New A6 Avant ...

[Jon Linkov]

Except Lexus and M-B are the only two brands out there offering a pre-safe
system which anticipates an accident based on a variety of factors and
prepares the cabin for such an impending accident. 7 Series and LS430...

Continental Teves has a system they are developing using radar, ESC, and a
whole other variety of inputs to pre-fill the brakes and stop a car quickly
when it senses an impending accident. It also straightens/raises the seats
to eliminate whiplash, closes the windows/sunroof to avoid ejection in a
rollover, etc. 

Audi hasn't introduced anything like that.

Fact is, the 3.2 A6, at $50k+, has no nicer a cabin than the GS300, Acura
RL, Infiniti M35. The Caddy STS trails it, as does the BMW 5 Series (IMHO).
Been over a year since I was in an E350, so I can't really remember how
plush it was.

But ALL of those brands either offer AWD or have it standard. Some offer it
across the board, regardless of engine (Caddy V6 & V8 for example), while
the others offer it with at least the V6 (Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, BMW,
Mercedes)....Audi, IMHO, really lost a lot of ground here in the US by not
acquiring the lions share of the AWD market...now the rest of the world (US,
Asian, European) has caught up in the midsized Luxury class and will soon be
on their case in the entry-level/near luxury class as well. Just wait for
the AWD luxury sedans using hybrid motors to drive the rear wheels (a la
Lexus RX400h).

My opinion.
Jon


On 8/4/05 6:28 PM, "urq" <urq at pacbell.net> wrote:


> 
> ... eight years ago folks were saying the same thing ... if you believe the
> other models have better fit and finish and that is important to you ... it
> sounds like the Asian luxo makers are learning that folks do apply a value
> to AWD ... go there and you can have it all!  I'm interested in active
> safety, which is something I believe Audi excels in ... that's why I drive
> AWD cars even though I rarely drive in snow.