SHOWDOWN: 2011 Audi A8 vs A7, Which Would YOU Buy And Why?

If there's one thing we know, it's that 2011 is going to be a big year for Audi. With a ton of new, big-time products being unleashed -- namely the 2011 Audi A8, 2011 Audi A7 and 2012 Audi A6 -- it's an important test to see how their products sell.

But now as Audi expands its lineup, things are going to become a little more difficult when it comes to the decision process. Take, for example, the 2011 Audi A8 and all-new A7. In traditional Audi fashion, neither car's core is tremendously different as most of their in-cabin functions are similar but their appearances are not so familiar.

The A8 is a traditional, big-daddy sedan while the A7 has a four-door coupe/fastback look to it. The A7 oozes sex appeal while the A8 is a classy statement of elegance.

And if you want to sit and call the A7 "ugly," tell that to the Panamera, which is blowing up the sales charts now.

So the big question is, if you were in the market for a luxury sedan, why would you choose the A8 over the A7?



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Joe_Limon - 12/3/2010 9:17:10 PM

+2 Boost

a8 :)

Joe_Limon - 12/3/2010 11:24:24 PM

+2 Boost

ohh I forgot why

8>7

Deutschland - 12/3/2010 9:32:00 PM

0 Boost

A7

theoptimisticpessimist - 12/3/2010 9:47:59 PM

+7 Boost

The S class.

Deutschland - 12/3/2010 11:20:46 PM

+3 Boost

agree

DallasTheo - 12/6/2010 4:33:38 AM

+3 Boost

Agreed. Audi achieved remarkable success against two German competitors (M-B and BMW) who got sleepy behind the wheel and lost their uniqueness for a while. Now, I'm afraid , Audi has done the same if styling is any indication. Audi is simply updating a "look" that worked in the past and vehicle types (sedans, fastback hatches, "coupes" that everyone else has done. But time marches on and, except for exceptional interiors, Audi seems to be following the leaders rather than continuing to chart a somewhat renegade course. Good cars... competitive cars... even a few great cars, yes. Innovative cars... not so much. The brand is beginning to slip; leaving a big hole at this end of the market for someone (perhaps even Hyundai) to dive into. Those who play it safe and rely on an image generated by past successes, may ultimately loose.

kuvakas1 - 12/3/2010 11:07:13 PM

+1 Boost

8

Agent001 - 12/3/2010 11:43:55 PM

+1 Boost

A7 no question

Almost as pretty as Rapide in person.

001

BondMI6 - 12/4/2010 1:39:19 AM

+2 Boost

Nobody said the A7 was ugly. It's just a little bland.

The Panamera looks VERY unique and that's a big part of why it's sales are off to such a hot start.

So, A7 or A8?

Neither........ I'm waiting for either the S7 or S8- now THAT'S going to be a tough decision.

528i - 12/4/2010 5:08:47 AM

+1 Boost

A8L with W12.

94geo - 12/4/2010 10:04:41 AM

+4 Boost

Neither their both boring.

Bmw8ter - 12/4/2010 10:14:16 AM

+1 Boost

The one the doesn't look like the A8....oh, they both do.

irishmike - 12/4/2010 11:25:08 AM

+1 Boost

I have a friend who sold Audis for a living about 10 years ago. After about a year, she bailed on that job. She said she was sick of disgruntled customers coming back with the "junk" she sold them. Today she gets a chuckle everytime she sees an Audi, and so do I.

JRobUSC - 12/4/2010 11:36:58 AM

+5 Boost

10 years ago you could have said the same thing about Hyundai, now look at them. A lot can change in 10 years. That being said I'd rather have an A7 than an A8 because I don't need a vehicle that big and I think the A7 is less boring looking. And for that very reason I'd take a 6-Series Gran Coupe over either of them.

stone - 12/4/2010 1:09:30 PM

+1 Boost

A8, go big or go home...

golfer38 - 12/4/2010 3:10:51 PM

-1 Boost

A7. I agree with the comments that the A8 is bland. However, I think the A7 is beautiful. I would wait for the S7 though.

JustaCar - 12/4/2010 5:37:34 PM

+1 Boost

Not having seen the A7 in person (like most people here), I can't say I prefer one over the other. I can however say that the A8 design is beautiful and imposing at the same time. I just came back from an auto show where the Audi and Mercedes displays were side by side, and the S class looked rather gothic next to the very modern looking A8.

edeus123 - 12/4/2010 8:25:57 PM

+1 Boost

It would be the 7 for me.

cardentist - 12/4/2010 11:19:17 PM

+1 Boost

GOTTA WAIT UNTIL I SEE THE S8

CarCrazy24 - 12/5/2010 3:28:21 AM

+1 Boost

The A7 has a much lower base price, yet seems to offer similar levels of interior quality, along with excellent power and efficiency. The exterior is stunning, far ahead of the A8. Wish the A7 was simply the new A8...I don't see a large enough niche for Audi to share the spotlight with both the A7 and A8 at the top of the range.

JUGNU - 12/5/2010 7:40:42 AM

+1 Boost

Personally i don't need A8 size car but i would take A8 over A7 because A8's design is so much better than A7 especially A7's rear end is very awkward.

JUGNU

mini22 - 12/5/2010 7:16:55 PM

+1 Boost

A7 because it has a more elegant look then the A8. Also while similar the center console has less buttons on it. The A8 as well as the S class sedans and BMW 7 series have gotten larger and larger over the yrs. i really think they have gotten too large and too heavy for my tastes. Even the Jaguar XJ in long wheelbase versions are too large. Your knocking at the door of Bentley and Rolls Royse Shadow in terms of size now.To me this is totally unnecessary.Bigger is not always better.

Neverfollow - 12/6/2010 11:33:10 AM

+1 Boost

If price was no object, I'd choose an A8L W12 just for the rear seat option and all that awesome technology you can have back there.

bintintin - 12/6/2010 12:52:48 PM

+1 Boost

I just the A8 on Rt 80 this past Saturday around dusk. I must say, those LED's look absolutely WICKED at night. I wish they differentiated the shape of tail lights more, but this car does indeed have presence. I dig the A7 as well and would love to see one in person.

digitalpuppy - 12/8/2010 4:48:00 PM

+1 Boost

I want the A8L (or S8) because I do need the space and think the A7 is just too small for my frame (6'7") and family. The A7 is cool looking on the outside, but the 8 is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Anyone seen what the S8 is going to look like?