Battle of the Germans.vol. Audi vs BMW vs Benz.

[hollakid619]

Originally Posted by Al Audi

Kay, the new 7....they just needa work on the back. It grew on me but the back is still weak.

I DON'T PASS I see you my dude.

True

>>>>>

 

[joseph camel jr]

Originally Posted by KayCurrency

Real talk...Audi reminds me of the Chicago Cubs....every year is "their year"...



Sheesh im on a roll today

Dude every year has been their year though, at least this year and last. For a quarter or two Audi was the only manufacturer in the black, andeven now while BMW and Benz production is down ~25% Audi's is only down ~8%.

 

[phillypac]

nuff said

 

[hollakid619]

Originally Posted by phillypac

nuff said

 

[deeek]

I just got an issue of Motor Trend (I think it was) and they compared the 7 Series, S550, and A8 and they said the S Class was the winner, closely followed bythe A8, and in a distant third place; the bmw.

I love the A8's, but Benzes all day for me, for my fam too (dad, mom, and sis have one)

 

[al audi]

Originally Posted by DeeeK

I just got an issue of Motor Trend (I think it was) and they compared the 7 Series, S550, and A8 and they said the S Class was the winner, closely followed by the A8, and in a distant third place; the bmw.

I love the A8's, but Benzes all day for me, for my fam too (dad, mom, and sis have one)

lol thats gonna piss Kay off.

 

[daytona 5000]

I would take a 6 series over every audi car out except for the r8

 

[jordan novice]

Cant we just appreciate them

BMW>*

 

[myjaysgetrocked]

Originally Posted by DAYTONA 5000

I would take a 6 series over every audi car out except for the r8

I would def. take an M6, over the V8 R8. It would be a tossup between the V10 version, though.

 

[hollakid619]

[h3]Okay, lets put this to a rest.
[/h3] [h3]
[/h3] [h3][/h3]

[h3]2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class[/h3]

[h1]Comparison: 2009 Audi A8 vs 2009 BMW 750Li vs 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550[/h1]
Favorite Getaways: The Steeds of Transporters, Secret Agents, and Players Go Wheel-to-Wheel in the City of Angels to See Who's Top Gun.

text size

August 01, 2009

By Arthur St. Antoine

Photography by Evan Klein
Jason Statham and Pierce Brosnan, playing their silver-screen action selves, battled the baddies in a BMW 7 Series ("The Transporter," "Tomorrow Never Dies"). For his sequel, Statham switched to an Audi A8L, a car he also drove in "Transporter 3." As for the third premium German giant, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, versions of the maker's flagship sedan have appeared in everything from "The Sopranos" to "Ocean's Eleven," "Ronin," "Enemy of the State" -- in fact, just about any action flick or TV show involving piles of cash or a "Mr. Big."

So, yes, you know they're all good-action pros don't play around with second-rate tools. But of the current-gen versions, which of the three ranks as our favorite getaway?

It's a closely matched trio. The Audi A8L 4.2 quattro, the Mercedes-Benz S550, and the brand-new BMW 750Li: Each sports a twin-cam V-8 making between 350 and 400 horsepower. The three are within an inch of each other in overall length (each is a long-wheelbase version; the Benz is sold only in extended form stateside) and range from a low of 4449 pounds (Audi) to a high of 4659 pounds (BMW). Base prices are close enough that cost probably won't be a major issue for the moneyed shoppers considering these steeds: Audi ($78,725), BMW ($86,025), Mercedes-Benz ($91,225).

Of the three, the Audi rides on the oldest platform. The second-gen A8, officially the "D3," appeared for the 2004 model year -- and promptly won the first lux-sedans comparison we put it in (September 2004). Audi has since freshened the A8's face, adding its now-signature trapezoidal grille for 2005, but the basic aluminum body panels, lightweight aluminum space frame, and quattro all-wheel-drive system remain. The 32-valve, 4.2-liter V-8 now delivers 350 horses at 6800 rpm; it mates to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Mercedes' classic S-Class has been around since the 1955 model year, though the current, tenth-generation "W221" first appeared on our shores in 2006. The S550 is bursting with innovative tech -- including infra-red Night View Assist and Distronic Plus cruise control that in stop-and-go traffic can brake the car to a halt and then, as traffic begins moving again, accelerate automatically. The S550 soldiers into 2009 largely unchanged, sporting a 32-valve, 5.5-liter V-8 good for 382 horsepower at 6000 rpm and feeding its brawn through the maker's superb seven-speed automatic.

