Just curious if anyone here has made the jump from an A6 (or smaller) Audi, to the big dog, the A8. I've been thinking about it but after a couple of test drives I'm not so sure. I love my A6 (2007 Quattro w/ 3.2 V-6), and just didn't get the same thrill from driving the A8. While certainly more luxurious and comfortable, it didn't seem to have that sporty, fun-to-drive feel I get in the A6.

Am I comparing apples to oranges here? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also, is there any major difference between the ride/feel of the regular A8 versus the A8L (which I drove)?

 

Ya know....it is all personal preference. I test drove an '07 A6 3.2 and liked the car, but the dealer had me drive an A8L because I was asking about the A6 4.2 after the test drive and wanted more power. I really like the 4.2 in the A8L because it is silky smooth compared to the 3.2 in the 6. I am really use to driving the A8L and like the extra room when needed because you don't know it is there when you drive it vs. the A8. I think it looks better also.

When you start messing around with auto suspension in dynamic mode you will get a much sportier feel. It handles very well in dynamic MMI mode. Did you check that out while driving?

 

I did play with the suspension settings, but didn't really get to give it much of a work out- in fact, I can't say I really noticed any difference. I think I was in dynamic for most of the time. The ride was somewhat softer, even in dynamic, than the A6 (which has 18 inch rims and low-profile tires) probably due to the air suspension, higher profile tires (I think) and what ever other differences there are. I've become less of a V-8 snob than I used to be (a lot of my previous cars back in the day were GM V-8's). My last few V-6 have actually been pretty impressive, including the 3.2 A6. I probably need to take an A8L with the W-12 engine (i.e., two V-6's) out for a spin. Anyway-thanks for the input!

 

yea, if you're going to get a newer A8, save your money and don't buy new. buy a used S8 from a dealer or ebay and you'll pay the same price but get a much better car.