MOTORING
Audi
A8
Means Business
T
Audi’s prestigious new A8 oozes quality, but is decently
economical, according to our motor man Graham Courtney…
he Audi A8 is one of those rare cars
that oozes style and quality yet has a
purposeful appearance without being
all shouty. It rates as one of the most graceful
saloons around and, if you really want space to
stretch out in the back, you can opt for a longer
wheelbase.
The new Audi A8 is stunning to drive and
remarkably agile for such a sizeable car. You can
waft along in near silence or show other road
users a clean pair of heels with some serious
performance.
There are two engines…a 3.0 litre 282bhp
TDi diesel (0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, top speed
155mph, combined mpg 50.4) and a petrol
335bhp 3.0 litre V6 TFSI (0-60 mph in 5.6
seconds, top speed 155mph, combined mpg
36.7). Both engines use an eight-speed tiptronic
gearbox. There’s stop-start technology and a
mild hybrid system to improve economy. When
you decide to press on, the engine and exhaust
combine to make a lovely rumble.
The four-wheel quattro transmission provides
assured roadholding and also helps when some
typical North-East weather makes the going
tricky. The electronic chassis platform allows
the driver to use the Audi drive select system to
activate different drive profiles between comfort
and dynamic.
The communications hub in the Audi A8 is
centred round 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch
lower touchscreens. They replace the rotary
controller and button system used in previous
models. The online services from Audi Connect
have been expanded to include features such as
traffic sign and hazard information. It’s clever
stuff.
In terms of standard kit, the list is
comprehensive. You get air con, sat nav, DAB
radio, Bluetooth and class-leading levels of
safety equipment. In fact, there is no need to dip
into the options list.
In terms of prices, the Audi A8 starts at
£69,415 for the TDi model or £71,030 for
the TFSi petrol model. If you want the long
wheelbase version, add around £4k. In terms
of trim, there is only one option, S-Line, but
it’s only available with the TDi engine. This is
aimed at drivers who want a more-sporty look
to their A8. S-Line adds 19 inch alloy wheels,
sports seating, acoustic double glazing, privacy
glass and high definition lighting; it also adds
around £4500 to the price.
Build quality is superb. When it comes to
premium manufacturers, Audi is now top of the
tree.
Overall, the Audi A8 rates as a stunning,
large, prestige saloon. It’s also decently
economical and comes fully loaded. If you want
to make an impression in business or when
rolling-up at a garden party, you can’t go wrong
with an Audi A8.
FACTFILE
FOR THE AUDI A8
OUR CHOICE
Best model
Best engine
Power
0-60
Top speed
MPG
Audi A8 TDi
3.0 litre TDi
3.0 litre TDi diesel
282bhp
5.9 seconds
155 mph
50.4 mpg
FACTFILE
Selected prices for the Audi A8
Petrol
A8 £71,030
A8L
£75,025 (Long
wheelbase)
Diesel
A8 £69,418
A8 S-Line
£73,910
A8L
£73,410 (Long
wheelbase)
A8L S-Line
£77,905 (Long
wheelbase)
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