The Audi A8 has been around for
some time. But it is still overlooked by towkays who rely on one or two
brands to make an impression.
It is their loss. Especially when it comes to the 4-litre variant of
Audi's flagship. It is noticeably livelier than the 3-litre and not as
maniacally tuned as the souped-up S8. Hence, it is a good mix of
comfort and performance for the businessman on the go.
As a luxe barge, it is is also equipped with the finest suite of
top-tier features. These include head-up display, soft- closing doors,
adjustable rear seats, ventilated seats, four-zone climate control with
ioniser and separate rear controls, a Bose surroundsound infotainment
system with individual screens for rear passengers, Internet connection
and a spread of fine grain wood veneer that will make Bentley jealous.
Outside, the A8 4.0 is distinguishable by its adaptive LED
headlights and 20-inch alloys secured with anti-theft bolts. In fact,
like most Audimodels these days, it is guarded against new-age thieves
who are said to be able to get into cars with keyless access systems.
Even if they can get in, they will set off an alarm once they attempt
to tow the A8.
The Audi limo is essentially a facelift of a model introduced here
two years ago. But I managed to drive the 4-litre V8 only briefly back
then. This time around, I got it for three days - enough time for
anyone to discover how far Audi has come in a league dominated by
Mercedes-Benz.
The car has 15bhp more than the pre-facelift version, helping it to
clock a jaw-dropping 4.6-second century sprint (0.1 seconds quicker
than the pre-facelift version). Magically, it is at the same time 3 per
cent more fuel-efficient.
A car its size with all-wheel-drive consuming less than 10 litres of
fuel per 100km (even under ideal conditions) is nothing short of
astounding.
As before, a few factors contribute to its efficiency, including
best-in-class aerodynamics (drag-coefficient of 0.27), its engine's
ability to shut down four cylinders under light-load conditions and
extensive use of lightweight aluminium.
Features that are new to the facelift include active lane assist,
which makes slight steering adjustments when you veer off without
signalling, and autonomous parking with 360-degree camera.
The latter is certainly useful for a car measuring 5.14m long and
1.95m wide. But even if you, like me, prefer to park manually, it is
not difficult - thanks to its camera system and its variable ratio
electro-mechanical steering. Getting in and out of tight spaces does
not require arm-entangling movements.
The most impressive aspects of the car are still what I mentioned at
the start: its wonderful combination of comfort and performance.
Seats are wide, deep and well-padded, although not as sofa-soft like
the Mercedes S-class. Which is great for folks with orthopaedic issues
(like me).
Its air suspension system probably offers the best blend of
cushiness and steadiness in town. Despite wearing large 20-inch wide
rims, the A8 rides like a dream. Yet, the chassis is not willowy and
holds up well when enthusiastic manoeuvres are thrust upon it.
In the rear, passengers can read or enjoy movies on individual
screens without getting car-sick even if the Audi is hurtling down an
unevenly patched-up stretch of road. The second row can accommodate
three persons, but is more comfortable when only two are onboard.
The cabin is utterly quiet, with unwanted noises kept at bay so
every note from its hi-fi system is crisp. On this front, it matches
the best in the segment.
Despite its size, the long-wheelbase A8 is a joy at the wheel,
largely because of its adaptive steering, good visibility, minimal body
movements and more- than-adequate engine. With 600Nm available from
1,500rpm, and a surprisingly silky and responsive Tiptronic gearbox,
the car is effortless in any situation.
So, towkays who have never considered an A8 should really check out the 4.0 the next time they are shopping for a limo.
Specs
AUDI A8L 4.0TFSI QUATTRO
Price: $524,000 with COE
Engine: 3,993cc 32-valve V8 twin-turbocharged
Transmission: Eight-speed Tiptronic with manual select
Power: 435bhp at 5,100rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1,500-5,000rpm
0-100kmh: 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 250kmh (electronically limited)
Fuel consumption: 9.2 litres/100km
