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Audi A8 Vs Bmw 7-Series Vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class


rachakondaharish

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[img]http://igyaan.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/BMW-VS-Audi-VS-Mercedes-Benz.jpg[/img]


[color=#445566][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=3]What we have here is the very epitome of European luxury. The flagship models from the top three German luxury car makers in India. We have in alphabetical order the [color=#034fb6]Au[/color][color=#034fb6]di A8[/color], the [color=#034fb6]BMW [/color][color=#034fb6]7-series[/color] and the [color=#034fb6]Merced[/color][color=#034fb6]es-Benz S-class[/color]. But, sharing the same sense of magnificence side, all three are powered by similarly sized diesel engines. hat you also need to know is hat the A8 is the newest here. The 7-series has been around for two years, and the S-class for even longer. Given that these represent the very best in technological advancement for each of their makers, the Audi must have an advantage for being the newest. Our task though is to see, if that’s good nough to make the A8 the one to lust after.[/size][/font][/color]
[color=#445566][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=3]The three cars couldn’t be visually more distinct. Each has its own charm. The S-class for instance might look a tad jaded in terms of design in this company, but there’s still no denying that when it comes to class, poise and striking the right balance between being noticeable and discreet at the same time, the Merc has no equal. The 7-series s just too brash. It’s not pretty. Neither is it sporty, but yes, it ertainly draws attention. Quite like the mafia boss.[/size][/font][/color]

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[b]AUDI S5 Cabriolet 3.0 V6 TFSI (2009 - 2012) Description & History: [/b]The Audi S5 Cabriolet is technically the convertible version of its coupe sibling, the S5 Coupe. Although the main differences between the two models should only reside in the roof configuration, the S5 Cabriolet is more different that it would seem. While the S5 Coupe uses a normally-aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine with direct injection, the S5 Cabriolet switches to a newly-developed supercharged three-liter V6, also with direct injection. Despite the different approaches engine-wise and the level of power, both models achieve rather similar performances.





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The facelifted [b]BMW 7 Series[/b] goes on sale this July and along with mild exterior upgrades, it also brings to market new exterior colors, engines and features.

BMW introduces a new model in the 7 Series lineup: 750d and 750Ld. The high-end diesels are powered by the new tri-turbo 3.0 liter engine which is based on the popular 3.0 liter inline-six (N57D30), but with an extra turbocharger. The innovative powerplant produces 381 horsepower and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. With 93.6 kW/127.3 hp per liter of displacement, the N57 sets a new benchmark standard for diesel engines.

Another diesel model to receive an upgrade is the entry level 730d. The updated N57D30001 unit now produces 254 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque (413 lb-ft).

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[b] Mercedes-Benz S-Class 350 L Specifications[/b]
Dimensions and Weights Overall Length (mm) 5096 Overall Width (mm) 1871 Overall Height (mm) 1479 Wheel Base (mm) 3035 Front Track (mm) 1600 Rear Track (mm) 1606 Boot Space (liter) 560 Kerb Weight (kg) 1925 Gross Vehicle Weight (kg) 2505 No of Doors 4 Fuel Economy Mileage Highway (km/liter) Mileage City (km/liter) Mileage Overall (km/liter) Capacities Seating Capacity (person) 5 Fuel Tank Capacity (liter) 90 Performance Maximum Speed 250Km/Hour 0-100kmph 8.6seconds 1/4 Mile seconds Engine Engine Type/Model V-Type Engine Displacement cc 3498 Power (PS@rpm) 370PS @6300rpm Torque (Nm@rpm) 345Nm @4500rpm Valve Mechanism Bore (mm) Stroke (mm) Compression Ratio 10.7:1 No of Cylinders (cylinder) 6 Cylinder Configuration V6 Valves per Cylinder (value) 4 Fuel Type Petrol Fuel System Transmission Transmission Type Automatic Gears/Speeds 7Gears Clutch Type Final Reduction Gear Ratio Suspensions Front Suspension 4-link front suspension Torsion Bars Airmatic Air Suspension with Active Damping System Rear Suspension Multilink ind suspension Torsion Bars Airmatic Air Suspension with Active Damping System Steering Steering Type Rack-and-pinion speed sensitive steering Power Assisted Standard Minimum Turning Radius (meter) 6.2 Brakes Front Brakes Discs,internally ventilated Rear Brakes Discs Wheels and Tyres Wheel Type Alloy Wheel Size 17-inch Tyres 235/55 R 17 W







