Love this review....this guy has basically driven every car out there and for him to say he'd drive this over a 7 series AND even an S class....thats really showing u Audi is heading to the top!
@blackciti100 There is another front headlight styling for this body style A8. The headlights are bi xenons and not LED lights like this one but still offers led styling lights.
the bang&olufsen soundsystem is one of the best and you will not regret it. It is worthwhile to spend 6000$ for this. btw its the same price here in germany. funny thing its 6000€ so thats round about 8500$. you lucky US guys....
4:31 "dual overhead cam" damn i havent heard that for years. at least not since the mid 90s when 4valves per cylinder was becoming a standard tech for 99% of the cars
@Johncarson9113 That's because the S-class is 6 years old and this A8 is brand new. To me though the A8 looks like a stretched A4, aside from the fancy lights it's very dull.
@Suevari Of course I'm exaggerating with the minutes factor of lights, but most of the convo was honestly about the headlights haha! Otherwise he only mentioned half of those thing you listed, that's interesting thanks for the info my man. Wait, the A8 runs only on diesal?
@foeunit The 760Li is a V12, the S63 AMG is a beefed-up S500 which has a V8, and the Audi has the standard V8, if at all you're going to compare cars, make sure it's of the same types, EG, 750Li, S500 and A8 4.2, makes sense?
I dont really understand the guy you are replying to, but if i think hes saying what hes trying to say, hes right... a stone wheel can be considered technology, so the engine and suspension is also 'Tech'.
Well most people don't buy these cars, they just lease for 3-5 years. If you do plan to buy: 1. I say you will most likely want to have about the same amount on the side just for the car as it was priced (eg. $100K purchase then save like $85K-$100K for when it breaks) 2. Warrenty will last you for a good amount of time with these cars 3. If you want to show off, an LS460 isn't that type of car, well the LS600h is bragging rights IMO! Since the market is so big, everyone gets what they want/need
yes thats what i mean. that it is so common today that no journalist even says it except this guy. it is like saying "this car comes with seat belts as standard ;)
@Slimecrazy234 And most cars nowadays look just like their flag ship or midsized sedans or SUV's in terms of design, just the way the BMW 5 series is just a smaller version of the 7 series or how the Audi Q5 is just a larger A3. Every manufacturer likes to filter their vehicles designs into others.
@Slimecrazy234 The same could be said for the S-class, although a nice car the S-class is a very conservative design considering it holds the same traditional styling as the rest of its lineup. I'm sure the new S-class will improve a lot as they always do. But yes I agree it seems the A4 design revolves around every other car in the Audi line up but thats not such a bad thing at least not to me, I love the new look of the Audi A4, the A8 is simply the bigger & better version of it in my opinion
In Brazil we pay like R$4000 to get air conditioner, hydraulic steering wheel, electric windows (only for the front seats) and electric locks. And we have to add this gadgets in a 30k car! If I live in America, I would be very happy to pay 35k in a Audi A5, not 250k like here, or 500k in a A8. And remember that dollar is R$1,80, not that much.
Apples are being compared to apples when comparing Audi A8 and Mercedes Benz S550. And apples will be compared to oranges when comparing the A8 and S65 AMG, because you compare engine to engine. Mercedes Benz S550 and Audi A8 have the same engine. Mercedes Benz S600 and S65 AMG have V12 engines whereas S550 has a V8 similar to the A8.
@Toromont123 Tell me about it. If anything, this is one of the best park assistance systems because it actually helps you to become better at parallel parking because it actually shows you what YOU should be doing - instead of crippling you and doing it for you. But that benefit was totally overlooked by the reviewer. Car makers must get frustrated when they see stupid comments like that.
Although call me weird or dumb. LS base >>>>>>>>>>>> fully loaded GS imo. Idk why but I like the looks on the exterior and interior plus the more grown up feel of the car overall (maybe cause its a flagship). oh and btw I'm 19 so that's where the weird/crazy/dumb comes in. All my friends would die to have a GS.
