teutonictrio

I'm down to two cars - A8L and 545i, and I have yet to test drive the 545i. The ONLY reason it is still on the short list is because of the expected performance and handling, as I'm still not excited about the look. I figure I might be able to get the M-look package or something to help out a bit.

Anyone drive both of these before buying your 545i?

Robert A

I have driven both, and I thought the A8 drove like a German Cadillac. It had almost no road feel, felt quite bloated, and was overloaded with gizmos.

Personally, I'd rather drive a BMW E38 7 series.

speedracerF4i

2 totally different cars for different purposes.

What you really need and want in a car&

I would choose the Audi A8"L" if I need to shuttle clients often. Heck, I would buy the A8L if money was not a concern, plus an M3. But for now, the 545i will do nicely.

pbarch1

I'd agree, While the A8 is a great car, it doesn't at all feel like a "road car" if your looking at the A8 why are you not looking at the 750??

teutonictrio

I'd agree, While the A8 is a great car, it doesn't at all feel like a "road car" if your looking at the A8 why are you not looking at the 750??
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Have you guys actually driven the A8L? It is not bloated at all, and handles better than cars half its size and weight. The 750 looks like crap, no way I'd consider it.

I will have my Porsche as my fun sporty car, and track day car, but I want a luxury type car as well, one that has performance. I don't take clients that often, but the A8L handles so incredibly well and the look is just fantastic, so I'd get the LWB version over the SWB version. Guess the 545i test drive will tell the tale.

jsal

I'd agree, While the A8 is a great car, it doesn't at all feel like a "road car" if your looking at the A8 why are you not looking at the 750??
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I agree, it seems like you are comparing apples and oranges. Wouldn't the A6 4.2l be a better comparison? From the side it looks very similar. A friend of mine has driven Audi's for years and loves them. But, as you can well expect on this forum, we are going to be partial to BMW, otherwise we would be on the Audi forum.

swajames

why don't you just test the 545i so you can make your own mind up? If you can't get past "the look" you might be better off just getting the Audi but you'll be missing out on one hell of a car if you don't take the 545 for a serious test. Personally, "the look" is what got me to the BMW dealership in the first place.

DFWRaider

I can't imagine someone being worried about the 545's aggressive styling yet not being alarmed about the Audi's new creepy looking "beard".

swajames

I can't imagine someone being worried about the 545's aggressive styling yet not being alarmed about the Audi's new creepy looking "beard".
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agreed - I tested the facelifted A6 4.2 as well when I was in the market for my 545, and the new Audi front end is something you either like or you don't. I actually think it works better on the A4 than the A6 or the A8 but that said, there's a guy near me that has gotten himself a new A8 and it really is a beautiful looking car. Still prefer my E60 though

realtyman

I drove and strongly considered the A8 before I went with the 545i. I was coming from an A6. I liked the styling better than the current 7 and the AWD was a plus for my climate. The interior was quite nice but the car was just too big for my liking. It was a great "cruiser" but I still like throwing it to an off or onramp and the 5 suits my driving style much better. Add SMG into the mix and it was a done deal. No regrets.