our 07 audi a8l is coming off lease and i want awd replacement. considering pana, s550, cl550, and 750il. would love new xj but no awd.

in comparing int and ext style, driving, value, and unique i think the pana is ugly and over priced but probably drives well and is unique. the cl is also over priced but pretty. other 2 are boring. what does the forum think?

 

I was going to vote new XJ Supersport based on the thread title -

However, with AWD as a consideration, I vote 750. Great new turbo motor, cool looking stance in AWD guise, and an 8-speed tranny. Interior is much improved as well.

 

750Li to be safe unless the pana is amazing.

i love the 750 i looked at it today while testdriving the new m3 and inside was amazing. very comfortable and classy.

i just dont like the back though, it looks alot like a lexus. but thats just me.

 

If you can live without AWD check out the XFR. I think with some good snowtires it would do just fine. The CL550 4matic is gorgeous. Ive seen 09 used\demo cars out there for mid 90's. Got to love that depreciation for the benz.

 

I vote for 750il. Very comfortable, great interieur, handling, design, also the car is pretty fast if you consider the weight.

Pana looks better in person

 

how many does the cl seat

 

I almost forgot, if you want the ultimate AWD sedan the 06 Bentley Continental Flying Spur can be had now for 80-95K. What a machine. As far a the BMW is concerned you might want to read the latest Motor trend review. The Benz S550 was 1st, Audi 2nd, BMW 3rd.

 

Four. Thats the only downside.

 

I was wondering about that Motor Trend review...everywhere else but them, I've heard great things about the new 7 series

 

IMO coming from an a8l myself, the audi and 7 series are in their own league of comfort and size

 

im looking to lease so not sure can get good deal on used cars like bentley.

will have to see the panamera in person before deciding but thats where im leaning since the 750 and 550 are little dull/common. 2 door cl is long shot.

 

i think the cl looks like a whale. especially the cls but ehh

 

im leaning towards panamera 4s but it will come with summer tires. is it unreasonable for me to want dealer to swap them to all seasons? bought my gt3 and boxster from them. how much can it cost them overall if they get all seasons wholesale and keep the summer ones for themselves?

 

Coming from a nicely sized sedan, you should RUN from the CLS. It barely seats 4. I am 6'3" and my 5 yr. old can squeeze in.

I also ran into major issues with the First Model Year Cayenne Turbo, so I don't know if the Panamera is a safe bet. Never had troubles from 993/996/997.

A thought would be to try a short term lease through swapalease.com, to tide you over until you have a clear winner.

 

i was thinking of the cl550 which is only 2 door but has longer wheelbase than the cls 4 door. we re all short so might not matter anyway.

panermera reliability is an issue i didnt consider though. thanks