Mercedes is still the best, hands down. They lead whereas everyone else follows. Every generation of S Class is heralded as the epitome of automotive technology, with good reason. With every new model, BMW and Audi take several years to release their new 7 Series & A8 respectively, presumably always playing a game of catch up. Compared to this A8 (which is brand spanking new) and the 3 year old 7 Series, the 6 year old S Class seems a little dated, but the new one is coming in just over a year
@JLchevz Hell No! The previous model was just a Volkswagen Phaeton, this new A8 takes it up to a whole new level! Its ahead of its time, its beautiful, sheik and most importantly it is impeccably refined. The new A8 is everything its predecessor wasn't, to say any different no longer becomes preference but more so naive.
@KenGold666 If they remove the LED lights, it will become just a more expensive VW. The LED lights add the more luxurious and swift look that puts it slightly above the 7 series, S-Class, and other cars in it's class. I spoke to an Audi car salesman on the phone and asked him why I should prefer an Audi over a BMW. We talked for 15 minutes...13 of those minutes was him bragging about LED lights -____-
@cbxsage To my ears he said "silent and smooth like a tomb". As to driving with windows down - it does look weird! Almost like he didn't know how to operate the AC.
@Johncarson9113 Absolutely, but it would help if the car they're filtering was a bit more exciting. The A4 is probably the dullest looking car in its segment (when you get past the LED lights and big grill). There is nothing special about the body work, contrast to say a BMW 3 series. The design of the new Jetta is also very similar to the A4 (the A4 looks like a stretched Jetta with Audi lights and grill). When you blow that up to A8 size and charge a fortune for it = not great.
I'm really surprised you would go for the Audi out of the four brands. After watching your BMW 7 reviews I was pretty sure the Bimmer was the winner. I mean at least feature-wise, the Audi doesn't offer nearly as much as the Bimmer or Merc S-Class.
Undeniably the nicest Full size luxury vehicle in the market, the Mercedes S-class is nice but next to the new Audi A8?? It makes the Mercedes seem like its been discontinued
@Toromont123 Indeed. An Audi is not the car for that kind of person. They need to be driving a Lexus if they need the car to park for them. This is a drivers car.
For all you guys out there who are complaining about how this isn't like top gear, this is what I have to say. IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO COMPETE WITH TOP GEAR. One is a tv show with millions world wide watching it, and one is just a short tech reviewing websites car review. You guys are stupid if you think this is a bad review. He doesn't have thousands of dollars in resources like the BBC does.
What?? No. The S-Class is Mercedes' flagship sedan. The variant, S550/600/63/65 does NOT make it a flagship. If that were true, your own statement would be wrong because the S65 would be the true flagship.
@Suevari Yes, I live in the U.S. And it's possible to test drive them. I'm under 25, so they will probably not take me seriously and not give me the test drive... that's the unfortunate way dealers look at people when I'm honestly interested. But I should be able to. Why, is it hard to test drive them in Germany? I mean they ARE German cars. Oh, and nice care you guys produce btw :D
why would anyone need 3d rendering on a nav unit? driving, watching and listening to the nav and getting to a destination is enough to do when in a new city...making sure that the intersection is not missed and having to reroute is avoided is a lot of activity while driving in a new location (which is probably where a nav is mostly useful).....the 3d is useless .....a birds eyes view of the road and following the arrows and hearing the nav talk is all that is needed imo. im not looking at buildings and 3d renderings....overkill.
Are you nuts? Those cars that you just mentioned are in a very high price range. You don't compare flagship cars of different brands. You compare cars in the same price range and with a similar power train. In that respect you cannot compare the Audi A8 to neither the S600 nor the S65 AMG.
Lol he compared the base A8 to every different option Lexus ls BMW 7series and Mercedes s class has to offer! :) Audi took over!lol I want to see how the w12 model compares hehehehe
@Suevari Well I'm sure they are skeptical, they always demand the best for the best. I can literally see the design flaws in little details on American cars, whereas on German cars, especially Audis, the design is sharply calculated, and perfect. That's why if I walk into a dealership (American or German) They will probably rool their eyes and go towards 55 years old Joe. haha
Brian Cooley is like the main reason why i even watch these reviews!!
What do u do for a living
Brian Cooley is a great reviewer. I used to think of him as loud and strident but really my opinion has changed over the years
Love this review....this guy has basically driven every car out there and for him to say he'd drive this over a 7 series AND even an S class....thats really showing u Audi is heading to the top!
