E-Notes Cars
Bmw 7 Series and Audi A8
The Audi A8 line and the BMW 7 Series are very close in size and price. The Audi has the oldest platform which has been freshened starting with the the A8's front adding its now-signature trapezoidal grille. The 32-valve, 4.2-liter V-8 is also new, delivering 350 horses at 6800 rpm; it mates to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
BMW's 7Series is a new design with standard and stretched versions available. Each include aluminum doors and an aluminum roof that reduces weight and lowers the car's center of gravity. Inside, the new 7 takes technology to an entirely new level. Standard Dynamic Damper Control constantly adjusts the compression and rebound of each shock individually. Infra-red Night Vision can recognize pedestrians in the road ahead. Front-fender Side View cameras peer left and right down the road before your eyes get there. The high-resolution, 10.2-inch navigation display offers a 3-D view that can show representations of actual buildings. The engine is tweaked to the max too, and features twin turbos and direct injection, the 32-valve, 4.4-liter V-8 thumps out 400 horsepower.
The downside of the BMW 7 Series is its complexity. It is so complex and mechanically intimidating that BMW incorporated the operating instructions for its many systems right into the on-board hard drive, where drivers must figure out how to access them. The higher price tag of the BMW 7 Series is reflected by all the new technology, which may or may not be worth the cost or hassle.
The Audi A8 has a cockpit that radiates artistry, from the glow of the gorgeous wood trim to a headliner trimmed in chocolate-colored, suede. The Audi A8 features an optional $6300 Bang & Olufsen audio system, including elegant tweeters that rise out of the dash, an impressive, and easy to use, extra. The Audi A8 has an MMI multimedia interface that works intuitively proving to be one of the best multifunction controls. |