I'd like to ask one question though:

Why buy a Volkswagen that competes against superior Audi models when you could have an Audi A4 3.0 liter Quattro with 6-speed manual for around the same amount of money?

You'd be getting a fairly standard DOHC V-6, versus an oddball 8-cylinder engine design that has a high likelihood of being orphaned soon.

The same goes for the BMW 330xi AWD. Sure, it has 231 hp versus the 275-odd that the W8 Passat has, but Car and Driver beat a 5.8 second 0-60 time out of one (competing against an Audi S4 and a Subaru Impreza WRX).

Oh, then there's Audi again. Slightly used S4? Why not. 250 horsepower and the potential for much, much more.

Plus, the Mercedes C320 4matic has the proven SOHC Benz V-6 as used in a wide variety of models. Not an orphan engine by any means.

-Sam