Intelligent reviews are better than fan reviews
@blackciti100 There is another front headlight styling for this body style A8. The headlights are bi xenons and not LED lights like this one but still offers led styling lights.
I am BMW fan and i use to hate the audi's even this one but when i saw the interior it blows my mind!!!!
Outstanding review brian! The A8 is definitely king of the "huge sedan" segment! 👍
The Worlds Best Car Production, AUDI.
just bought an a8l today with loaded features. awesome car
I going to buy💯
He is focusing on the tech stuff because that's what Cnet does they review tech stuff like headphones, TVs, computer, and cellphones.
Good review ;)
Great presentation!... and Cooley is hot!
@Suevari The 7 series had a 8 speed transmission before this A8 was launched and the S has a 7 speed transmission :P
@Toromont123 I think it's a nice feature, because A8 is a huge car and sometimes it would be hard to park it.
Audi ~ Masterpiece.
My dream car...
the bang&olufsen soundsystem is one of the best and you will not regret it. It is worthwhile to spend 6000$ for this. btw its the same price here in germany. funny thing its 6000€ so thats round about 8500$. you lucky US guys....
This is my car in the future!! Its all just Luxury and i kinda like that :) Great Car and much better then the Mercedes S-Class
I really like the car. I hope that they review the new lexus IS.
Just amazing car
Can you review the tech in Audi S5 coupe and BMW m3 convertible?
4:31 "dual overhead cam"
damn i havent heard that for years. at least not since the mid 90s when 4valves per cylinder was becoming a standard tech for 99% of the cars
@deathrealms well, I made a mistake. I think that the 750Li is more sensible for a comparison because it's nearly as powerful as the other two.
❤ Audi, No.1
@Johncarson9113 That's because the S-class is 6 years old and this A8 is brand new. To me though the A8 looks like a stretched A4, aside from the fancy lights it's very dull.
He forgot to say he would forget about the Audi and take the Jaguar XJL it's so sexy.
@s82a84 I agree but the sound is out of this world
@roller237 What you talking about? The mileage is pretty astonishing for a quite big V8 and a very heavy car.
this is my fave nxt to the a7 and when the car goes to 60 in 5.1sec 372bhp and 27mpg really doesnt need anymore power
@Toromont123 True that but sometimes big cars are difficult to park for teens, old people and some Asians
Best car in it's class
Best luxury car ever!
@s82a84
I'm pretty sure you could buy a well-specced home B&O system for less than that.
@Suevari Of course I'm exaggerating with the minutes factor of lights, but most of the convo was honestly about the headlights haha! Otherwise he only mentioned half of those thing you listed, that's interesting thanks for the info my man. Wait, the A8 runs only on diesal?
Its worth it really B&O create the original sound that the artist hear at the recording studio.
@cheffington999
Isn't getting off the road exactly what a parking system is for?
Get a different bumper, this car is absolutely perfect. Audi smashes its competition to pieces.
I wish if they had an soft top version :(
Lol.. He's funny! I can watch all of this guy's car reviews. ;-)
@Corveette
All they have to nail is their reliability.
@foeunit
The 760Li is a V12, the S63 AMG is a beefed-up S500 which has a V8, and the Audi has the standard V8, if at all you're going to compare cars, make sure it's of the same types, EG, 750Li, S500 and A8 4.2, makes sense?
i like this car so much and i find it better than bmw 7 series
Very nice car! I'd Love to have one...but, not enough power for me!
nice car
I dont really understand the guy you are replying to, but if i think hes saying what hes trying to say, hes right... a stone wheel can be considered technology, so the engine and suspension is also 'Tech'.
Well most people don't buy these cars, they just lease for 3-5 years. If you do plan to buy: 1. I say you will most likely want to have about the same amount on the side just for the car as it was priced (eg. $100K purchase then save like $85K-$100K for when it breaks) 2. Warrenty will last you for a good amount of time with these cars 3. If you want to show off, an LS460 isn't that type of car, well the LS600h is bragging rights IMO! Since the market is so big, everyone gets what they want/need
@deathrealms I think the 730Li, S500 and A8 4.2 makes more sense.
