Audi A8 car review

Every eight years or so, a new Audi A8 is launched. This flagship model has consistently represented a technological tour-de-force, packing features that will eventually filter down to the rest of its models.

View more images of the new Audi A8

Audi’s designers have a genuine blueprint for success. They have a style all their own, and an understanding of what their buyers want. That latter point can be summed up in one word. Technology.

Its buyers are what marketing types refer to as ‘early adopters’, seeking out the latest and greatest features and technology. And there’s plenty of reason for them to get excited about the new Audi A8.

From its all-LED headlights to new MMI Touch infotainment system, the A8 is bristling with kit. But a luxury car like this will stand and fall by its dynamics and ride comfort.

First impressions are excellent. The interior is the finest yet to be installed in an Audi, combining handsome design, logical layouts and the finest materials – including woodwork sanded by hand – all built with the solidity we’ve come to expect.

Powerful engines

The 4.2-litre FSI petrol engine is supremely refined and its 372bhp and 328lb/ft of pulling power means the A8 is a rapid machine too. It’ll reach 62mph in 5.7 seconds before running into a 155mph speed limiter.

Incredibly it still plays second fiddle to the 4.2-litre diesel – as far as performance is concerned. The oil-burner is 0.2 seconds faster to 62mph, thanks to a massive 590lb/ft of pulling power.

Both impressive engines, without doubt; but the real winner is the all-new 250bhp 3-litre V6 TDI. What it sacrifices in ultimate refinement and supersaloon pace (although it is still impressively quiet, smooth and quick), it more than makes up in low running costs. Audi says it will cover 42.8mpg – making it the most frugal car in its class – and will emit just 174g/km of the bad stuff, which is also best in class. It’s still no slouch, however, reaching 62mph in 6.6 seconds before hitting a 155mph maximum.

Greenest car in its class

Later in 2010 a front-wheel drive version of this 3-litre A8 will be offered – complete with 47mpg and 159g/km. By far the easiest on the wallet of any car in its class.

Audi is saving the best until last. It will offer an all-new 204bhp 3-litre V6 diesel which will be offered in two- and four-wheel drive guises. The two-wheel drive will return a best-in-class 47.1mpg with barely-believable emissions of just 159g/km. We’ll deliver our verdict on this engine after its launch later in 2010.

At speed the Audi A8 is refined and rides as well as anything in its class. It feels planted on the motorway, but its air suspension is still supple enough to soak up bumps on the road, offering a cosseting ride; although it feels happiest on the smaller 18-inch alloys, rather than the 19s fitted to the range-topper.

And when the tarmac gets twisty, the Audi A8 still impresses with plenty of all-wheel drive grip and precise steering. It might be a big car, but hustling it along winding roads is easy – it seems to shrink around the driver. There is a marked improvement in cars fitted with the Active Sport Differential that made its debut in the Audi S4.

Active sports differential

This allows the A8 to corner more sharply at speed; without it, we found the front would wash wide into understeer before gently breaking away.

The cabin environment is first rate, offering space for five occupants to travel in comfort. Legroom in the back is ample, although there is a long wheelbase version planned.

The Audi A8 carries the latest version of the MMI infotainment system. This incarnation features a touch pad allowing the user to ‘draw’ letters which are interpreted by the system to input destinations into the nav. It’s not infallible, but very good nonetheless.

Full internet connection

An optional GPRS module can be added at extra cost, which can pull news and weather information from Google and allows drivers to create routes on a home computer and download them to the nav. An additional module is planned to beam Google Earth images into the MMI, and eventually Audi says the A8 will become a mobile internet hotspot for full internet connection.

Although the Audi A8 hasn’t been tested by EuroNCAP yet, it should score well. It features Audi’s pre-sense as standard, which works with the ESP to activate hazard lights, close the windows and tension the front seatbelts to best prepare the car – and occupants – for a collision.

Our test car was also fitted with night-vision camera, which can recognise pedestrians and warn the driver if they appear to be a hazard.

Standard equipment is very good. The ‘base’ SE model features adaptive air suspension, 18-inch alloys, tyre pressure monitoring, Bluetooth, MMI, park sensors, leather trim, heated memory front seats, cruise control, four-zone climate control, double glazing and LED ‘mood’ lighting.

The SE Executive trim adds 19-inch alloys, electric boot lid, rear park camera and extra aluminium trim.

Audi has once again set out to make sure its A8 is the rightful flagship model for the brand, showcasing tomorrow’s technology today. It’s done that, and marks a huge advance over its predecessor. The Audi A8 deserves to be on any luxury car buyer’s shortlist.

Video: watch a trailer for the new Audi A8