First pics of 2005 Audi A8

Say what you will, but I like the wood steering wheel. There is no such thing as an objective taste. The car looks classy all around. It's kind of a sleeper which is what I like and in person it has the obvious feel of luxury and class. People arent going to mistake it for anything less than it actually is. The way I drive, they wouldnt see it for too long anyhow.

Jon

If they follow the A4's lead, the new grill will make it the A8 as a 2005.5 model.

BTW, the new grill is already featured on the A8 6.0 (with a 450 HP W12). It essentially silences any issues of the car looking conservative. Below is an image of that car:



Even though the A8 is already universally regarded as being the best in its class (easily beating the BMW 7 Series), the new grill and an updated 4.2L FSI engine (that will show up in next year's model) will continue Audi's quick and relentless expansion into the top of European luxury brands.

Stop with them! They mean very little. If a car was judged on sales figures, there would be no need for car critics. Statistics would tell the whole story. Does the A8 have a very balanced chassis? Obviouly not, because sales figures are low in the U.S. Does Lexus build the most original, stunning automobiles in the world? For sure, because they are the top selling luxury marque in the U.S! -Does that sound logical?

I also cannot see why you cannot like both Audi and BMW. A real car fan could see merit in both. As for the argument on the wooden steering wheel debarcle, I applaud the design.

Great comments AHDW! Very well spoken, indeed. Some people (as above) may mistake your argument (of a more precise logic) for one of those rants that you see all too often on these blogs now. Your premises do a wonderful job of showing why sales figures aren’t too important when talking about quality and satisfaction, and why people who use them to make such radical claims need to keep quiet, or at least back up their statement more precisely as you have. In all honesty, I’m getting rather tired of hearing overzealous, opinionated tripe. I come here to see what’s up in the world of automobiles and hear some insightful outlooks and opinions not lies, bigotry and outlandish comments.

We all have our cars and brands that we become fond of. Standing up for the reputation of a car that you’ve put your hard earned money into is quite all right. I have often come to the defense of Mercedes on this website because it is my make of choice and I hate to see people try to convince me that I made a bad decision when I have had nothing but satisfaction. It doesn’t mean however, that I have ANY reason to make scornful remarks about other manufactures. If anything, I’m happy to see competition and what is available. Competition in the free market allows us to get better cars for less money. I admire the steps that are taken by BMW, Audi, VW, Lexus and others. Each brings an element to the table that I long for in my next car. And sometimes backs up my reasoning behind why I didn’t buy the competition in the first place. I, like most, have a lot of brand loyalty. But if there was no incentive for me to change brand, how would my marquee ever evolve?

But I severely digress…. I stand by my argument. There is no objective taste. The Audi looks classy but not overdone. Very much a sleeper car. And, I am one of those people who actually likes the wood steering wheel, but in no way would I base my car buying decision on something like that.

Jon

Jon, beautifully put! It is all about embracing all these remarkable cars in their own right. Finally, an intelligent and insightful comment.

Being brand loyal is important as you said as we have an investment in it through our hard earn money. We want our brands to prosper and rise to the occassion so we have more choice. Many here who make these negative, childish comments do not understand the definition of a car enthusiast. I am glad that you do.

Yes, the A8 L is a remarkable vehichle as are all the others.

...but I stand by my comments that it's good industrial design but poor automobile styling, Audi's have no emotional impact. Really, look at the pictures, there is nothing in the look of the A8 to excite, I've seen them in the flesh, same thing. Whether you like them or not (I don't) BMW is at least trying to make their cars exciting, distintive and emotional.

The new grill added to the A8 is simply a very large hole in the middle of a non-descript face. It occurs to me the response Audi is aiming for is a giant yawn from car buyers.

Excuse me, looking at the A8 and seeing the yawning face and I suddenly feel terribly sleepy.

G'night.

BW

I think you're taking my own opinions far too personally. Essentially my post said this, I think Audi's are fine cars with bland styling, you are reading far more into that than I ever intended.

You're devotion to the marque is admirable, perhaps you should be selling them and turning your enthusiasm into dollars. A word of warning, if you attempt to sell your brand while bashing the opposition your credibility will wane and you will have a short, unfruitful career.

Best Wishes,

BW