Im planning ot buy this car, and i will get it!!!
5:25.. audi a8 was designed by Zohan... they use the silky smooth thing...
yes thats what i mean. that it is so common today that no journalist even says it except this guy.
it is like saying "this car comes with seat belts as standard ;)
@s82a84 It's proportional to the price. The A4 B&O is only 800. They wouldn't charge it if their customer can't pay it. Simple.
@Slimecrazy234 And most cars nowadays look just like their flag ship or midsized sedans or SUV's in terms of design, just the way the BMW 5 series is just a smaller version of the 7 series or how the Audi Q5 is just a larger A3. Every manufacturer likes to filter their vehicles designs into others.
@Slimecrazy234 The same could be said for the S-class, although a nice car the S-class is a very conservative design considering it holds the same traditional styling as the rest of its lineup. I'm sure the new S-class will improve a lot as they always do. But yes I agree it seems the A4 design revolves around every other car in the Audi line up but thats not such a bad thing at least not to me, I love the new look of the Audi A4, the A8 is simply the bigger & better version of it in my opinion
@MegaMaster456
You're comparing a V6 to two other V8's?? How's that more sensible?
In Brazil we pay like R$4000 to get air conditioner, hydraulic steering wheel, electric windows (only for the front seats) and electric locks. And we have to add this gadgets in a 30k car! If I live in America, I would be very happy to pay 35k in a Audi A5, not 250k like here, or 500k in a A8. And remember that dollar is R$1,80, not that much.
@Suevari Oh ok. I just thought cuz on your last comment it sounded that way. Nonethless those are pretty good numbers... Test drive time?!?
wow, what a critic. he prolly judges his wife this harshly.
What about the new XJ?
Apples are being compared to apples when comparing Audi A8 and Mercedes Benz S550. And apples will be compared to oranges when comparing the A8 and S65 AMG, because you compare engine to engine. Mercedes Benz S550 and Audi A8 have the same engine. Mercedes Benz S600 and S65 AMG have V12 engines whereas S550 has a V8 similar to the A8.
the audi leds alone shit on bmw
You know there's an A8L with a W12 engine right?
Was there in 2011?
@Toromont123 Tell me about it. If anything, this is one of the best park assistance systems because it actually helps you to become better at parallel parking because it actually shows you what YOU should be doing - instead of crippling you and doing it for you. But that benefit was totally overlooked by the reviewer. Car makers must get frustrated when they see stupid comments like that.
Although call me weird or dumb. LS base >>>>>>>>>>>> fully loaded GS imo. Idk why but I like the looks on the exterior and interior plus the more grown up feel of the car overall (maybe cause its a flagship). oh and btw I'm 19 so that's where the weird/crazy/dumb comes in. All my friends would die to have a GS.
Mercedes is still the best, hands down. They lead whereas everyone else follows. Every generation of S Class is heralded as the epitome of automotive technology, with good reason. With every new model, BMW and Audi take several years to release their new 7 Series & A8 respectively, presumably always playing a game of catch up.
Compared to this A8 (which is brand spanking new) and the 3 year old 7 Series, the 6 year old S Class seems a little dated, but the new one is coming in just over a year
@TehMizzleHD wait... what?
@rforracing Why not? :P
Looks like a bigger A4.
@JLchevz Hell No! The previous model was just a Volkswagen Phaeton, this new A8 takes it up to a whole new level! Its ahead of its time, its beautiful, sheik and most importantly it is impeccably refined. The new A8 is everything its predecessor wasn't, to say any different no longer becomes preference but more so naive.
got murk'd in the street by an a8 :(
But, the sound!
@eddox94 I agree..CAR TECH...If everyone wants to know how a car handles watch some Top Gear
There will be a new generation S class coming out as a 2014 model just to let u guys know
@KenGold666 If they remove the LED lights, it will become just a more expensive VW. The LED lights add the more luxurious and swift look that puts it slightly above the 7 series, S-Class, and other cars in it's class. I spoke to an Audi car salesman on the phone and asked him why I should prefer an Audi over a BMW. We talked for 15 minutes...13 of those minutes was him bragging about LED lights -____-
that audi front grille was clearly designed with a european numberplate in mind. american-style with none at all it looks like sth off a truck :P
@cbxsage
To my ears he said "silent and smooth like a tomb". As to driving with windows down - it does look weird! Almost like he didn't know how to operate the AC.