The upstart player is BMW's 7, all-new for 2009. Both standard and stretched versions are available (the Li adds 5.5 inches of wheelbase); each includes aluminum doors and an aluminum roof that reduces weight and lowers the car's center of gravity. Inside, the new 7 takes technology to an entirely new level. Standard Dynamic Damper Control constantly adjusts the compression and rebound of each shock individually. Infra-red Night Vision can recognize pedestrians in the road ahead. Front-fender Side View cameras peer left and right down the road before your eyes get there. The high-resolution, 10.2-inch navigation display offers a 3-D view that can show representations of actual buildings. FlexRay high-speed data transmission allows the 16 on-board computers to speak to each other 20 times faster than on conventional automobile networks. And on and on.

Of course, the engine is tweaked to the max too: Fortified with twin turbos and direct injection, the 32-valve, 4.4-liter V-8 thumps out 400 horsepower and more torque (450 pound-feet) than the 6.0-liter V-12 in the 760iL did.

We cut loose in all three cars at the test track, over our favorite rural roads, and even for some cinematic "getaway" driving in downtown Los Angeles (with traffic controlled by LAPD escorts). What follows are our impressions and recommendations, whether you're looking to make like Statham, or simply want to get away from it all.



THIRD PLACE: BMW 750LI

The new 7 Series isn't a luxury sedan. It's an instruction manual on four wheels. That's not hyperbole: So complex and mechanically intimidating is this new machine, BMW has wisely incorporated the operating instructions for the myriad systems right into the on-board hard drive (you can summon pages using the iDrive controller). That's if, of course, you can figure out how to call up the manual first.

This is engineering run rampant. It's as if BMW, like the rocket scientists in "The Right Stuff," regards the human almost as "a redundant component." Can this new 7 Series really be from the same company that builds the M3, perhaps the world's single finest all-around automobile -- a car that functions as an extension of the driver's feet and hands? The 7 seems to deny that relationship at every turn. When our test car arrived, I ambled down to the MT garage to find technical editor Kim Reynolds sitting in the back seat, attempting to use the rear-seat entertainment system ($2200). "Well, I've been fiddling for a few minutes now," he said. "Still haven't got any sound."

That's the 750Li in a nutshell. It's the Windows Vista of luxury cars. The Side View cameras, for instance, sound intriguing in theory, but in practice the view they provide is difficult to interpret. How far away is that car coming at me really? Do I trust this camera's message and pull out now? Am I upside down? The Night Vision view is similarly frustrating. Yes, it's great fun at stoplights -- you can see the heat fading off the tires of the car stopped in front of you, then watch the heat trace on the road as it drives away. As a practical device for detecting humans (or, say, deer) in the road ahead, however, it's nearly impossible to monitor the display while driving (the system is a $2600 option).

Scan the test results, and the 750Li presumes to be a star. And, indeed, it dusted off its two rivals in straight-line sprints, at just 4.9 seconds to 60 mph nipping the S550 by 0.4 seconds and the A8L by 1.4. It also posted the best braking and figure-eight results, albeit by the tiniest of margins. Yet off the clock the BMW pleased none of us. Throttle and transmission response is herky-jerky, thwarting all attempts to impress your passengers with your driving smoothness-and at the same time damping your enthusiasm. Steering feel is just...okay (our test car did not have the optional Active Steering). The chassis, despite those whiz-bang adaptive shocks and all that processing power, fails at both handling poise and ride comfort. The dour interior doesn't delight the eyes or your tactile senses. Our test car even emitted an annoying background fan or gear whine that seemed to follow throttle movements. This from a $105,370 luxury sedan -- and a brand-new design at that?

