Audi A8 (2013)

Audi A8 has been an inspiration for many cars ever since its launch. The third generation of this full size luxury sedan takes the competition to the next level.

Exterior

You won’t much complain about its appearance but when you spend this much of money, you do except exclusivity which is missing in this car due to its high resemblance with its younger siblings. As we mentioned before, it has inspired many cars in terms of designing which also includes most of its younger siblings. Still, Audi has tried to give it a unique identity with an extended typical Audi bumper grille with chrome linings, LED headlights and a long bonnet which makes it look appealing. The car looks very proportionate thanks to its well-designed rear overhang. With 18 and 19 inch alloy wheels and large side panels, it looks pretty mature and stable. Rear profiling could have been better as you will have to look for its name to differentiate it from its cheaper siblings.

Interior

The real story starts when you get inside this car. It offers you the best interiors till date in any A8. The plastic, wooden and chrome finishing everything inside looks marvellous. It has high quality stuff inside which feels extremely classy and the aura inside is one of its kinds. Most of the owners will sit at the back and believe me the comfort level speaks for its price. There is acres of legroom for the rear passengers as its front seats move forward to give you full space and the front passengers also gets more than satisfactory space.

Comfort and Convenience

It will need you a book to know about the features inside this car to provide you maximum comfort and convenience especially for the rear passengers who can also opt for the rear seating package which is only for two people but offers utmost comfort. Everything is electrically adjustable inside from its seat adjustment to driving mode and even seat belts.

Dashboard and Storage

It has a dual tone dashboard with a centre console. It also has a spacious glove box and standard storage spaces with plenty of space at the back.

Music System

The rear passengers will have a separate DVD player with card slots and 20 GB hard drive. It will have a MMI control panel for the rear passengers with a 5.1 BOSE surround system and separate volume controls in the rear armrest. The optional rear entertainment package will include two 10.2 inch LCD displays on back of front seats, Bang and Olufsen music system and TV tuner.

Engine and Gearbox

There are 4 engine options available in A8. Its basic 4.2FSi petrol engine churns out a maximum power and torque output of 372 bhp and 445 Nm at 6800 rpm and 3500 rpm respectively. Its second W12 cylinder petrol engine pumps out a power and torque output of 500 bhp and 625 Nm available at 6200rpm and 4750rpm. It also has 2 diesel engines. First of them is a 3.0L TDI engine with a power output of 250bhp coming at 4000 rpm with a torque output of 550 Nm ranging from 1500 rpm-3000 rpm. The second V8 4.2 TDI diesel engine generates a power of 346 bhp at 4000 rpm with 800 Nm of torque ranging from 1750 rpm – 2750 rpm. All these engines are mated with 8-speed automatic transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

As expected, its W12 petrol engine is the fastest amongst all four engines with a timing of around 4.7 seconds to reach 0-100 km/hour. It is both V8 cylinder 4.2FSi and 4.2TDI engines take almost similar time of around 5.8 seconds to reach 100 km/hour from standstill. The diesel V8 feels a bit faster than petrol; thanks to its massive 800 Nm of torque. The smaller 3.0L diesel engine is the slowest amongst all as it does dash-100km/hour in more than 6 seconds. Audi uses space frame aluminium construction in A8 which reduces it body weight and increases its power to weight ratio in comparison to its rivals which uses steel body frame. All these engines come with a limited top speed of 250km/hr.

Mileage

The most powerful W12 petrol engine is also the most fuel efficient engine with an overall mileage of around 12 km/ltr. Its 3.0L engine returns around 9km/ltr while the 4.2L FSi and 4.2L TDI engines gives a fuel efficiency of around 7 km/ltr and 8 km/ltr respectively.

Safety Features

Audi A8 is loaded with 8 airbags, parking assist camera, all-wheel drive grip, ESP, traction control and many more. This car has a long list of safety features.

Suspension and Brakes

It has an adaptive air suspension with flexible settings which are very effective with its all-wheel drive system. Keeping its weight in mind, the suspension is designed to give you optimum comfort and it does it extremely well. All four wheels are fitted with ventilated disk brakes and ABS with EBD for accurate braking.

Ride and Handling

The new A8 pleases you with its ride quality. Its self-adjustable suspension and extended wheelbase of 3122mm along with its broad tyres confirms you a plush ride. With a turning radius of 12.7m, it is easy for driver also as it handles really well and one can have a good all-around visibility. For a size of this car, body roll is quite expected but its suspension holds it really well at sharp corners.

Shades and Warranty

The four variants of A8 are offered in five metallic and 3 pearl effect paint finishes. It’s also available in optional Audi exclusive individual paints. The Audi A8 comes with a 2years/unlimited kilometres warranty program from Audi.

Variants

Audi A8 is available in four variants: 4.2 FSi, 6.3 W12, 3.0 TDi and 4.2 TDi. The Audi A8 Security is available on special order.

Verdict

Audi A8 is expensive than its rivals including Mercedes and BMW and becomes more expensive with optional packages. We agree the fact that its high pricing may not impress many but when you are buying such cars the worthiness of that car becomes more important than its pricing and this car has all those qualities like its features, its high pricing. For me, it’s a good deal and we expect it to put up a great show.