A8 remains A-OK
The redesigned Audi has few negatives
lagship sedans define automotive
brands by featuring the best of what
any marque has to offer. Sales for most
large, luxury vehicles are outpaced by the
brand’s smaller, more affordable offerings;
however, every premium brand offers a
defining model, including Audi with its
illustrious A8 sedan.
Now in its fourth generation, the Audi
A8 was redesigned for 2011 and includes
standard and long wheelbase models, the
latter representing the largest vehicle in
its class.
Priced from $78,050, the Audi A8 targets
wealthy drivers and, importantly, is a most
excellent option for people who might
consider a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW
7 Series. This five-passenger sedan may
currently trail the segment leaders in sales,
but the Audi A8 is gaining in popularity, in
part by offering a number of features not
offered by its rivals.
Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as
is the brand’s signature all-weather driving
system. Most Audi A8 competitors offer
rear-wheel drive only, but even with this
heavier drive system, the current model gets
a respectable 17 mpg city, 27 mpg highway from its 32-valve, 4.2-liter V- 8 engine,
F
paired with an eight-speed automatic
transmission. Those numbers match or surpass the competition without compromis-ing performance. Rated at 372 horsepower, the engine moves this two-ton
sedan from 0 to 60 mph in under 5. 7 seconds.
On the outside, the Audi A8 features a
distinctive eight-slat grille with four interlinked rings. Prominent, xenon headlamps
include the now expected LED daytime
running lamps, offering a look that is at
once unique and elegant. Nineteen-inch
aluminum alloy wheels are fitted to all-season tires and LED tail lamps, complementing the A8’s character.
Inside, the Audi A8 includes all expected
amenities and then some. The driver and
front seat passenger enjoy 18-way power
leather seats with memory setting. Leather,
wood inlays and polished aluminum touches
are evident throughout the cabin. Ambient
lighting can be adjusted to illuminate up to
four interior zones with a choice of three
color accents.