@Johncarson9113 Absolutely, but it would help if the car they're filtering was a bit more exciting. The A4 is probably the dullest looking car in its segment (when you get past the LED lights and big grill). There is nothing special about the body work, contrast to say a BMW 3 series. The design of the new Jetta is also very similar to the A4 (the A4 looks like a stretched Jetta with Audi lights and grill). When you blow that up to A8 size and charge a fortune for it = not great.
I'm really surprised you would go for the Audi out of the four brands. After watching your BMW 7 reviews I was pretty sure the Bimmer was the winner. I mean at least feature-wise, the Audi doesn't offer nearly as much as the Bimmer or Merc S-Class.
@emanuelfonseca123 This is Car Tech not Cart Eng. Plus the A8's engine is fucking beast.
Undeniably the nicest Full size luxury vehicle in the market, the Mercedes S-class is nice but next to the new Audi A8?? It makes the Mercedes seem like its been discontinued
@Toromont123 Indeed. An Audi is not the car for that kind of person. They need to be driving a Lexus if they need the car to park for them. This is a drivers car.
For all you guys out there who are complaining about how this isn't like top gear, this is what I have to say. IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO COMPETE WITH TOP GEAR. One is a tv show with millions world wide watching it, and one is just a short tech reviewing websites car review. You guys are stupid if you think this is a bad review. He doesn't have thousands of dollars in resources like the BBC does.
What are you talking about? Most Engines (besides the honda accord) use DOHCs.
What?? No. The S-Class is Mercedes' flagship sedan. The variant, S550/600/63/65 does NOT make it a flagship. If that were true, your own statement would be wrong because the S65 would be the true flagship.
@Suevari Yes, I live in the U.S. And it's possible to test drive them. I'm under 25, so they will probably not take me seriously and not give me the test drive... that's the unfortunate way dealers look at people when I'm honestly interested. But I should be able to. Why, is it hard to test drive them in Germany? I mean they ARE German cars. Oh, and nice care you guys produce btw :D
@jmccurle08 I think XJ drivers and A8 drivers would have different hobbies. Just sayin'...
Aii bought ipod nano just for my audi a8
why would anyone need 3d rendering on a nav unit? driving, watching and listening to the nav and getting to a destination is enough to do when in a new city...making sure that the intersection is not missed and having to reroute is avoided is a lot of activity while driving in a new location (which is probably where a nav is mostly useful).....the 3d is useless .....a birds eyes view of the road and following the arrows and hearing the nav talk is all that is needed imo. im not looking at buildings and 3d renderings....overkill.
Audi has said there won't be an S8
that is a one sexy vehicle.. good bye S-Class
i prefer the other 4 spoke steering wheel...
Why does all Audi's have the same rear tail light!?!?! >:(
Are you nuts? Those cars that you just mentioned are in a very high price range. You don't compare flagship cars of different brands. You compare cars in the same price range and with a similar power train. In that respect you cannot compare the Audi A8 to neither the S600 nor the S65 AMG.
i go BMW 7
@Toromont123 parking is a chore
Lol he compared the base A8 to every different option Lexus ls BMW 7series and Mercedes s class has to offer! :) Audi took over!lol I want to see how the w12 model compares hehehehe
@Suevari Well I'm sure they are skeptical, they always demand the best for the best. I can literally see the design flaws in little details on American cars, whereas on German cars, especially Audis, the design is sharply calculated, and perfect. That's why if I walk into a dealership (American or German) They will probably rool their eyes and go towards 55 years old Joe. haha
Dont get Bang and Olufsen, why pay that much when you get Bose stock, i would rather have Bose than B&O anyway! UNREAL car!!
Nice car, but it doesn't look like it's better than an S-Class in anything except for a more discreet exterior.
how reliable is this car though...i'd be willing to spend all that money depending on how often i need to take it for maintenance
I will take A8 Avant