2003 Audi Rs6 4.2 Biturbo on 2040-cars

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2019 BMW X7 vs luxury SUV rivals: Comparing specs and photos

Today we get our first-ever look at the first-ever 2019 BMW X7 crossover. We've actually already had our first-ever drive in an X7 Prototype. And so, we thought it appropriate to follow that up today with the first-ever X7 comparison of specs between BMW's first-ever three-row crossover with legitimate room for seven and its many high-dollar competitors. On paper, the 2019 X7 definitely seems to most closely align with the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Their similar dimensions, interior space, engine choices and price would certainly imply where BMW placed the target when developing X7. We used those same elements to determine three-row vehicles likely to be cross-shopped or that should be cross-shopped. These include the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC90 and Lincoln Navigator. Yes, the latter is a truck-based SUV as opposed to a crossover, but tell that to all the people lining out the door at the local Lincoln emporium. They do not care, and neither shall we. We also included the 2019 BMW X5, which was completely redesigned for this year and therefore not the first-ever. That makes it less appealing? Either way, lining the new X5 up with the SUV that leapfrogs it atop BMW's SUV hierarchy should provide a good idea of just how much more you get by going up a model number. Engines and model lineup Again, the X7 aligns closest with the GLS, offering a base six-cylinder in its xDrive40i model and an upgrade turbo V8 in the xDrive50i. The Mercedes engines have greater output, but the GLS still accelerates slower than the BMW. As the 2019 X5 offers the exact same engines, we would also expect the X7's fuel economy to be superior to the GLS once its estimates are announced. It should be noted, though, that the GLS offers a high-powered AMG model whereas we anticipate the X7 to offer a plug-in hybrid model comparable to the X5 upcoming xDrive45e model. The other luxury SUVs diverge in their engine choices and model lineup. The Audi Q7 offers a base turbocharged four-cylinder, as does the Volvo XC90 in its T5 model, which we left out of the above chart entirely for space reasons. That the Q7 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 gets the same fuel economy estimates as the four-cylinder is proof positive that engine is purely around for its lower base price.

2016 Audi S8 Plus Quick Spin

Congratulations, that big promotion finally came through, and along with it, a new company car. So go big or go home. Never mind the modest A8 L, with the sensible six-cylinder. The Earth-moving A8 L with its powerful W12, perhaps? No way. You didn't get to the top by being timid or ostentatious, so you choose the new-for-2016 S8 Plus, with a 605-horsepower version of Audi's 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8, available with an $11,000 Dynamic package that adds ceramic brakes, a sportier exhaust, a rear carbon fiber lip spoiler so tiny you are surprised it does anything, and a boost in governed top speed from 155 miles per hour to 190. Yeah, that's the ticket. The 85-horse boost in power over the outgoing S8 comes from different valve timing, new exhaust valves, and modified turbochargers. The S8 Plus is docile enough around town to carpool to the company luncheons, but point it towards some wide open spaces, and it's a blistering executive express. Driving Notes Much of our Florida test was done in conditions ranging from damp to deluge. Despite the fact that the Audi had summer tires on its 21-inch wheels, the S8 was startlingly sure-footed. Thanks, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a set of better-than-expected Dunlop tires. Power is linear and progressive, and the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission is prepared to downshift at a moment's notice, but is never busy or intrusive. We seldom used the manual shift paddles behind the steering wheel. The comparison between the Dodge Charger Hellcat and this S8 Plus is admittedly absurd, but they are big, heavy, four-door cars with monster motors. And while the Hellcat wants you to hear and feel every engine revolution and supercharger whine, the S8 Plus does all it can to shield you from the drama taking place under the hood. Which is why you look down and suddenly you're going 90. "Dynamic steering" allows for adjustments in steering feel, and we weren't fans in the stiffest setting – it felt notchy and artificial. Comfort mode felt more natural and still gives you all the feedback you need. "Adaptive sport air suspension," though, we had no problem with. It makes short work of potholes and irregular pavement, but firms up when you are cornering – admittedly, in Florida, we had to seek out the rare corners. This is a state with roads designed using a T-square. The aluminum body weighs just 510 pounds. The overall weight of 4,685 pounds, though, means there is still a lot of mass to slow down and steer through corners.

2018 Audi Q8 tears up the Nurburgring

Audi took to the Nurburgring to test the upcoming Q8, showing off the attractive yet minimalist shape we've seen on the international auto-show circuit this year. One thing that's not understated: the massive grille that's blacked-out in these spy shots. We expect the 2018 Q8 to go on sale about a year from now. The coupe-like styling belies a roomy SUV, one that has space in back and is expected to seat five comfortably. Using Volkswagen Group's MLB platform, the Q8 would slot in as the sportier counterpart to the Q7, which seats seven and has a more traditional design. The Q8 will take aim at the Mercedes GLE Coupe, BMW X6, Maserati Levante, and others. So what will be under the hood? Some rumors suggest the Q8 RS version will get the same twin-turbo V8 engine as the Lamborghini Urus (a VW Group sibling). The concept at the Detroit Auto Show was a high-powered turbocharged plug-in hybrid, while the Geneva concept, called the Q8 Sport, used an electric supercharger to augment its hybrid powertrain. The vehicle on the 'Ring looks near-production-ready with the roofline a little less dramatically chopped than the concepts. The strong lines and creases continue, however, and the Q8 is poised to be a head-turner when it arrives in production trim. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Audi Q8 Spy Shots View 10 Photos Spy Photos Audi Crossover SUV