Alpina B7 or Audi S8

[noushy]

Guys I need some help. We are looking to replace our aging X5 MSport with a full size luxury performance sedan. After test driving the S8 and reading the reviews I was pretty set on leaving the brand for an Audi. However since it has to be a lease and running the numbers, the Alpina is a much better deal to the tune of $330 dollars a month cheaper. Why you say? Because of the horrible residual of the S8 (40% at 3 yrs) vs the Alpina B7 (56%). And the sad part is the Alpina has MSRP $23500 higher. Please chime in. BTW this would be my 6th BMW in the last 6 years.

Peace,
Noushy

[NlckyBlack]

if money wasn't a factor i think i'd go S8
but since the alpina is cheaper it's a no brainer. Alpina b7

[Nosferatu]

I just switched to a 2013 B7 after having driven three consecutive S8 over the past 9 years. I think both are great cars and the S8 may well be the all-around better/faster car, but I have to say that I love the B7. It is truly a very special and exclusive car. Very unique. If the S8 was better looking I may have never switched, but the B7 has the S8 beat on looks, that's for sure.

[Nosferatu]

and by the way, the residual was a factor too. at the time (last September), the residual on a new S8 was 43% and I got 59% on the B7. That's a huge difference. So, even though the B7 is $20 grand more than the S8, the lease payment is indeed slightly lower. That made it a little easier to take on a $140k car.

[noushy]

Thanks Nosferatu that is my issue as well. Looks like its going to be the Alpina B7

[24601]

Originally Posted by Nosferatu

I just switched to a 2013 B7 after having driven three consecutive S8 over the past 9 years. I think both are great cars and the S8 may well be the all-around better/faster car, but I have to say that I love the B7. It is truly a very special and exclusive car. Very unique. If the S8 was better looking I may have never switched, but the B7 has the S8 beat on looks, that's for sure.

+1

My 2009 A8L was the last "nice" body Audi made.

[DBV]

I considered the new A8 before I got my 750. Although not the same comparison, I will add my 2 cents to the discussion.

The A8 while tech heavy, and more radical in styling details such as headlights and interior, just doesn't have the same presence as the BMW.

I like the A8, and while it drives fantastically, it just isn't as involving as the BMW. I've experience the new TT V8 in the new S6, and while down on power from the S8, I can only imagine it has a similar feeling in the heavier S8. Great engine, and good power delivery (with those 0-60 times, obviously!).

Also, when comparing the S8 and B7, I would consider the uniqueness of the Alpina. Aside from BMW fans, most people don't know what it is. It looks elegant yet aggressive, giving the car a more stately appearance than the Audi.

When it comes down to it, it's a great problem to have, and I'm sure that either car will be a great ride to own. However, at the end of the day, for me, it would have to be the B7, unless I needed AWD. In my mind the Quattro system is still way ahead of the xDrive.

[noushy]

Thanks for the posts. In the end the deal breaker was the lease. Audi S8 MSRP $121500 with 18.6k miles per year 3 year lease vs. BMW Alpina B7x SWB MSRP $143500 same terms including first month payment and title. Audi $2270/month, BMW $1890/month. Also BMW is 15cents per mile cheaper in overage. And I have some reward loyalty points which cover the BMW first month payment as well.

I did like the Audi but not for $400 a month over the BMW even with Quattro vs. xdrive.

Noushy

[noushy]

After 5 months it arrived! Being prepped for delivery. Alpina Blue B7x with individual Full Platinum interior and Alpina wood. Enjoy

[JNoSol]

Great combo.

[noushy]

Thanks. Some interior pics

[gsc]

Better pics required!

[noushy]

Originally Posted by gsc

Better pics required!

Will do when its home but here is the first sorry

[noushy]

Its home!

[delano]

The car is beautiful, how are you liking it?

[MyB7]

hi, been following your posts on your B&, while awaiting delivery of my '11 LWB, x drive. have been searching for this car for about 6 months, found it in Cali, and is being delivered tomorrow...would enjoy/appreciate trading thoughts and tips on the car..BTW, Congrats!

[noushy]

Thanks Delano just starting to get it broken in. Very quiet and smooth. Sneaky fast and very comfortable. Very refined as though Alpina has thought this car out much better than BMW. Will post updates.

[gsc]

So what made you get this over the S8?

[noushy]

Originally Posted by gsc

So what made you get this over the S8?

Always loved the 7, much better BMW service, and in the end driving something unique at almost $500 less a month than the S8. Plus I drive a lot and the per mile fee is cheaper with the 7 series than the Audi 8 series.

Noushy

[rockysunrise]

Does anyone have an idea what B7 maintenance costs (yearly) and overall things to be worried about when buying one? What things might surprise an owner and just anything you better educate me before I pull the trigger would be great.

I read some posts about the turbos going after 50k miles. I would assume these cars would be built better then a standard 7 Series. You would hope Alpina due to the high performance loads would last longer.....as long as you don't beat the car and take care of any scheduled maintenance,.

I'm currently looking at a 2012 Alpina B7 and I want to know what I'm getting into. I'm very surprised that I couldn't find a ton of information from real owners on the internet.

What's the big difference between the 2012 and 2013? What's the difference between 2009-2012? Are they the same Alpina package?

thanks

[noushy]

Maintenance costs are about the same as a 750 but the tires are more expensive as are the brakes from the 760. Oil changes etc are the same

Noushy

[rockysunrise]

Originally Posted by noushy

Maintenance costs are about the same as a 750 but the tires are more expensive as are the brakes from the 760. Oil changes etc are the same

Noushy

Thanks for the info! I have another car I have to buy PS2's so I'm not to worried about tires..1500-2k for a set which is not cheap but they are good tires.

My biggest concern is mechanical or things that these cars are known breaking at some point. My biggest concern is the turbos and powertrain.

How much is a standard rotor/break pad job for all four? Typical 3-series would cost around 800-1k ( all 4). Around the same cost for the 7 or how much more?

Or when the car gets into high miles do they start to really break down. I've had a few bmw's and after 70k miles the bills start to really stack up. I have a 3-series that just his 200k miles and I really love the car but if you want to keep the car going it does cost some $$.