Audi A8 L offers best of all worlds
This week, we test drive the luxurious and performance-bred 2005 Audi A8 Quattro L, the latter standing for “long wheelbase.” Built with an aluminum space frame and body shell, Audi’s A8 saves 300 pounds compared with conventional steel-frame cars. However, even with the use of aluminum, this German luxury sedan is still a heavier car than most.
Under the hood sits the high-tech 335-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8, tweaked to deliver five more horsepower for 2005. With five valves per cylinder, this 255 cubic-inch engine propels the A8 from zero to 60 mph in only 6.5 seconds. Considering that the A8 weighs 4,288 pounds, its performance is truly amazing. For those who want even more, check out the 12-cylinder version.
The standard six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is geared for better fuel-mileage numbers than the previous model’s five-speed automatic, and the EPA numbers come in at 18-mpg city and 24-mpg highway on premium fuel only. There’s a 23.8-gallon fuel tank, so drivers can go a long way between fill-ups.
Thanks to the 335-horsepower engine and the celebrated Quattro all-wheel-drive system, drivers will enjoy the best of all worlds, from acceleration to poor-weather maneuverability. Add the standard adaptable air suspension with automatic load leveling and continuous road dampening, and you’ve got the ultimate in road handling technologies.
The A8 L is longer than many of its competitors’ “long” or “extended” models. With a wheelbase of 121.1 inches, A8 passengers will enjoy the added rear-passenger legroom, road stability and that special ride comfort that longer-wheelbase cars provide. The extended wheelbase equates to an added 3 cubic feet of headroom and 2 inches of additional rear legroom.
Although A8 4.2s come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, our model featured the optional 18-inch wheels and tires for $1,700 more. The result is a more “racy” look while supplying better road grip without sacrificing comfort.
The A8’s cabin is very luxurious, with all the powers and leather touches expected in a top-class vehicle. The dashboard and gauges are high-tech, while burled wood trim and brushed metal create the final artistic statement.
The A8 interior is indeed “mood ready,” thanks to Audi’s Multi Media Interface with color screen. This system highlights the numerous controls with a 7-inch flip-up display screen activated by a selector knob below the gearshift. MMI handles the voice controls, DVD Navigation system, XM Radio and the 12-speaker Surround Sound premium BOSE audio system with six-disc changer. The result is concert-hall-style performance.
The suspension is a four-link aluminum setup up front with a Trapezoidal link rear. Braking comes from four-wheel discs with anti-lock that work better than most we’ve tried in emergency stops. As for safety, everything expected is standard equipment, including front and rear side airbag supplemental restraints, front knee airbags and two Sideguard curtain airbags big enough to protect all side passengers. Altogether there are 10 airbags just waiting to protect you in an event of impact.
We’ve driven many Audis recently, and the A8 L is another fine example of superior German craftsmanship. With other options like heated seats, a convenience package and adaptive cruise control, the final cost came to $79,220.
It’s not cheap, and it’s not meant to be. We give the Audi A8 L a solid nine on a scale of one to 10.
Likes: Power, comfort, room, looks.
Dislikes: Daytime running lights not available.