Unexpected Victory: 2004 Audi A8L Dominates Luxury Sedan Showdown

MotorTrend embarked on an extensive comparison test, pitting six V-8 luxury flagships against each other, representing a combined value of $450,245. The objective was clear: to evaluate major luxury-sedan contenders equipped with V-8 power, all with as-tested prices hovering around a $75,000 target. The test, dubbed "Class Action" in its original September 2004 MotorTrend issue, spanned hundreds of miles and aimed to identify the top performer in this high-stakes segment.

The field comprised six prominent 2004 models, encompassing familiar names, refreshed entries, and new rivals. The contenders included the all-new 2004 Audi A8L, which featured a lightweight aluminum body and space frame, a 330-horsepower V-8 engine, and quattro all-wheel drive, priced at $74,320. BMW's redesigned 7 Series, specifically the rear-drive, V-8-powered 745i, showcased 325 horsepower and a comprehensive array of advanced features, with an as-tested price of $79,945. Jaguar's XJ Vanden Plas, also all-new for 2004, boasted lightweight aluminum construction and a 294-horsepower engine, retailing for $69,995.

The Lexus LS 430, in its third generation and freshened for 2004 with updated fascias and mechanical improvements including a six-speed automatic, offered 290 horsepower and was priced at $71,030 with options. Mercedes-Benz's S430, a long-standing favorite mildly freshened for 2003, was powered by a 275-horsepower engine and carried the group's highest window sticker at $80,590. Completing the lineup was the new-for-2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8, featuring 335 horsepower and 4Motion, sharing many mechanical components with its sister division Audi's A8L, and priced at $74,365.

To thoroughly evaluate these luxury sedans, the MotorTrend team journeyed east from Los Angeles into the vast, open landscapes of Arizona. The testing regimen involved hammering along deserted highways, navigating tight switchbacks, and cruising through scenic areas like Sedona. Evenings were spent at the luxurious Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa in Carefree, providing an appropriate setting for these high-end vehicles. After three days of intensive driving, rigorous note-taking, constant driver rotations, and animated discussions, six editors cast their votes to determine the rankings.

While the 2004 Audi A8L ultimately emerged as the decisive winner, as highlighted by the article's headline, a detailed review of its strengths is not provided in this specific excerpt. However, the evaluation offered clear insights into the other contenders, starting with the BMW 745i, which tied for fifth place.

The 2004 BMW 745i presented a complex case. Objectively, it stood out for its effortless speed, with its 325-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 engine propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 6.1 seconds and completing the quarter mile in 14.3 seconds at nearly 98 mph. Thanks to a class-leading 330 pound-feet of torque, the 745i felt remarkably agile despite its 4,477-pound curb weight. Equipped with an optional Sport package, including 19-inch performance tires and a sport suspension, it achieved the group's best objective handling numbers, snaking through the slalom at over 66 mph and registering 0.88 g of grip on the skidpad. Braking performance was equally sensational, stopping from 60 mph in an impressive 111 feet.

Despite its stellar objective performance, the human element presented significant challenges. Drivers found the BMW 745i to be "coldly indifferent" and overly techno-complex. A common sentiment among editors was a dislike for more aspects of the car than they appreciated. The notorious iDrive controller drew heavy criticism for forcing drivers through endless display screens for minor adjustments, a problem so evident that BMW had to include a sticker on the center console to guide users for climate control access. Other ergonomic irritations included counter-intuitive turn signals that often led to accidental signaling and a stalk-mounted transmission selector that added to an already cluttered control scheme. Even the seat controls suffered from an excess of buttons, dubbed "button-itus."

Furthermore, some primary driving controls disappointed, with one driver noting "vague, distant, unsteady steering." The traction control system was also criticized for being overly intrusive, even in its "sporty" mode, cutting power to the rear tires during spirited driving. The consensus was that the 745i constantly reminded the driver of its advanced technology, often to its detriment. One editor succinctly summarized the BMW 745i as "a nicely engineered powertrain and chassis spoiled by a 'more is more' misapplication of technology."