[b]Body: [/b]Well, the three cars are so close in every aspect, it's not surprising to see there's just two point separating the three under this head. The Audi might not have as much room at the front as the BMW and the Mercedes, but it feels roomy and has the most usable boot in terms of fitting in luggage.
[b]Drive: [/b]Here again, the difference between the best and worst is just two points. The Merc might be the slowest and its gearbox the least appealing, but it makes up for these defi cits with its fuel economy. It also has the highest range. As for the Audi and the BMW, these are equally matched in most aspects.
[b]Comfort: [/b]Comfortable and luxurious are what these cars are designed to be. And that just one point separates the three is a good indication of how well these serve this particular purpose. The Merc, in addition, has the best ride, but loses out on handling compared to the other two.
[b]Dynamics: [/b]When it comes to dynamics, the S-class was never going to top the charts. But that it comes so close is quite a feat. However, the pick of the lot in terms of dynamics is the Audi. The BMW is just a point behind though and that's down to a longer stopping distance.
[b]Cost: [/b]All cars cost close to a crore for the loaded versions on test here. And all three have similar 2-year and unlimited kilometre warranties as well. It's just the Mercedes' better brand recall and value that gives it two extra points under the Cost head.
[b] Verdict[/b]

You can’t go wrong with any of these cars. They are all great at what they set of out to achieve – to give their occupants a luxurious, hassle free and comfortable ride. But given our testcars, each with different levels of options, the Audi emerges as the best fit. It has inherent advantages over the other two, like the feel of quality, better driving dynamics, a more intuitive system interface and also offers more elaborate options for those with the money to properly indulge themselves. Our take; buy the A8L 3.0TDI.

[img]http://img1.carwale.com/ec/8658/img/c/9051.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.carwale.com/ec/8658/img/c/9050.jpg[/img]

The A8 mean while seems to try too hard. With its LED lamps, its large grille and a classic tance, it looks attractive and appealing, no doubt, but one just feels it could have done with a little less bling, especially for the segment it operates in. It just seems to fit the young billionaire’s image more.
Inside, the feel of opulence is equally matched in all three cars. It’s the same for quality of materials, the fit and finish and feeling of space. It’s impossible to select the best in this regard. But yes, when one begins to look closely, the three follow different design directions. The S is discreet and looks to be lagging behind, the A8 overtly bright and in your face, and the 7-series some where in the middle. But between the three, we’d choose the Audi mainly for its attention to detail. Also, it’s possible to find areas where BMW and Mercedes have cut corners, but on the Audi, every such attempt seemed futile. The A8 also leaves you with the impression that it is the most exquisitely crafted.
What we also have are models sporting a lot of optional equipment. So, all three cars get adjustable rear seats, rear entertainment package and of course lots of leg and kneeroom. There’s also very little to choose between the three in terms of rear seat comfort, but yes, the Mercedes still reigns supreme ver the other two in terms of rear seat comfort; it’s the most accommodating and comfortable. Ergonomically though, all three are early spot on, again.
The similarities between the three cars just don’t seem to end. The engines too are very similar on paper. All three cars get current day diesel engines which are quiet, refined and decently potent for both city and highways use. All three are equipped with automatic gearboxes, and all Three are packed with driver aids to the hilt.

[img]http://img.carwale.com/ec/8658/img/c/9053.jpg[/img] [img]http://img1.carwale.com/ec/8658/img/c/9052.jpg[/img]

In the real world though, the BMW and the Audi are a step ahead of the Mercedes when it comes to driving feel. The Mercedes is squishy and a tadvague compared to the other two. It’s of course the easiest and most comfortable to drive thanks to its light controls and very good visibility. But, just don’t push it too hard.
If on the rare occasion you do drive these cars, and rarer still, decide to push them hard, you’d want the Audi. It’s not as lithe as the BMW and neither does it shrink around you like the 7-series, but with all wheel drive and a road hugging drive, it’s clearly the best equipped to handle the twisties at a relatively fast pace.

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But, the main reason to buy any of these cars apart from the huge snob value that comes as standard, is comfort. Comfort that comes with the various gadgets on board and of course, comfort that comes with acres of space and absolute opulence. In that sense, it’s the Audi again that steals a march over the other two. It just has a lot more options to choose from. But of course, it all comes at a price.
As far as standard equipment goes, seats and space on all three give you no reason to complain. But, between the three, the S-class and the7-series offer similar kneeroom while the Audi offers less. As far as headroom is concerned, the S-class is clearly better. But thanks to the width of the new A8 it has both more shoulder room at the rear and more elbow room up front.
In terms of ride, the difference again isn’t earth shattering. But yes, the S-class does offer the most comfortable ride. Both the A8 and the 7-series aren’t uncomfortable, but while the mercedes simply glides over most surfaces, there’s an underlying tiffness both in terms of feel and oise that can be felt and heard on the Audi and the BMW.

[size=7][color=#FF0000]Have any doubts post dow[/color][/size][color=#FF0000]n [/color]

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[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I have sean ur facebook page it has many useful content i like it...[/font][/color]

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