Summed up senior editor Ed Loh in the logbook: "No question the BMW is a fast, fast getaway sedan -- the one you want when you're carting a boatload of dough out of Terry Benedict's casino. Squash the gas pedal and the big 7 just goes and goes. The problem is, that's about all it does. Its lazy throttle response, turbo lag -- whatever the problem is -- kneecaps the car in situations when full throttle isn't required (99 percent of the time). I can forgive a luxury sedan that gets this formula wrong the other way -- buttery smooth most of the time, hopeless in full-throttle situations. This is unconscionable."

SECOND PLACE: AUDI A8L 4.2 QUATTRO
The gap from third to second is huge; then second and first places hang tight. Winner in its last comparison test five years ago, the A8L remains a delicious and compelling automobile.

The Audi's brand of special treatment begins the moment you climb aboard. The cockpit radiates artistry, from the glow of the gorgeous wood trim to a headliner trimmed in chocolate-colored, suede-like Alcantara ("I don't know whether to stroke it or eat it," says Loh). Without the giveaway of the steering wheel, you could be convinced you're sitting inside an exclusive L.A. club. If you need more evidence, have an earful of the optional, $6300 Bang & Olufsen audio system (including elegant tweeters that rise out of the dash). For the price of a good motorcycle, you're in woofer-thumping, Biggie-bumping bliss.

"The balance between ride and response is lovely," Loh writes. The Audi scored second-highest on lateral grip, yet its ride doesn't give up much (though it's no match for the creamy Benz). Straight-line speed is third by a good margin, but the Audi puts its power down so smoothly you likely won't mind. The 750Li driver will beat you in a sprint, but he'll suffer for it.



Audi's MMI multimedia interface works intuitively; it's among the best multifunction controls we've used. Another draw is the sticker. While price undoubtedly isn't a deal maker or breaker for these affluent shoppers, the A8L undercuts the others significantly. As-tested, even with the extravagant audio system, it's $94,425 -- nearly $11,000 less than the next-costliest BMW.

This is a distinctive, flavorful automobile oozing luxury feel. Add in its fine road manners, the stability of quattro all-wheel drive, and a "value" price, and the A8L is an easy recommendation for anyone in search of a great getaway.

FIRST PLACE: MERCEDES-BENZ S550
The A8L may have an edge for the sheer beauty of its cabin, but in almost every other respect the big Benz is unsurpassed. Ride quality, for instance, is brilliant -- smooth, relaxed, unfazed by road imperfections. Yet, magically, the S550 also cranked out the highest skidpad grip, 0.89 g. The Airmatic suspension with Adaptive Damping beautifully manages the ride/handling tradeoff, while optional Active Body Control ($3960) holds the Benz flat when heeled hard into a corner (check out the cornering photos).

Our test car also boasted the optional Sport Package (a heady $5690), adding 19-inch AMG wheels and Continental performance tires. So fortified, our S550 proved an eager partner when hustling over favorite roads. Handling feel is very good, grip exceptional, balance impressive. "Big and athletic, but graceful," writes Loh. "Emmitt Smith of 'Dancing with the Stars,' not the Dallas Cowboys."

The 5.5-liter V-8 doesn't have the perfect-storm power of the BMW, but it's infinitely more pleasant to spur. Zero to 60 mph takes just 5.3 seconds, and throttle response is fluid. The brakes feel soft at first, but as you acclimate to them they're easy to modulate. You can drive the S550 like the skilled chauffeur you are. No worries about spilling the champagne in back.



Like its rivals, the Benz is enormous in the rear seat, with room to stretch the legs (and a giant trunk, too). But its seats are the best for support. You also grow to appreciate the pared-down, almost minimalistic cabin. This is the anti-7 Series, the luxury of simplicity. Ed Loh gets it just right: "There's an overall unfussiness to the Benz. From the dash layout to the (only) two driving modes -- unlike the BMW's Comfort/Normal/Sport/Sport+ modes. Not that there isn't tech built in -- from the COMAND interface to crazy-configurable seats, the Benz equals the others in terms of gee-whiz features. Its advantage is that it doesn't depend on these goodies or substitute them for luxury. Enough glam for the rappers, enough gravitas for the yuppie hedge funder who wants to cover up his nouveau riche stink, yet simple enough for your rich, tech-illiterate uncle. Ride, style, power delivery -- the S550 nails all the major luxury categories."

