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.
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 2012 Audi A8Browse Used Listings |  2012 BMW 7-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Jaguar XJBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz S ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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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. |
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. |
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. |
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 Hwy | 13 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Gas V8 | Turbocharged Gas I6 | Gas V8 | Gas/Electric V6 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Large | Large | Large Car | Large |
| Style Name | |||
| 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan 740i RWD | 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan S 400 Hybrid RWD |
| Drivetrain | |||
| All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| Sedan | 4-Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2012 Audi A8 vs. 2012 BMW 7-Series | 2012 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ | 2012 Audi A8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class | |
