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2012 Audi A8 vs. Its Competition

2011 Audi A8 L 4-door Sedan Angular Front Exterior View
Bengt Halvorson Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

With arrival of the dramatically reworked Jaguar XJ last year, the fourth generation of Audi's big, luxurious A8 sedan has tighter competition than ever.

The Audi A8 competes with the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and will have the Lexus LS also in its sights.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class spans the range of powertrains from S400 Hybrid to BlueTec diesel, to twin-turbo S65 AMG.

It's also the foundation for the Maybach sedans.

The BMW 7-Series was new for 2009, and since then has added six-cylinder models, an ActiveHybrid gas-electric version, and a V-12 edition, all working perfectly with its de-Bangled style and its improved iDrive controller.

The least engaging of these models to drive is the Lexus LS, but it's offered in short-wheelbase Sport models to long-wheelbase hybrid LS 600h L versions, all of which are incredibly smooth and comfortable.

2011 Audi A8 L 4-door Sedan Angular Front Exterior View2012 Audi A8
Browse Used Listings		2012 BMW 7-Series 4-door Sedan 750i RWD Angular Front Exterior View2012 BMW 7-Series
Browse Used Listings		2012 Jaguar XJ 4-door Sedan XJL Supercharged Angular Front Exterior View2012 Jaguar XJ
Browse Used Listings		2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class 4-door Sedan 3.5L V6 Hybrid RWD Angular Front Exterior View2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.8
The 2012 Audi A8 models might still be fighting for the most prestige among flagships, but they're in the top tier from inside, thanks to their impeccable cabin, innovative cabin tech, and a lean, athletic driving feel.
9.4
The 2012 BMW 7-Series is the Bavarian automaker's flagship model, and it cleverly wraps vast interior space, industry-leading tech, and the expected BMW fleet-footedness.
8.8
Cutting its ties with its illustrious and not so charmed past, the 2012 Jaguar XJ now rocks a swinging style that really suits its dynamic handling.
9.2
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a wide range of personalities--all of them superbly comfortably, some of them outrageously powerful.
MSRP From   
$78,750$71,000$73,700$91,850
Gas Mileage   
14 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy13 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy12 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Gas V8Turbocharged Gas I6Gas V8Gas/Electric V6
EPA Class   
LargeLargeLarge CarLarge
Style Name   
4-Door Sedan4-Door Sedan 740i RWD4-Door Sedan4-Door Sedan S 400 Hybrid RWD
Drivetrain   
All Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
5555
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style   
Sedan4-Door Sedan4 Door Sedan4 Door Sedan
Transmission   
Automatic w/Manual ShiftAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomatic
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Audi A8 vs. 2012 BMW 7-Series2012 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ2012 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class