Couldn't agree more. That 2Gen interior is far better than the later ones.

 

I drove a new A8L on an extended test drive. Its a very well done vehicle, great ride, interior is super high quality and its angular, tech first interior may not be for everyone but its unmistakenly Audi. Its more compelling looking in person because of its size. Would I buy one? Sure. Would I choose it over an S Class? No...but its probably my #2 car in the segment.

 

That interior is lovely.

 

All three of the German trio have wonderful styling and great drive. The A8/S8 needs a styling change. It's not compelling enough at the price even though, under the bland body is what all A8s have been since it was introduced; a big sporty sedan.

If it wasn't for the fantastic S class, the A8 would do better in sales numbers. Even today the older interiors are great. Nothing wrong with the new minimalist interior, just has to be your flavor.

The Tesla model S could be direct competitor and Audi is the better one for design and materials.

 

I agree the design could be considered boring or plain. But you all must keep in mind there are a lot of executives, wealthy, and non-car enthusiasts who do not want or need to stand out in a crowd. For that, the A8 is perfect.
We live in our own little world here at CL, which is fine. All car boards are similar. I get caught up into it too. But there are a lot of wealthy Joe's out there that don't look at cars the same way we do.

 

I like nondescript luxury cars too, but I have to agree the A8 is a little too bland.

 

I can't think of a more boring exterior.

 

I hate the trend of huge front grills on everything now.

 

Yes me too. I see the similarities. I think Conti is one of the best sedan success stories out there. IMO of course.

 

These big grills need something to strike emotion. Get people talking. The more crazy it is, the more exposure. The mark of DOA is if the nobody is talking. There was a time when Toyota and Lexus were considered bland and boring. No more.

 

As a design success, yes, but it's difficult to claim that it has been a sales success, which it clearly has not.

 

Continental is objectively a failure in every way. But apart from that, it’s a success.

 

"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"

 

Yeah, this is so plain boring.
I agree with others on the great design of the first 2 gens.

However....the new audi design of the e-tron GT is on another level

Lexus did that and was called plain vanilla, maytag appliance, and coma-inducing while this gets a pass?

 

You're conflating multiple years of vehicles though. Plain vanilla referred to bland styling and squishy handling of the LS400, 430 and 460. The Audis of that era were often AWD with snappy handling and fantastic interiors. Those early Audi V8s were in fact bland and plain vanilla. But they offered a lot in terms of ride/handling.

2002 saw this shape come out and it is still here. Beautiful then and beautiful now. They just didn't update it enough for the A8/S8. The A6 in this shape looks wonderful as it always has. The A8 doesn't because they've stretched the proportions and are asking for MB S class prices. It doesn't work.

It's about price vs presence vs quite dignified luxury lines. IMO the MB S class has it down perfectly.