Comparo: 2011 BMW 750Li xDrive vs. Audi A8L Quattro

By John LeBlanc With prices starting at more than the annual household income of the average Canadian, it's no surprise sales of full-size luxury sedans are relatively miniscule here. However, that doesn't mean these flagship sedans should be ignored. Representing the best of their brands, these cars justify the lofty pricetags by being rolling showcases of state-of-the-art technology and styling trends — features that will eventually trickle down to more accessibly priced cars. Because of this, this segment has become one of the most hotly contested in the industry. To find out which one is the better range-topper to drive, we've pitched a 2011 BMW 750Li xDrive against the new-for-2011 Audi A8L 4.2 Quattro:[svgallery name="2010_BMW_750iL"] SECOND PLACE: 2011 BMW 750Li: When BMW launched its latest-generation 7 Series for 2010, it made all-wheel-drive (dubbed xDrive) available for the first time on what had been a rear-wheel-drive proposition since 1977. For 2011, all V8 7 Series models come with xDrive as standard. Only the V12 760Li and the ActiveHybrid 7 come with the more traditional rear-drive setup. The BMW base model costs $10,400 less than the $106,200 Audi. But as fully optioned press-fleet queens, their as-tested prices of $136,300 and $137,300 are much closer. With 400 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque smoothly generated by its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the big BMW rates better than the Audi's 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 by 28 hp and 122 lb.-ft. But due to the A8's extensive use of aluminum in its chassis and body, it weighs considerably less. The result? The BMW's zero-to-100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds only betters the Audi by three-tenths of a second. The Bimmer's avoirdupois (and two less gears in its autobox compared to the eight found in the Audi) hurts at the pumps as well. The BMW is rated at 15.4 L/100 km city, and 10.0 L highway, while the Audi scores 12.5 L and 7.8 L. BMW has always marketed its rear-wheel-drive 7er as the limo for the person in the driver's seat. Fitting all-wheel drive could have upset the car's balanced driving dynamics. But for its latest flagship, BMW tweaked its xDrive system substantially. And the results won't disappoint those who enjoy the feel of a rear-drive-biased luxury sedan. Although the rear air-suspension system is tuned more for the car's potential chauffeuring duties, when married to the first-ever-for-a-BMW multilink double-wishbone setup up front, and Integral Active Steering (a new option that adds rear-wheel steering to the variable-ratio front steering) the 750Li feelsnimble, like a mid-size sedan. In corners, the big sedan's weight melts away faster than a globally warmed glacier. Its accurate steering also delivers loads of feel and is progressive from turn-in to corner exit. In a luxobarge class that includes the Mercedes-Benz S 550 4MATIC, Lexus LS 460 L AWD, the BMW drives the least like a “big” car. Except for our winner. . . [svgallery name="2011_Audi_A8L_hirez"] FIRST PLACE: 2011 Audi A8L 4.2 Quattro: Based on what the typical luxobarge buyer is looking for — prestige, features, high-end accommodations and valet parking presence — the newer A8 beats the 7 Series hands down. But the big Audi is also surprisingly fun from the driver's seat. With BMW seemingly retreating from its more adventurous styling themes, the conservatively drawn 750Li lacks the chutzpah the A8L Quattro visually conveys, starting with the Audi's gaping front grille and distinctive LED lighting jewellery. Inside, the Audi's interior is put together like a high-end watch. In addition to an endless array of adjustments, the front seats were blessed with a five-setting massage function. Audi's latest MMI (Multi Media Interface) adds a new touchpad that lets users scrawl with their fingers to control the nav-system or select preset radio stations. All really neat stuff that anyone would expect in a six-figure flagship. But where big Audi sedans in the past have wowed with class-leading build quality or sleek styling, the 2011 version is the first to crash 7 Series' ultimate driving limousine party. The A8's good driving vibes start with its new eight-speed transmission. You'll need some time to get use to its golf-putter-shaped shift knob. But the responses are smooth and quick, and help deliver better highway fuel economy than a Lexus LS 600h L hybrid. Better still is the adaptive air suspension, allowing the car to slip from limo comfort to sports-sedan sharp at the touch of a button. Yes, with its front-end weight bias, the big Audi will ultimately, and safely, understeer when you drive it like you stole it. But the electronic nannies let the driver experience the handling thresholds without intervening too quickly. And the car's balance is very predictable; dare we say, rear-drive like. And where large BMWs from the past set the standard for back-road limos, that crown now goes to Audi. Although the A8L 4.2 Quattro is down on power compared to the 750Li's meatier blown-V8, the Audi never felt slow in comparison. When you've set the suspension to its sportiest position, and you're really giving the Audi the hammer and tongs, it's remarkably composed, balanced and alert, creating the impression that you're driving a much smaller sports sedan. And it only gets better when you drive faster. The car bites into corners like a dachshund puppy into a rawhide bone, all the while delivering a comfortable ride. In the end, the Audi ends up the greatest. The A8L is the most satisfying luxury sedan you can buy.

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