I would like to know which cars are designed for the best back support
and lowest nvh. In particular, I'd like information about the current audi a8
(particularly whether the head restraint is decent?), the saab 9-5 and 
the volvo S80.

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Clarification of Question by bago-ga on 06 Feb 2005 23:11 PST

I have already looked at the IIHS, Edmunds and Consumer reports sites.
They don't seem to
have any information about the quality of the back and neck support on
the 2004 and 2005 A8.
I have more information about the Volvo - aI have seen sites about
Volvo's collaboration with some German orthopedic surgeon in designing
its seat.
The Saab 9-5 seems to have decent neck support, but I can't find
anything about it's back
support. Pointers to more useful sites and/or general information
about what makes a good
car seat would be useful.

Hello, I would suggest sitting in each of the cars in question
yourself. Ratings of back and head comfort, to me at least, would be
different from person to person. Everybody has there own description
of comfort, depending on body type (eg. height, weight, build).
In my experience I would say that the Audi A8 is the most comfortable,
the Saab is second.

It also depends on what ur looking for in a seat, side bolstering,
lumbar, or upper back and neck. Sometimes good side bolstering will
help your back just as much as good lumbar support. I feel the side
bolstering holds you in the seat better causing you to sit alot
straighter in the seat. There for relieving tension in the back caused
from slouching or leaning.
  In conclusion i would visit your local dealers and give'em a ride.
    Hope this helps.
      nick

Thanks for the info. I ended up feeling it was between a BMW and an A6. They
(and the Jaguar, which I did not like) seemed to be the only reasonable cars
that had a nicely adjustable (up and down as well as degree) lumbar support.
I ended up with the A6 since the ride was much smoother than the 5 series BMWW.