Hey Pony, I know what you're talking about with the auto transmission. My mom drives a Mercedes, and it's the same deal, if you floor it off the line, it takes about 10-15 seconds to get up to speed. But, if you ease into the gas, start off with about 1/4 throttle, and gradually increase (you eventually figure out when to floor it), it's got plenty of zip.

My friend just got a 7 series BMW and he has the same deal with his acceleration and the same method works for him.