2013 Audi A8L 4 0T Test drive

2013 Audi A8L 4.0T quattro tiptronic Test drive

The luxury category -- was until recently one of those classic sports rivalry, where the protagonist always had the same equipment.

In the case of luxury -- the automotive world, the usual contenders were Mercedes S-Class with BMW with its 7-series and Audi A8 with. But recently things have been complicated by the arrival of new models and alternatives.

Since the bursting of the Porsche Panamera proposal (four doors, four seats) to modernization Jaguar XJ series, not to mention the newly renovated Maserati Quattroporte and the Lexus LS discreet and efficient, also recently renovated. And to further complicate things, models that combine category and class as the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe add more options to the prospective buyer of a luxury saloon in the vicinity of $ 80K-100K dollars.

Interior

To remain competitive in the luxury car segment, Audi A8 saloon renewed his last year with new model substantially improved compared to the previous series on virtually all fronts. But keeping the power unit (at least for the U.S. market) which only offered the venerable 4.2-liter V8 with 370 capacity horsepower. Featuring direct injection, it was a miracle of softness and had enough force to move freely both the A8 ton. But competition offered more and now Audi responds with two turbocharged powertrain.

Version 4.0 T equipped testing the new V8 biturbo Audi group in a more "quiet" with a performance of 420 horsepower and 444 lb.-ft. of torque. And say version "quiet" only by comparison to the level of benefit that comes to develop this power unit in the same Audi S8, with 520 horsepower.

In practice this Audi A8L 4.0 T maintains all the virtues that we have seen in the new A8 but further improvement in the dynamic part. Because this engine is really delicious, combining the same softness and push low-end than the previous naturally aspirated V8, with a claw and superior power in the midrange and high revolutions. And it fits perfectly with driving a car of this type, where life on board is a real pleasure, surrounded by luxury and safety equipment, with all the power required if needed for overtaking lightning, and a majestic roll without feeling awkward all.

Faced with competition, the Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ are the ones in our opinion a better dynamic behavior, hiding its size and weight, with the greatest sense of heaviness in a BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S-Class. A Porsche Panamera if you have a touch more dynamic, but the utility does not have the 5 places for the occupants that if they offer traditional sedans.

The standard Quattro all-in security features, it would guarantee a very safe cornering performance for excellent traction at the entrance and exit of the corners. The nose does not feel heavy and goes well in the curves, but ultimately physics prevails and if a more aggressive driving feels the weight on the front. But clearly you do not buy this car to abuse it in sporty driving in mountain areas of curves.

Turning to the external appearance, say the Audi A8 is beautiful and elegant, stunning even, but not particularly original in its design. Almost a Audi A4 drawing is looking pretty finish this top model. Another story is inside, where Audi offers a level of completion and finishing really exquisite, especially in the test unit which had the full leather trim package and the Audi design.

Standard equipment is very complete, and the lists of options to customize the car even more. The base price was $ 87.500, but as usual in this class of cars, it is difficult to raise 10 or 20% of the final bill with added options.

Among the possible options, it is worth mentioning the incredible team of Bang & Olufsen Audio, with 1,400 watts of power and 19 speakers, and a price of $ 6,300 USD.
However, the audio is pretty good basis, a Bose with 630 watts of power and 14 speakers.

In short, we love this new Audi A8L 4.0T biturbo V8 engine with. Whether it costs us find negatives. But for the engineers at Audi not rest on their laurels and think that we can not find fault with its flagship brand, here are the least liked aspect of the Audi A8: the shifter, very pretty but not very functional! .