rmpatek

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and really enjoy the posts as well as the passion of its members. I currently own an 2005 Audi A8 and have ordered a 2007 Audi S8. I test drove the 2007 BMW 550i Sport and loved the feel, ride, handling and performance. Has anyone else compared these cars? I am afraid I'll miss the quattro 4 wheel drive, but the the BMW just felt right. I am ready to cancel my Audi order and order the BMW. I also plan on ordering the aero package and either the M 166 or 167 wheels and put snow tires on the stock sport wheels. Anybody have any experience, comments or suggestions? By the way, I live in the Chicago area( cold wet, snow).

swajames

Well, they are very different cars. For me, the latest generation A8 is just a phenomenal car, and the S8 you've ordered is even better. If you were comparing an A6 to the 550 there's no question, but if it were me I'd go with a new A8 - never mind the monster S8 you've got on the way. Enjoy the S8 and try a BMW next time.

rmpatek

I have considered the Audi A8 Sportline( $1400/ mo vs $2300/mo for the S8). Have you driven either of these cars. The 550i just felt right- weight, balance,handling and response) although it clearly wasn't as luxurious.

Blackonblackonblack

I've driven the older generation A8 in the MI winter. Very confident with the all-wheel drive in Sport Mode! The new S8, I think would be even more luxurious and sure-footed in the inclement weather. However, if you enjoy driving aggressively, as you've experienced, the BMW will have more road-feel. You're choice...I don't think you'll be disappointed either way.

Matt BMW California

Welcome to the forum (and potential BMW ownership)!

I would say the most likely comparison to an S8 would be more along the lines of a 760 sport....if youre moving from the S8 and liking the 5 series, whats stopping you from looking at the M5?

swajames

Never driven the S8, but I do like the A8 a lot. Did you consider the new S6? That's probably a more natural competitor to the 550 than an A8/S8 (obviously the 4.2 A6 is really the closer match to a 550, the S6 competes more with the M5, and the A8/S8 with the 7 series). The S6 may be a pretty good compromise. As an alternative to S6/S8, if you're in the market for a 5 Series sized car, and are happy to drop S6/S8 money, why not think about the M5?

pinguhk

2 diffrent cars
you sould try the A8 and then the 7er
Not A8 and then 5er
5er and the A6 is in the same line.
That is cool that u choose the BMW much more fun to drive I think.
you will have fun in the new 5er

rmpatek

I don't care for the wheels, rear end and side profile of the S6. I have owned the previous M5 and didn't feel it was a great "every day" car to drive, especially when my wife was in the car. I love the look of the new M5, but it is probably too much of a "Beast" with manual or SMG. The 2007 A8 Sportline with the new engine is supposed to be pretty quick and more agile than the 2005 A8L.

rmpatek

I don't care for the wheels, rear end and side profile of the S6. I have owned the previous M5 and didn't feel it was a great "every day" car to drive, especially when my wife was in the car. I love the look of the new M5, but it is probably too much of a "Beast" with manual or SMG. The 2007 A8 Sportline with the new engine is supposed to be pretty quick and more agile than the 2005 A8L.

0700700

honestly mate dont, the S8 is a fabulous machine, and is quite a higher class as well... and besides that gallardo based engine and rear-biased AWD... yum