are very hard to find 2nd hand for instance, e.g. no dynamic air suspension, no diesel V8's, memory seats, B&O, ACC, soft close etc.

I personally had number of A6's before and loved all of them as they are a great all-rounder's... however when I stepped into 8 it was a completely different experience .

what I always say to my mates that keep bragging on how some car makes/models are better than the other blah blah... try and close/shut the driver's door on any car and you'll right away 'feel' the quality of the build ... and that's what A8 is all about.

Hope that helps...

Thanks. I drove a A6 3.0TDI some years ago briefly. It was 'nice' but not as special. It was fairly understeery too whereas the A8 feels more planted (oddly).

S Class Merc will be too soft I think, I like the 'hardness' of the A8, nice compromise.

Lexus 430 I drove, too removed and whilst the petrol motor is nice, I miss the torque of the Diesels. The 2003 shape 7 series are aging quickly and with the facelift, they are better. That said, 730D or 750 / 760I, the 730D is probably a bit underpowered. If they had the same motor as the 535D, then Id be more interested.

What about something like an S6 or similar ..... consumption might be the only complaint although having had a E60 M5 and Jag XJR before, it might not be as bad.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Chaz

like to have something with all the refinement, all the power (if possible) but not as big.

I've posed a similar question here and elsewhere, though in my case I'm looking to replace our second car (Ford Focus station run taxi and shopping trolley - until recently) with a regular "days out" car when the S8 isn't warranted.
And small enough that SWMBO is happy driving it but with all the toys and more!

Not getting very far though. Jag XE is close (ish)...

[IT]

Originally Posted by Chaz

What about something like an S6 or similar ..... consumption might be the only complaint although having had a E60 M5 and Jag XJR before, it might not be as bad.

I **loved** my S6.

It was everything the A8/S8 wasn't, in a good way. I wouldn't be disappointed if I found myself in another one some day.

Smaller. More nimble, better handling without the wallowy air ride. Tough to find a very high spec, but a modest spec is easily achievable. Estate or saloon with fold through seats makes it more useful too

[tintin]

I'm with Ian/IT on this one - I can't imagine buying any Audi other than an S6/RS6, apart from maybe an A2, which doesn't fit your criteria….

[paulrstaylor]

You can spec lots of toys on may new Audi's, the SQ5 looked like an interesting alternative when I was looking to replace my D3, but hadn't depreciated enough yet so got a D4 with lots of toys instead

[Chaz]

Thanks all, appreciate the info.