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Audi A8 vs Rivals

Audi has lofty ambitions for its new luxury saloon – but will the new A8 lord it over key rivals from Mercedes and Jaguar?

Audi A8 vs rivals

Photos: Mike Bailie March 2011

You can’t put a price on luxury... or can you? The Mercedes S-Class rules the prestige saloon roost, and the S350 CDI weighs in at £60,140. So if you want the best four-door in the world, that’s what it will cost you.

Audi has designs on the three-pointed star’s class leader, though, and the flagship A8 is now available with a new 3.0-litre TDI diesel engine that promises more efficiency and performance than its rivals. It also undercuts them on price and features unusually low-key looks – so it’s a luxury car that appears tailor-made for the current economic climate.

Making your mark in this sector is no easy task, however, and the Audi also must contend with a British-built machine with a rich heritage of mixing pace and style. The latest Jaguar XJ is a dynamic choice that puts driver engagement ahead of outright comfort, while its dramatic looks demand attention.

We take leave of our luxurious surroundings and head for congested city streets, flowing B-roads and high speed motorways in search of automotive perfection. Has the price of luxury come down, increased or stayed the same?

For an alternative review of the latest Jaguar XJ visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

Boring Germans win again...

...if you were spending the money on something you want to put on your driveway that you would actually care about, would you choose the car that came last? I know I would.

By Kingbob12 on 17 March, 2011, 8:56am

Best car

So the Merc S is the best lux car in the world? No, I don't think so. You've missed the BMW 7 series from your test.
The Audi is boring and styleless. The Jag is good, but the dash isn't great, and that back? --yuck! The Merc - well the dash looks like a schoolkid designed it.
The 7 series? The outside is so-so, the inside is drop dead georgous, the power, transmission & handling etc is stunning.
There can be only one - it's the 7 series, by a country mile.

By larrygold on 17 March, 2011, 10:26pm

The BMW 7 series and Jaguar XJ would be my pick.

The Mercedes S-class has one problem that holds it back from being number one for me and that is, it's Ugly! Not desirable looking at all! Even the interior and dash is awful looking!

By JTravolta77 on 20 March, 2011, 4:36pm

Audi A8 vs Rivals

What happened to the BMW 7 Series, I personally think it is quite a striking design (it looks far different to most others, as does the Jag mind you), it will no doubt have the far better engine, transmission, handling etc.... so WHERE is it?

By fasterdriver on 12 October, 2011, 1:19pm

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Mercedes S350 rear

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Audi A8 3.0 TDI front

2nd Audi A8 3.0 TDI SE Exec

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Facts and Figures

Verdict

These cars are among the best in the world, but a host of subtle differences set them apart. Which is the best luxury saloon money can buy? Despite stiff competition, we think it’s still the Mercedes. The new A8 is an impressive feat of engineering, yet it misses out on the sprinkling of luxury car magic lavished on the S-Class. These machines should be the most refined and comfortable around, and cosset drivers and passengers alike. None of our contenders does this as expertly as the Mercedes – it shows exactly what 125 years of car building know-how means. An attractive price tag, spacious interior and supreme cabin quality earn the Audi second spot. However, its bland looks and compromised comfort are a real disappointment. The Jaguar comes third, but we would understand anyone who fell for its charms. The British brand has taken a different tack here, producing a sportier car. While the XJ doesn’t serve up the ultimate capabilities of the A8, it is more fun and engaging to drive than its rivals – but the ride comfort and cramped cabin leave it wide of the luxury car mark.

 
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