Audi A8 L car review
Wednesday 21 July 2010
The launch of the new Audi A8 L (for ‘long wheelbase’) will mark the end of the chauffeur-driven class’ wait when it arrives in the UK at the end of the year.
It will rival the BMW 7 Series and Jaguar XJ for luxury limo space and opulence, with both offering stretched long wheelbase versions.
This longer A8 has an extra 130mm added to its wheelbase, every one of which is devoted to giving rear-seat passengers more space. Many criticised Audi for the standard A8’s rear legroom, but that’s not a criticism that could be levelled at this car. There’s plenty of room and, if you opt for the reclining seats, you can really stretch out and get comfortable.
It’s all about the comfort
As comfort is the A8 L’s raison d’etre – living as it does in the domain of private-hire chauffeur companies and as company cars of senior executives – ride quality is of the utmost importance.
The A8 L is therefore fitted with an adaptive air suspension system with three presets – Comfort, Auto and Dynamic – that controls the damping and adjusts the ride height. We imagine that Comfort will be the default mode, its wafty compliancy never disrupting the occupants’ composure. Auto also offers a perfectly comfortable ride and, at higher speeds, adds an extra edge of tautness to the already well-contained body roll. We found the Dynamic mode perfectly acceptable on our test drive, but when the smooth German roads we used are substituted for the cracked and broken British counterparts, we suspect that it might not feel quite so comfortable.
Frugal luxury
Power comes from a range of two diesel and three petrol engines. The diesel range consists of a 3.0-litre TDI V6 unit producing 247bhp and 405lb-ft of pulling power, enabling it to complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 6.2 seconds before topping out at a limited 155mph. Opting for a V8 4.2 TDI means extra surge in the form of 345bhp and 590lb-ft, bringing the 0-62mph time down to just 5.6 seconds.
The 3.0 TDI will the best-selling model by far, accounting for around 60 per cent of all sales. Frankly, it’s all the car most customers could ever want: the engine is extremely refined, only emitting a satisfying low growl when provoked by the throttle and its pace, helped by plenty of low-end torque, is surprisingly satisfying for such a big car. Throw into the mix its 42.8mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 176g/km and it starts to make a lot of sense. Its balance between comfortable luxury and affordable running costs has much to commend it.
Full Audi A8 L gallery:
The petrol engines will be a minority interest, accounting for about 20 per cent of sales in total. The base model is a new supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 with an output of 286bhp that allows it to hit 62mph from a standing start in 6.2 seconds. The 369bhp 4.2 FSI V8 is quicker – 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds – and makes a satisfying and characteristically V8-like noise when accelerating.
At the top of the tree is a monstrous 6.3-litre FSI W12 with supercar pace at its disposal. The W12 dispenses with the 0-62mph sprint in a Porsche 911-rivalling 4.7 seconds, thanks to a 493bhp output and 461lb-ft of torque. It’s difficult to see exactly who would want a car this big and this fast, but we have to sneakingly admit we’re glad that it exists, as its immense power make it a thrill to drive.
Indeed, driving the longer A8 is a rewarding experience and, as most of those doing so will be being paid to, it’s not bad a bad way to earn a living. The car handles very well for something 5.3 meters long and weighing in at just under two tonnes, the Quattro four-wheel-drive providing plenty of grip when required and accurate steering that weights up nicely at higher speeds.
Bells and whistles
There’s also a stack of clever active safety kit on board, plus all the toys required to keep passengers happy, including ambient lighting, an updated multi-media interface (MMI) with new touchpad, full MP3 capability, 20GB hard drive, digital radio, Bluetooth and options such as TV, DVD, internet access and rear-seat entertainment system.
The A8 L is entering a very competitive sector of the market, doing battle with the new Jaguar XJ, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS 600h for the senior executive pound. Highly refined, well equipped and very accomplished on the road, it is a serious contender and another step in Audi’s progress towards its domination of the premium segment.
Key facts
Model tested: Audi A8 L
On-the-road price: £58,715-92,515
Price range: £58,715-92,515
Date tested: July 15, 2010
Road tester: Craig Thomas