2013 Audi A8 Review,details

2013 Audi A8


The result of uncompromised design, the 2014 Audi A8 is the zenith of Audi engineering. Its wide stance and sporty lines hold a finely-tuned Audi quattro all-wheel drive system. With iconic LED lighting, advanced technologies including Audi MMI touch, and an exquisite interior, the A8 has a fit and finish unequaled in the industry.

The Audi A8 has always traded on its understated looks. It's handsome and well proportioned, but takes cues from smaller Audis, so it doesn’t turn heads like the Mercedes S-Class and Range Rover. Inside, you’re welcomed by top-quality materials and a logical dashboard. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of optional equipment on offer, plus a bewildering array of leathers, veneers and inlays to give your A8 an even more opulent feel.

A sophisticated car requires sophisticated engines. The 2014 A8 offers a 333 hp supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 or the available turbocharged 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine.These deft and efficient performers create the power and control needed to drive with spirited elegance.

The 3.0-litre diesel now has 254bhp (up from 247bhp), which is enough to make acceleration feel effortless at all times, while the flagship S8 is supercar-fast, hitting 62mph in just 4.1 seconds.

Fuel economy rarely a point of interest for supercar buyers suffers due to the potent V10 and all-wheel-drive. The stick-shifted model returns 12/19 city/highway mpg, while the dual-clutch-equipped variant is good for 13/22 mpg.
Along with aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear, the suspension features an 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system that can be configured to provide sporty driving dynamics or a softer ride. The latter is cushy enough that the R8 V10 could conceivably be used as a daily driver.

The A8 is not a lightweight, tipping the scales at 4,409 pounds. The A8L weighs in at 4,453 pounds with the V8, 4,773 pounds with the W12. Both Audi V8 models are marginally heavier than the BMW 740i and 740Li, respectively, and this despite Audi's pound-shaving all-aluminum space frame. Compared to the 5,000-pound, V12-powered BMW 760Li, however, the A8 W12 looks very lean indeed.

The optional 22-way adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage should be comfortable for anybody in any condition. All seats are supportive and appropriately cushioned. Heated seats are standard.The vast majority of road imperfections are easily smoothed over in comfort mode without feeling floaty or disconnected. Even after several hours, there's little driver fatigue.

A8’s standard high-tech interior features, which include a navigation system that can display Google Earth views and a Bose stereo system with HD and satellite radio, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. Options and features available on higher trims include four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.