Audi A8
The Audi A8 offers the outbound leg space, high-tech gadgets and pampering extras own a full-size sedan luxury, but drives much smaller than its generous dimensions suggest. These virtues, together with standard quattro all-wheel drive and a range of powerful yet efficient engines make the A8 a very tempting option for buyers of executive sedan. The Audi A8 receives a mid-cycle update for the latest model year, gaining fresh styling, a revised V8 twin turbo and several new technology options.
With a grill “Singleframe” LED accented headlights and side windows arched gracefully, the Audi A8 is much like a supersized version of Audi’s other sedans. Some may want a more distinctive look, while another is the class, discrete plate to be a good match for the relaxed attitude of a luxury limousine. As the spatial structure beneath almost all exterior panels are made of aluminum A8. This means that the big Audi is one of the lightest in its competitive set rides, even with its standard all-wheel drive quattro, benefiting everything from managing fuel economy.
Audi has long been known for his mastery of interior design, and Audi A8 confirms that reputation with exquisite materials and stunning design. There is plenty of room for five to sit in perfect comfort, and a plethora of optional luxuries make the experience truly first class cabin: heating, ventilation and massage for rear-seat entertainment system for the rear seat with double front and four-zone automatic climate control, 10-inch screens, and an amazing 19-speaker, 1200-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with speakers that rise from the dashboard on startup on a clean piece of theater.
Navigation features and entertainment is accessed via Audi MMI system, including an innovative touch panel to enter destinations or other written numbers and letters with a finger. It is one of the configurations of information and entertainment most intuitive on the market, although some users find that their location at the base of the center console requires a bit of a reach. The navigation system includes Audi Connect, which features Internet connectivity in the car and the industry’s first integration of Google Earth complete with panoramic, high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery, 3D views. For those looking for more space, the model Audi A8 L adds 5.4 inches between additional axes which translate directly to more legroom in the back seat.
Audi A8 Engine
The Audi A8 is available with a choice of two engines forced induction. There is also the S8 520 hp for those looking for the acceleration of the rocket. The standard mill is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 333 horsepower and 328 pounds-feet of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. More power can be had by stepping up to the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo, which is good for 435 horsepower (up 15 ponies for the last year model) and 406 lb-ft of torque. Several publications have reported that the Audi A8 V8 equipped is capable of scooting from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds, which is impressive for such a large fleet machine. Despite the additional output, the V8 nearly matches the fuel economy of the V6 with a rating of 17/28 mpg.
For those who delight in excess, the A8 L W12 can be equipped with a massive 6.3-liter that churns out an even 500 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque. As expected, the trade-off for all that power is a drinking problem: efficiency is rated at only 13/21 mpg. The A8 L also offers a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel. Good for a car-like economy 24/36 mpg, which churns out 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The four engines pair with a automatic gearbox eight-speed changes smoothly and quattro all-wheel drive Audi.
The Audi A8 is equipped as standard with air suspension that contributes to the pillowy ride expected, but also provides an extraordinarily skillful handling. Dynamics can be tightened above with the optional Sport Plus package, which brings adaptive dampers, steering dynamic rear sport differential that sends torque to the outside rear wheel in corners to quell understander. An Audi Drive Select system offers drivers a choice of several different calibrations suspension, steering, transmission and engine.
Audi A8 Features
The Audi A8 comes well equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats and electric adjustment, a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic, 14 speakers, 630-watt Bose AM / FM / CD / SiriusXM / HD Radio Surround Sound System, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, a rear parking camera, sun roof, power rear sunshade, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED rear lights, adaptive xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, and alloy wheels of 19 inches.
Several packages of different options available. The Driver Assistance package brings the adaptive cruise control, a system of 360 degree bird’s eye camera, Audi pre-sense plus (full description in the security section), Audi side assist and assistant rail, and auto-dimming high beams. The Sport Plus package adds adaptive damping, a sport differential and dynamic steering. The Premium package includes 22 power-adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage, full LED headlights, Audi side assist and Audi pre sense rear.
The deluxe package comes with diamond surfaces Valcona-stitched leather seats, leather upholstery, sport front seats extended, alcantara head poster and acoustic double-pane glass. Cold Weather Package includes heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and rear seat with ski bag. The warm weather package adds power rear sunshades and four zones of automatic climate control. Stand-alone options include night vision assistant with pedestrian detection and detection of animals, sound system Bang & Olufsen, a head-up display and a rear entertainment system.
Audi A8 Safety
All Audi A8 models come standard with double-length curtain airbags front side, front knee, front side and rear, plus traction and stability control. Optional safety features include active lane assist, which alerts the driver when the Audi A8 is wandering in an adjacent lane and even can gently steer the car back into the original lane. There are also the Audi pre sense, which can detect obstacles in front of the A8 and apply the brakes to avoid an accident or mitigate its severity. Finally, the Audi side assist alerts the driver when a vehicle is one of the A8 rear blind spots.
Audi A8 Competitors
There is something for everyone in the class full-size luxury sedan Audi A8 playing. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series are stalwarts of segments that have been improved and refined over several decades, the Jaguar XJ has a cutting- edge look inside and out to go with a well sorted chassis, Lexus LS 460 and which so appeals to value and luxury are of primary interest.
Audi A8 L W12 Quattro
