I just ordered a 2007 A8. I’ll be trading in my 2004 Mercedes SL55; it’s hard on my back to sit as low as I do in the SL. My dealer has no brochures, and the information on the Audi web site seems to relate only to the 2006 models. There’s still time to change the A8 order, and I have a few questions.

As the order stands now, the car will be a platinum beige short-wheelbase A8 with sycamore wood, amaretto seats and headliner, and a black dash. Options are: Alcantara package, leather console/armrests, security glass, premium package, sports package with performance tires, front seat vent/massage, radar cruise control, rear seat climate control, XM radio, and B&O audio.

How good does the B&O system sound? It ought to sound pretty darn good for what they’re charging. I don’t have an audio installer that I trust locally, so I’m willing to pay a premium over what I could get the same sound for in the aftermarket, but am I getting ripped off?

Does the security glass add significantly to the weight of the car? I’m getting it for its sound-deadening properties; does it make that much difference?

The only way to get the paddle shifters seems to be the order the sports package. Is that right? I don’t want the 20 inch wheels. The losses in ride, noise, and progressiveness of breakaway outweigh the slight improvement in turn-in in my mind, and I’m not at all taken by the big wheel look. I plan to swap them out upon delivery.

How do the paddle shifters work, anyway? Downshift on the left and upshift on the right, like my SL55?

The option sheet says Sirius radio. The dealer says they all come with Sirius chips, and that they swap them out for XM upon delivery. Is that right?

California Emissions is listed as an option. Audi doesn’t ship a 50-state car? Any performance loss here?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Monty