Audi A8 TDI

What‘s it?
Audi has reacted towards the launch from the facelifted BMW 7-series, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-class and also the on-going tweaks towards the Jaguar XJ having a subtly updated version from the firm’s range-topping A8 saloon. Among the many styling tweaks are a brand new bonnet featuring more defined creases, a lightly reworked grille, a less-rounded front bumper and flatter headlights – the latter of which now support a matrix-beam LED function comprising 25 diodes that may be switched on and off independently in combination with information from your on-board camera. This enables the headlights to react more quickly to oncoming vehicles by automatically blanking out high beam, along with providing other safety features. In the rear, the aluminium-bodied A8 gets a brand new boot lid and a far more crisply styled bumper with trapezoidal slots to the exhaust pipes. A new choice of alloy wheels, which can be found in sizes from 17 to 21 inches in diameter, and added brightwork all around the windows and inside the door handles complete the visual makeover. Just like its predecessor, the A8 has the selection of six different engines – four petrol and two diesels, starting from a 242bhp turbocharged 2. 0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to some 493bhp 6. 0-litre W12. Above this is actually the new S8, which continues to operate a 520bhp version of Audi’s twin-turbo 4. 0-litre V8.

With the ability units, the focus is on improving efficiency so that they adjust to upcoming Euro 6 emission rules. The 3. 0-litre V6 diesel driven here is predicted to carry on its domination of UK Audi A8 sales. Its engine gains 8bhp and 22lb ft, pushing its output as much as 254bhp and 428lb ft. Like all A8s save to the entry-level 2. 0 TFSI, drive is channelled via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s quattro torque-sensing four-wheel drive system. Another standard feature is Drive Select, which enables the driver to tailor the mapping from the throttle, gearbox, steering and damping characteristics. Along using the mechanical changes, moves to enhance engine isolation with the addition of latest sound deadening materials has clearly paid dividends, endowing the strongest-selling A8 with much more impressive mechanical refinement, and that is now at or close to the levels from the luxury car competition. Despite its aluminium construction, the A8 3. 0 TDI weighs 1880kg – some 40kg greater than BMW claims to its more conventionally constructed 730d. This really is evident inside the A8’s 0-62mph some serious amounts of combined economy figures of 5. 9sec and 47. 9mpg respectively. Neither betters the BMW, however they a minimum of improve upon the previous 3. 0-litre diesel A8 by 0. 2sec and 5. 1mpg. What‘s it like? Audi describes the A8 to be the sportiest car in its class, and positively the driving position, using its low set seat and high centre console, suggests this.

Just don’t expect it to dazzle using its dynamism. The new electro-mechanical steering system is very direct and responsive off-centre, however it has uninspiring and feel with little true feedback or genuine weighting. Despite detailed changes to its suspension, the large Audi’s ride and rolling refinement also always disappoint. There‘s less fidgeting over minor imperfections and smaller ruts than before. However, the conventional wheelbase Audi A8 retains difficulty ironing out nasty expansion joints and larger potholes, which tend to be relayed straight into the otherwise tranquil cabin having a thud – a minimum of upon the optional 19-inch wheels in our test car. I suspect we‘ll hear similar complaints when the car arrives inside the UK early next year. This said, there‘s a clear improvement inside the area of body control, with less tendency to the front end to dramatically lift under hard acceleration and reduced levels of dive under hard braking. Additionally corners inside a tidier manner than before, with changes towards the damping characteristics bringing lower levels of lean when you’re charging on over winding back roads. The addition of four-wheel drive as standard does a minimum of supply the A8 with superb traction, and it is capcapacity to carry big speeds through fast corners without premature intervention from the stability control system, even on damp roads, is impressive. As well as what from the cabin, traditionally perhaps one of the A8’s biggest drawcards? It‘s now much more desirable, with new materials and detailed weighting from the controls providing a good more imposing degree of richness than before.

Along with providing outstanding levels of comfort and accommodation, the new Audi is likewise bestowed having a genuinely intuitive operation of their Multi Media Interface (MMI ) system. Our only real criticism of the interior is that the fiddly operation from the stubby gear lever. Should I buy one? The new A8, although little different in appearance, is really a clear step forward, but despite big changes to its suspension set-up, it still fails to match the competition for dynamic finesse and it is ride is best described as ordinary. Actually does have going for it, though, is among the best interiors and highest perceived quality of any large-scale production car. Audi A8 3. 0 TDIPrice £58, 800 ; 0-62mph 5. 9sec ; Top speed 155mph ; Economy 47. 9mpg (combined ) ; CO2 192g / km ; Kerbweight 1880kg ; Engine V6, 2967cc, turobdiesel ; Installation Front, longitudinal, 4WD ; Power 245bhp at 4000rpm ; Torque 428lb ft at 1750rpm ; Gearbox 8-speed automatic Audi A8 3. 0 TDI first drive review