The large luxury sedan segment is filled with strong entries like the BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Hang on, the first alphabet seems to be missing. What about Audi?
If you don't know by now, the A8 is Audi's full-sized luxury sedan introduced in 1994 and has been offered with both front or permanent all-wheel drive - in short and long-wheelbase variants too.
Notable for being the first mass market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have utilised this construction method, marketed as the Audi Space Frame.
Up close and Personal
The car we have here is the long wheelbase variant of the A8. At 5,267mm by 1,949mm by 1,471mm (L x W x H), this car is longer than the standard version by 130mm and taller by 111mm.
The job of a German full-sized luxury saloon isn't to draw stares but to avert gazes. Nonetheless, during the time we had with the car, we still attracted a number of eyeballs. The A8 is handsome and well-proportioned, with a subtle and classy sheet metal.
As a flagship, the A8 represents the best that Audi has to offer. Step inside and you're welcomed by a beautifully built cabin with high quality materials and a logically laid-out dashboard with everything easily within reach.
There are plenty of optional equipment on offer, plus a bewildering array of leathers, veneers and inlays to give your A8 an even more luxurious feel.
Space and comfort comes standard even on the short wheelbase variant. Opt for the long wheelbase one and the extra dimensions show up in the lounge-all-day legroom for the lucky rear passengers.
Plush leather seats with good lumbar support embrace you on rare occasions when you decide to drive the car yourself. Otherwise, the seats you should be taking are at the back where you can bask in extreme comfort and luxury.
The Drive
Powering this flagship saloon is a detuned version of the 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged engine also seen in its performance brethren, the Audi S8. Yes, Audi claims that it is a depressurised one, but we certainly didn't feel so.
This powerplant propels the 2.2 tonne sedan from zero to 100km/h at an alarming rate (a whopping 4.7 seconds but it felt much faster in reality), and does so without any drama at all.
In fact, the engine never feels like it's working hard, in part due to the smoothness of the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Instantaneous power is always available at any speed.
Based on its sheer size and stature, the Audi A8 is an imposing vehicle, But surprisingly, in the big Audi, it's not that nerve-wrecking. Despite the A8's nose-heavy weight distribution, this plus-sized saloon has a way of shrinking around you, driving very much like a smaller sedan.
Although steering feel is generally light, it can be tweaked via the Audi drive select. We also noticed its slight lack of enthusiasm to return to centre but that's just a small quibble for a car that excels in almost everything else.
Powering this flagship saloon is a detuned version of the 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged engine also seen in its performance brethren, the Audi S8. Yes, Audi claims that it is a depressurised one, but we certainly didn't feel so.
This powerplant propels the 2.2 tonne sedan from zero to 100km/h at an alarming rate (a whopping 4.7 seconds but it felt much faster in reality), and does so without any drama at all.
In fact, the engine never feels like it's working hard, in part due to the smoothness of the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Instantaneous power is always available at any speed.
Based on its sheer size and stature, the Audi A8 is an imposing vehicle, But surprisingly, in the big Audi, it's not that nerve-wrecking. Despite the A8's nose-heavy weight distribution, this plus-sized saloon has a way of shrinking around you, driving very much like a smaller sedan.
Although steering feel is generally light, it can be tweaked via the Audi drive select. We also noticed its slight lack of enthusiasm to return to centre but that's just a small quibble for a car that excels in almost everything else.
More importantly, the A8's stability at speed is very reassuring and it's enjoyable to drive even around the twisties. But one of the most impressive things about the car is its smooth ride.
Extra tyre noise takes a little edge off refinement, but otherwise, it's a quiet and relaxing experience, which will make the A8 ideal for long journeys.
Conclusion
If you're after an all-wheel drive, solid engine, long wheelbase luxury car, then it's hard to go wrong with the brand bearing the four rings.
Like its competitors, the Audi A8 features a blend of understated styling, excellent craftsmanship, and exemplary interior materials. Picking a winner among them isn't easy, but then again, there isn't a loser in the segment.