The Mercedes-Benz S550 does what a premium luxury sedan should: It makes you feel like a king. And as a getaway vehicle, we can think of no finer way to escape.

	2009 AUDI A8L 4.2 QUATTRO	2009 BMW 750Li	2009 MERCEDES-BENZ S550
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout	Front engine, AWD	Front engine, RWD	Front engine, RWD
Engine type	90-deg V-8, alum block/heads	Twin-turbo 90-deg V-8, alum block/heads	90-deg V-8, alum block/heads
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Displacement	254.1 cu in/4163 cc	268.2 cu in/4395 cc	333.2 cu in/5461 cc
Compression ratio	12.5:1	10.0:1	10.7:1
Power (SAE net)	350 hp @ 6800 rpm	400 hp @ 5500 rpm	382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net)	325 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	450 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	391 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
Redline	6800 rpm	7500 rpm	6500 rpm
Weight to power	12.7 lb/hp	11.6 lb/hp	12.1 lb/hp
Transmission	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Axle/final-drive ratios	3.31:1/2.29:1	3.46:1/2.39:1	2.65:1/1.93:1
Suspension, front; rear	Struts, air springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; struts, air springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar	Multilink, air springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; multilink, air springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar	Multilink, coil and hydraulic springs, adj shocks; multilink, coil & hydraulic springs, adj shocks
Steering ratio	16.1:1	19.1:1	17.8:1
Turns lock to lock	2.8	3.2	2.8
Brakes, f;r	14.2-in vented disc; 12.2-in vented disc, ABS	14.7-in vented disc; 14.5-in vented disc, ABS	13.2-in vented disc; 11.8-in vented disc, ABS
Wheels	9.0 x 20-in, cast alum	8.5 x 19-in; 9.5 x 19-in, cast alum	8.5 x 19-in; 9.5 x 19-in, cast alum
Tires, F;R	275/35R20 102Y Dunlop SP Sport Maxx	245/45R19 98Y; 27540R19 101Y Goodyear Excellence	255/40R19 100Y; 275/40R19 101Y Continental SportContact 2
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase	121.0 in	126.4 in	124.6 in
Track, f/r	64.1/63.6 in	63.4/65.0 in	63.0/63.2 in
Length x width x height	204.4 x 74.6 x 57.3 in	205.3 x 74.9 x 58.3 in	205.0 x 73.7 x 58.0 in
Turning circle	41.7 ft	41.7 ft	40.0 ft
Curb weight	4449 lb	4659 lb	4614 lb
Weight dist., f/r	57/43%	51/49%	53/47%
Seating capacity	5	5	5
Headroom, f/r	37.4/38.3 in	40.8/38.9 in	37.8/38.5 in
Legroom, f/r	41.3/42.3 in	41.2/44.3 in	41.9/42.3 in
Shoulder room, f/r	59.1/57.5 in	59.2/57.6 in	59.1/58.7 in
Cargo volume	14.6 cu ft	14.0 cu ft	16.3 cu ft
TEST DATA
Acceleration to mph
0-30	2.0 sec	1.7 sec	2.0 sec
0-40	3.2	2.8	2.9
0-50	4.7	3.8	4.0
0-60	6.3	4.9	5.3
0-70	8.0	6.6	6.9
0-80	10.5	8.0	8.7
0-90	13.0	9.7	10.8
0-100	15.8	11.9	13.1
Passing, 45-65 mph	3.0	2.3	2.6
Quarter mile	14.7 sec @ 96.1 mph	13.4 sec @ 105.7 mph	13.8 sec @ 102.3 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph	114 ft	112 ft	115 ft
Lateral acceleration	0.87 g (avg)	0.86 g (avg)	0.89 g (avg)
MT figure eight	26.3 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)	26.2 sec @ 0.70 g (avg)	26.3 sec @ 0.69 g (avg)
Top-gear revs @ 60 mph	1700 rpm	1800 rpm	1500 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
Base price	$78,725	$86,025	$91,225
Price as tested	$94,425	$105,370	$111,550
Stability/traction control	Yes/yes	Yes/yes	Yes/yes
Airbags	Dual front, f/r side, f/r curtain, front knee	Dual front, front side, f/r head	Dual front, f/r side, f/r curtain
Basic warranty	4 yrs/50,000 miles	4 yrs/50,000 miles	4 yrs/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty	4 yrs/50,000 miles	4 yrs/50,000 miles	4 yrs/50,000 miles
Roadside assistance	4 yrs/Unlimited	4 yrs/Unlimited	Unlimited
Fuel capacity	23.8 gal	21.7 gal	23.8 gal
EPA city/hwy econ	16/23 mpg	14/22 mpg	14/22 mpg
CO2 emissions	1.05 lb/mile	1.16 lb/mile	1.16 lb/mile
Recommended fuel	Unleaded premium	Unleaded premium	Unleaded premium

