[beepbeep]

Thank you for the input.

SAAB is no-go. 9-5's are now old FWD cars with bad engine (except 1.9TiD diesel), NG 9-3 is too small. And company is actually defunct. The last 9-5 is nice, being Opel Insignia with fancy SAAB design.
Volvo is better than VAG on "family values" (safety, comfort, practicality), but driver dynamics are somewhat lacking. Besides, it is the most common car here in Sweden. I'm not a fan of Haldex 4wd either.

So VAG-car it is.

I kinda like old A8/S8 but we have two kids and car is roughly the shape of our C4 S4...you can pack enough of stuff in it, but just barely. Also, unless ATF oil is changed regularly (which factory says is not needed !??!) slushboxes are generally shot at 120kmiles. Many cars have rebuilt transmissions.

Passat B6 3.2 DSG is the most expensive option. I could buy two S6:s for one. 0-60 in less than 6 seconds (even faster with 3.6 V6), nice interior but DSG is unproven card. DSG7 is horrendeous, but DSG6 seem to be holding better (wet clutches and all)? Still, shape is rather pedestrian.

Passat W8 is interesting, basically an old Passat grafted on the top of A8 driveline + W8 engine (driveline is Audi stuff, not Haldex). Rather cheap too and you are guaranteed you won't see another one daily. DId I say W8 sounds like nothing else?

Audi S6 estate is basically a shorter S8 D2 estate minus alu body and cheaper interior. Similar engine /tranny = similar issues.


Hm... maybe I should drive more A8/S8's...