Just in! Another uncovered S-class shot

Dear 001,

Check this one out!

Cool wheels, eh?

Looks like MB will retain the high-end luxury sedan crown.

You were right!

This car is way better looking than the A8, 7-series and LS430.

JMd71 - 6/16/2005 10:52:58 PM

+1 Boost

While design is subjective, I like the A8 and am on the 2006 waiting list. This new S will be just like all other MBs before it, overpriced and underbuilt!

TIER1 - 6/20/2005 4:22:03 AM

+1 Boost

Guys,

I live (today) in Europe. Audi is a huge success with the A4, the typical company car for mid-ranking supervisors (I deliberately don't call them managers as those typically drive 5er BMWs). Company officials (directors, board members etc) are driving about 50% S Class, 30% 7er BMW and 20% A8s. The last share is a huge improvement from the V8 times, when basically nobody was driving a large Audi. The huge disadvantage for Audi is that you can get the same engine, accessories, etc in a cheap Skoda or a VW - save for the V8 diesel and the V12 gasoline (these are by far the least popular versions, though). They are also burdened by the easiness to steal their cars - since BMW introduced EWS II and III, their vehicles became technically unmovable without factory keys; while Audis are not any better in protection than a VW (which is the most stolen brand in Europe).

As for diplomats driving (or more precisely, are bein chaufferred in) Audis, this is partly true. Audi has a 50 vehicle car fleet which they constantly loan to European events (congresses, NATO and UN summits, etc), free of charge. Very few governments actually own Audis - the government cars are still Mercedes Benz vehicles, and some 7er BMWs. The French government uses Peugeot 607 cars, everybody knows why.

I am fascinated by your overwhelming enthusiasm towards Audi, which is (unfortunatley) contrary to what is going on in the market today. Audi lost 6.1 percent sales in the US in May and a 1.7 percent dip year-to-date, per their latest announcements.

My take on this is if you are willing to pay premium for a Toyota/VW only because it has a Lexus/Porsche badge on it, you will be extremely happy with an Audi as well. As the world trends show, more and people are doing so, while traditional values like Mercedes are faltering... At the same time, the so called "luxury car" market segment is increasing, meaning that more and more people are willing to spend to percepted luxuries.