BMW 750 the "Windows Vista" of luxury cars
A8 0-60 6.3secs

And its about 200lbs lighter than the other two. Another

S550

 

[al audi]

Originally Posted by DAYTONA 5000

I would take a 6 series over every audi car out except for the r8

a5>6

 

[iheartboost]

Beauty: Audi > BMW > Mercedes

Performance: Mercedes > BMW > Audi

Overall: BMW > Audi > Mercedes

My Choice: Audi > BMW > Mercedes

 

[phillypac]

Originally Posted by IHeartBoost

Beauty: Mercedes > BMW
Overall: Mercedes

fixed

 

[deeek]

Well I think this thread died... yeah that's the article I mentioned, thanks for posting HollaKid

 

[al audi]

BMW 750 the "Windows Vista" of luxury cars
A8 0-60 6.3secs

And its about 200lbs lighter than the other two. Another

 

[ac4three]

BMW 3 Series > Audi, Mercedes.

 

[ny denim seller]

All these people arguing Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz...

I ask you this question....Do any of you actually own an Audi, BMW or Mercedes Benz?....or can any of you actually afford one?


Because people are just going here by what they read in magazines, or see at auto shows or at test drive.

 

[iheartboost]

Originally Posted by KayCurrency

Originally Posted by Mateen Cleaves

Porsche 911 turbo>>>>>>>>every other german car period.

2010 BMW 760LI>>>>>>>>>Porsche....the entire line up

 

[deeek]

Originally Posted by NY Denim Seller

All these people arguing Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz...

I ask you this question....Do any of you actually own an Audi, BMW or Mercedes Benz?....or can any of you actually afford one?


Because people are just going here by what they read in magazines, or see at auto shows or at test drive.

Pretty sure the magazine articles are the best source because they drive all 3 cars and know exactly what they're talking about.... what doesit matter if we can afford one anyway? It's about which car is best. Can you afford one?

 

[skip2mywu7]

Originally Posted by HOLLAKID619

Infiniti >>>>> *

I'm with you on this one.
*Straps flame suit.

but really, BMW is just too good with this car business.

 

[andy206]

how are ppl bringing infiniti in this?

infiniti and acura are nowhere near the levels of these 3 brands..

 

[airpenny1]

Bimmers for life...but the CLS is

 

[nocomment6]

Lookwise I would say the Audi beats all cleanest designs of them all.

Yes I've driven a Bmw, a new 5 series and an M3. No lie they handle really well. But I simply like the design of the new C class a lot and I think the 63AMG can come close to an M3.
The new E class is plain ugly if you ask me.

As for the big boys they all look amazing and probably are all very comfortable and luxurious. Wish I could drive and compare a S63 AMG and a A8 W12, meanmachines.

As for the Porsche, it aint exactly in the same price category at least the 911 turbo and these manufacturers, cant really match it. Maybe the M6 whichisn't as good, the SLR which is far better., but more expensive.

So no lie Bmw's handle realy well, but Benz's look better and so do Audi's if you ask me. But I think M pretty much matches Amg and S.

 

[queensfinest101]

as a mechanic..

porsche > all other german cars.

 

[mindless2778]

Audi.

Especially the new models coming out.