The A8 is truly a great car. I remember when the current gen first came out...I was drooling for days over the release pictures.

My uncle had a 2005 A8L that he just recently traded for a Genesis 4.6

agree, a8 is big contender i'd consider if i were to get a car of that class today, the other being the s class

Yep, just pick whether you want tall, grande, or vente

I'd choose the A8 over the new S or the new pig-nose 7 series

I couldn't agree more. As you see from my sig, I sold my 98 GS400 for a CPO 05 A8L last summer. One of my good friends has a 05 S Class which I have spent a lot of time in. Without a doubt, I love my A8 so much more. It really does have a very good compromise between sport and luxury. With the adjustable air suspension helping even more.

Interior wise, I have yet to sit in a car that I like more than the A8. Regarding reliability, I will be the first to admit it is not of the same league as my GS400, but it has only been minor things, like sensors, nothing major. All of the room inside, sporty driving, and luxury more than offset some minor warning lights once in a while.

excellent post!

I might have to get an Audi one of these days. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Yes, the interior is a work of art and I have yet to see or feel a better one in a car of this price range. Every single detai is just so hot in the A8. With that said, W12 Phaeton please

Agreed, I'm very impressed by their current line up. I saw an A3 TDI testing out in So Cal the other day and the refreshed body looks very good!

I was in the same boat last year, I was cross shopping the E350, 335Xi and the A6. The audi is the best compromise between the BMW and the MB. The BMW performed well but the interior and the exterior was not up to par, the E350 is Luxurious, but did not handle well. The Audi was the best of both world.

The current A8 is exquisite, I love the interior. Audi's got the elegance that rivals Mercedes, yet it gives up very little to BMW in terms of sport. Easily my favorite German Luxury Brand.
I'm assuming the next A8 should draw from the A7 concept, which is fantastic.

My boss recently got a brand new Audi S8. Damn, it's a nice car. The interior, as FKL says, is a work of art.

My co-workers (none of whom seem to know anything about cars) didn't understand why I was so enthusiastic when I saw it.

that's some f'd up crap

the A8 is the only audi that is cheaper than its competitors.

the A4 and A6 are more expensive.

I'd get a A4/A5 if they weren't horrendously slow for their price. I wish they built a cheaper RWD version. Don't need AWD here.

When similarly equipped, the A6 cost $10000 less than the BMW 335xi and more than $12000 less than the MB E350 4matic.
The A4 quattro, cost $5000 less than the 328xi equipped with leather seats and $6000 less than the MB C300 4matic.