Audi

A8/A8 L

This luxury limo-styled saloon really is the Audi flagship. It offers a combination of power, looks and performance that is a pleasure to drive. The quality of specification throughout is truly first class and the space in the back will put a smile on any business executive working away as the miles are clocked up

Test Drive

Audi A8L 50 TDI quattro 3.0 286PS tiptronic (2018)

The day of the chauffeur cap may have finally peaked as business exec owners of the latest Audi A8 limousine will find it too irresistible not to drive it themselves.

It’s the fourth-generation version of the luxury saloon and is packed to bursting with all the latest innovative technology and even features steps towards autonomous driving.

The A8, in long-wheel-base guise, is simply massive measuring just over 5.3 metres. I was considering arranging for the demolition of a couple of houses in my cul-de-sac to turn the car around. But, it’s surprisingly agile – in fact it’s a car that’s full of surprises.

For example, all new A8 models are hybrids and come fitted with 48v mild hybrid technology which helps provide superior, smooth running as well as improved performance and more frugal fuel efficiency.

There are more than 40 driver assist systems available and the level of on-board luxury is second to none. In fact, after a week exploring the car, I was still discovering clever new functions.

When it comes to looks and styling, the A8 is a beautifully designed car with smooth streamlining, HD Matrix LED headlights with high beam assist, LED rear lights and dynamic sweeping indicators. The windscreen has acoustic glazing and the side and rear windows boast heat-insulating glass. The test model was kitted out with a number of optional extras that saw the starting price jump from £72,210 to £108,630 and these included 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels costing a whopping £4,450 and a panoramic sunroof (£1,750).

Move inside and the interior oozes elegance, sophistication and luxury at every turn with a wealth of on-board technology to explore. Creature comforts include a 10.1-inch touchscreen along with a second 8.6-inch display screen just below it. The upper screen is where all the infotainment and navigation controls are located and the lower screen is dedicated to climate control. It’s by way of this second touchscreen that the steering wheel heater, along with the seat heaters and massaging systems are controlled.

Other techno treats include full smartphone connectivity, wireless phone charging, sat nav, 4-zone air conditioning plus a chunky grab handle gear stick. And behind the steering wheel is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system which can be fully personalised to show the likes of navigation maps, audio set-ups, telephone contacts and plenty more besides. There is also a head-up display so you can keep a cautious eye on your speed.

And you will need to because despite its size, the A8 is a powerhouse of a car. Driven by a 286PS 3.0-litre diesel engine mated to an eight speed tiptronic gearbox, the car can fire its way from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds and maxes out at an electronically-limited 155mph. On the economy front, the A8 can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 50.4mpg with carbon emissions of 146g/km (48.7mpg and 152g/km on the test car due to the larger wheels).

Yet, despite all the fast facts and figures, it’s the manner in which the A8 behaves that really impresses. When faced with a motorway, it seems to glide across the Tarmac eating up the miles for fun and then out on the open road, it’s fabulously nimble as it sweeps through the twisting country lanes with confident road holding and direct steering. Barely a sound makes its way into the cabin and if it does, the Bang & Olufsen sound system soon drowns out that annoyance. This is part of the optional Comfort and Sound Pack, priced at £6,350.

The driver can choose from different driving modes called Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual that alter the way the car handles, as well as steering wheel-mounted paddles to take control of the gear changes when the mood takes you.

In the back, passengers are treated to vast amounts of legroom with the likes of reclining seats, TV screens and foot rests being just a few of the luxurious features on offer.

And when it comes to practicality, the power-operated boot-lid opens up an area capable of storing 505 litres of luggage and throughout the car a number of convenient storage compartments can be found.

As one would expect from Audi, the A8 is packed with all the very latest safety features and driver aids to help protect occupants and pedestrians alike. It also has Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system so you’ll never miss another business meeting because of the weather or poor driving conditions.

Audi is gradually introducing its own piloted driving functions called Audi AI as more and more premium marques move towards semi-autonomous motoring. Audi has the traffic jam pilot system that will take over the tedious job of stopping and starting the car in queues and it will operate at speeds up to 37mph. It looks after the brakes, accelerator and steering. This is just one of the systems that the German manufacturer has lined up for us. There will also be Audi garage pilot which will see the owner manoeuvre the car into a garage from outside the vehicle. Then there is the Audi parking pilot which does just that.

All in all, the latest A8 is a wonderful limousine-styled vehicle that is certainly comfortable and practical enough for the business exec to work away in. But as an added bonus, it’s also exhalating to drive when the working day is done and dusted.

Test Drive

Audi A8 4.2 TDI Quattro SE Exec

Pure class – that’s the only way I can describe the beautifully crafted, top-of-the-range Audi A8.

With drop dead gorgeous streamlining, snazzy 20-inch alloys and twin chrome exhausts, the A8 certainly has all the credentials to grab your immediate attention.

And that exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship is apparent at every turn once you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel.

The leather seats can be adjusted every which way to find the perfect driving position. Then they can be heated, cooled or even provide a massaging facility to front seat passengers. And believe me, that’s a great asset during lengthy journeys or in a long traffic queue.

All the controls are perfectly positioned for ease of use and the main readouts are displayed in 3D dials to help them stand out.

Other quality creature comforts include a very efficient deluxe four-zone climate control, night vision assistance with pedestrian detection, a control to automatically open your garage door, cruise control, double glazing, electric blinds for the rear and side windows, an outstanding sat nav set up and an audio system compatible with every device known to man along with BOSE surround sound.

Audi has obviously given plenty of thought to passenger comfort too as even the back seat occupants are treated to exceptional leg, head and elbow space and the light flooding in from the large windows fills the cabin, offering a bright and airy feel. And those automatic blinds can block out the bright sunlight if so wished.

Storage options are plentiful with a number of smaller compartments complimenting the generously sized boot.

So, it seems that Audi has every angle covered with its A8, but what about the drive itself?

Well, it has to be one of the smoothest, most responsive, comfortable performers I’ve ever driven. The 4.2-litre diesel-driven engine means there is incredible power at your disposal and the eight-speed automatic transmission is both smooth and responsive. In and around town, the A8 glided through the busy traffic with ease and, despite its length, the reversing camera and sensors along with excellent all-round visibility make parking simple.

Then out on the faster roads, the performance is exceptional. There is even a safety feature that warns you about traffic in your blind spot. The cabin noise was virtually silent, even at higher speeds and you arrive feeling totally refreshed even after a lengthy journey.

And of course, Audi has fitted the A8 with a very comprehensive list of safety features.

Admittedly, at £91k including £24k optional extras, the A8 is not cheap, but sometimes you cannot put a price on quality, and this car is quality in its purest form.