July 7, 2006
ON THE ROAD: Audi A8 L Merges Muscle, Amenities
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
You know you're in a luxury car when the heated, massaging,
leather-upholstered driver's seat feels so soothing that you don't want to
exit the passenger compartment even after you have reached your destination.
You also know you're in a luxury car when the window sticker soars well
north of $30,000, say $72,090.
That's the base price for the Audi A8 L Quattro, an all-wheel-drive German
luxury sedan that surrenders nothing to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the BMW
7-Series in terms of power or luxury amenities.
The A8 family includes the standard version at $68,130, the L at $72,090 and
the L W12 at $118,190. That top-of-the-line flagship comes with a
12-cylinder engine that cranks out 450 horses, sending the sedan from 0 to
60 mph in 5 seconds.
With the Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment, the A8 rides
on an air-spring suspension that provides unparalleled comfort as it
maintains ultra-secure traction.
While the W12 version is designed for four passengers, the standard sedan is
abundantly comfortable for five. Unfortunately, the middle passenger in the
backseat may block access to the optional mini refrigerator concealed behind
the center armrest.
Driver and front passenger enjoy power seats that can be adjusted 16-ways,
offering extended thigh support and flexing of the upper seatback. Front
seat heating, cooling, electrically adjusting lumbar support and front
massage functions are optional. The rear seats can be equipped with
electrically adjusting lumbar support as well.
An automatic four-zone heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system
with separate controls for all four outboard passengers is optional.
Learning to operate the ventilation, sound and other systems will take some
training, so don't leave the lot until you feel confident using the Audi
Multi Media Interface. Because the MMI is located on the center console,
changing settings requires you to take your eyes off the road.
The MMI uses a turn-and-push control knob surrounded by eight function keys,
and a 7-inch retractable color screen. Audi MMI provides operation,
adjustment, and control of everything from the sound system, and
driver-selected suspension set up to the navigation system.
All 2006 Audi A8 models are equipped with the Bluetooth interface for mobile
telephones, which can be operated through steering wheel controls or the MMI
system. The standard voice recognition system can also control the Bluetooth
interface, as well as, the CD player, radio and navigation system.
For the 2007 model year, a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Audio System will be
available on all A8, W12 and S8 models. A Bose Surround Sound System that is
standard on all A8 and W12 will also get a power increase and Sirius
Satellite Radio will come standard on W12 and with the Premium Package on
4.2-liter models. Also standard on the W12 will be the rearview camera that
provides a view behind the car when you go into reverse. The 4.2-liter
models come equipped now with rear sensors that warn of obstructions.
The 4.2-liter V8 found in the A8 and A8 L has a magnesium, two-stage intake
manifold with dual air intake paths for better respiration through its 40
valves (5 per cylinder) activated by double overhead cams.
While the 2006 version cranks 335 horses, the engine is upgraded in 2007 to
350 horsepower. From a dead stop, the current 4.2 accelerates to 60 mph in
6.3 seconds.
Despite the impressive performance, fuel economy is pretty decent at 17
miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway for an average of 20 mpg.
Estimated annual fuel cost is $1,800 and rising with higher pump prices.
Should you absolutely, positively have to get from 0 to 60 mph in less than
6.3 seconds, the W12 engine is the ticket. It's called a "W" 12 because the
cylinder banks form that letter via their 72-degree angles. The engine shape
is designed for stronger rigidity, shorter length, and shorter height as
compared to conventional V12 engines.
The smaller dimensions of the W12 also allowed room for the all-wheel drive
system. Both engines come with six-speed automatic transmissions with the
Tiptronic system that allows the driver to manipulate the gears in a manual
mode. The transmission can also be set in a "sport" mode that delays the
automatic up-shifts for higher revs and a more spirited acceleration.
Downshifts also occur faster during deceleration for added control with
engine-brake and low-end torque. A Direct Shift Program monitors and adapts
to the driving style of the most frequent user, choosing from among 200
programmed shift patterns.
The Audi Adaptive Air Suspension system adjusts ground clearance and damping
rates to road conditions and driving style. Self-leveling also adjusts for
various loads.
Although Audi may lack the status recognition of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, the
brand represents an alternative to elite me-tooism. That is due primarily to
Audi's dedication to the Quattro technology that has long provided a luxury
benchmark in all-wheel-drive.
WHAT'S NEW: Power increase for 2007, new standard equipment.
PLUSES: Comfort, performance, safety.
MINUSES: Price, complexity of sound, ventilation controls.
BOTTOM LINE: Battling for luxury benchmark status.
Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.
