Audi A8L 3.0 TDI quattro - Performance Review

The A8 was launched with two engines to begin with -a 4.2-litre FSI petrol and a 3.0-litre diesel. As this review reaches you, Audi must’ve already launched the enormous W12 engine. Now, the W12 wouldn’t excite you unless you’re a transporter named Frank while the 4.2 FSI would mean a bit too much power in the hands of your chauffeur. Yes, it is the oilburner that will set the cash registers ringing for Audi.

The Audi A8 in India is available with a choice of two engines; the first one is the 4.2-litre V8 petrol but to be really honest what makes sense for us is this; the 3.0-litre V6 diesel. I know most of the people who will buy this car won’t be driving it every day to work. They will mostly be chauffeur-driven and hence diesel makes more sense for everyday driving. If at all you want to get behind the wheel for a trip to the golf course this engine is very impressive. It makes 250PS of power and 550Nm of torque. It does 0-100kmph in just 6.2 seconds and it’s not at all a slouch. 

If you happen to one of those rare people who would love to grab the steering wheel of a big car more often, you wouldn’t be disappointed with the A8.The car is not only packed with clever technology but I appreciate the way it lets you take charge of things and make it behave the way  you want it to. 

After having spent quite some time with this car I’ve come to terms with the fact that this is not exactly a driver’s car. It’s not a car that you’d like to push to its limits. In fact, it’s a back seat car and it excels at that. It has a ‘comfort’ setting under the Audi drive select system and you can raise the suspension and the ride quality is very comfortable. But there’s also a dynamic mode that Mr. Transporter might like.

The A8 comes standard with adaptive air suspension and Audi drive select. In comfort mode, it is a very cosseting car. It’s like a buttler that takes care of all your comforts. Flick the switch to the dynamic setting and it turns in to a gangster’s henchman. The steering becomes heavier and throttle responses become sharper. The suspension firms up and all this makes it delightfully involving to drive. Then there is the custom setting, where you can have your henchman make you a drink as well. The feature I like the most is the ride height control that makes the car virtually speedbreaker-proof. 

Verdict

As far as my understanding goes, this segment is certainly a Mercedes S-class territory. Nothing beats it in terms of comfort. The BMW 7-series adds some flair to the things with its sporty take. The previous Audi A8 couldn’t better the two but the new one seems to change all that. It has everything you are ever going to need in a car –opulent and pampering interiors, powerful and efficient engines and driving aids to make it an on-demand driver’s car. Then there are the jaw-dropping looks to top it all. The A8 certainly is the game changer out here. It elevates things to a whole new level altogether.