When the debate on what personifies a luxury sedan ensues, the Audi A8 is definitely a frontrunner in the conversation. Not many sedans in the luxury segment command or even demand respect like the Audi 8L. Elegant and refinement quickly come to mind at first sight. The pairing of a visually stimulating outer appearance and the soul of sports car, the A8 L delivers on both accounts.
Stately in its approach, the Audi A8 L has a bold personality. Straight-forward lines, a prominent grille that houses the Audi 4 rings, sport style exterior kit and just the right touch of chrome is all that needed for Audi A8 to maintain its luxurious outer persona…less is truly more. Full LED headlights (DRLs, low/high beams, turn signals), 20-inch 5 double-spoke all-season wheels, dual pane glass acoustic and break resistant side windows, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming, power-folding, heated exterior mirrors, power rear and side sunshades are well-placed gems. The optional Driver Assistance package includes high bean assistant, Audi active lane assist, Audi pre sense plus and Audi adaptive cruise control. The Cold Weather package includes a rear seat pass-through, heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel.
The 4.0-liter TFSI® V8 engine puts out a whopping 450hp and pushes out the gate with a quattro® permanent all-wheel drive with 40:60 torque split. The 8-speed Tiptronic® transmission is fluid and aids in the smoothest ride. Whether bending corners, cruising the coast or city driving at its best or worst, the controlled and smoothed out drive shines through. The mileage on these excursions isn’t bad, not the greatest, but nonetheless…not bad at a combined 22-MPG (18-city/29-highway).
While the exterior is beautiful in its own right, the interior is a shining example of luxury and refinement. As soon as the door opens, the eye is drawn to the exotic ash wood touches and leather surfaces. The standard features of the A8 would break the bank on lesser ‘luxury’ sedans. A heads-up display, 22, yes 22-way power adjustable comfort front vented diamond sport seats including lumbar adjustments, Audi navigation plus with MMI® touch, Bluetooth connectivity, a center-stack, 8-inch screen and velvety inlays rocket the style and swag factor into the stratosphere.
Of note, the A8 also caters to the rear seat passenger with its Rear Seat Comfort package. The optional package includes separate power outboard seats with lumbar ventilation and massage functions.
The standard safety features of the A8 L like driver and passenger airbags, Sideguard® curtain airbags, pelvis-torso side airbags for front and rear outboard seating positions cloak the inhabitants. The coolest features are the subtle one’s that spring into play when needed. The 3-point safety belts with automatic pretensioning and force limiters sprung into action as a truck go to close. Luckily, nothing else was needed. Kudos to you Audi!
MSRP $96,175 for more info click here.