Audi A8 review : The greatest giant product

There’s a new limo in town, and it’s one with four rings. Here to challenge the S-Class and 7-Series is the new Audi A8, which we first saw late in 2009, making it the youngest of the German limos. Euromobil has opted to import the long wheelbase A8 L version with a 3.0 TFSI engine, priced at RM658,800 OTR without insurance.This price is rather reasonable, when one considers that the BMW 740Li, which like the A8 has forced induction and six cylinders, is priced at RM818,800. The less powerful Mercedes-Benz S350L is priced at RM835,888. The A8′s supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 engine makes 290 hp and 420 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 4,850 rpm, which gives it a surprising turn of speed.0-100 km/h is done in just 6.2 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/h. That young gun in his GTI will have to think twice…

The fact that the A8 L 3.0 TFSI manages to be just 0.2 sec slower to 100 km/h than the 740Li, which has more power and torque, is partly due to its lighter weight. Audi’s flagship uses the aluminium Audi Space Frame, which is about 40% lighter than a regular steel structure, says Ingolstadt. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 9.3 litres per 100 km.
Drive is channeled to the quattro AWD system (40:60 by default, up to 80% to the rear and 60% to the front depending on conditions) via a new 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission. This gearbox improves fuel consumption by 6% over the old six speeder. Audi Drive Select is standard here.Size wise, this 5.27-metre L version of the A8 has a 13 cm longer wheelbase to make 3,122 mm, which is about 90 mm shorter than the LWB 7er. Privileged rear seat bosses get to enjoy two power adjustable seats and a large centre console, besides four-zone climate control and selectable ambient lighting. Ventilation and massage functions, rear screens, a folding table and a cool box are options.


Another desirable option is the 19-speaker, 14-channel amplified, 5:1 Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. If you don’t opt for that, a 14-speaker Bose system isn’t bad either. By the way, the MMI system on the A8 employs a touchpad that you can write on with your fingers, among other uses.