2014 Audi A8 details

2014 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.

There's no mistaking the distinctive LED strip underneath the headlights of any new Audi model, and the A8 is no exception. Both the A8 and S8 feature Audi's signature – albeit oversized – trapezoidal grille, which occupies the majority of front-end real estate. The performance-oriented S8 is differentiated by twin-tip exhaust outlets and a bright silver-finished rear diffuser, front lip spoiler and mirrors. To reduce emissions and nitrous oxide levels, the 2014 A8 L TDI features an easily accessible diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank just beneath the trunk compartment.

The 3.0-liter turbodiesel makes 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque and gets the A8 L TDI to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Shifts from the 8-speed automatic are almost seamless.
The two diesels are 3.0 litres and 4.2 litres in capacity, producing 190kW and 283kW respectively. The 4.2 litre unit however, produces a colossal 850Nm of torque (up from 800).

Each engine is connected to all four wheels by Audi’s sophisticated quattro system. There is a choice of eight forward ratios in the automatic transmission. Manual overrides are there for the taking but with the sort of torque spread offered it’s unlikely you will ever really need to do so

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.

Plenty of creature comforts have carried over to the new A8 variants, as you would expect. Front seats feature ventilation and massage, while electronically adjustable, individual rear seats are optional on the A8 and A8 L.

Audi’s MMI control system sits in the centre console, and includes MMI navigation and a touchpad. The driver can draw characters on the pad (MMI touch) to control numerous navigation and multimedia functions.

In spite of its size and weight, the A8 provides sporty performance and handling, responding quickly to changes in direction. When pushed hard, there is little understeer or oversteer, benefits of the balanced chassis and Audi quattro all-wheel drive. At the same time, directional stability on long straight stretches of road inspires confidence. The A8 is among the world's best high-speed cruisers.