2004 Audi A8 Review

Specifications

Audis Flagship Goes Way Upmarket

A true Audi flagship has finally arrived in North America. The ultimate luxury vehicle from Audi, set to do battle with Benzs S600, BMWs 760Li, and other high-end twelve-cylinder semi-limousines, is the all-new A8 L 6.0 quattro.

This Teutonic super-luxurious sedan packs Audis best electronic technologies, an innovative engine layout, world-class handling and ride, all wrapped in a highly sophisticated package. Whats more, even greater power and luxury is added, plus a styling update to help differentiate this grand vehicle from the lower class 8-cylinder A8.

To this end its all or nothing with the A8 L 6.0 quattro. It comes in one trim and one wheelbase only. It makes sense that the L model would be chosen for constructing Audis flagship model, simply because of the immense rear passenger space provided. Running on a 5.1-inch longer wheelbase than the plain A8, the massive 17-foot long sedan is slightly longer than the Li-model BMW and equivalent long-wheelbase V12 powered Benz S-Class.

Of course the six-liter A8 features Audis world-famous quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, as a rear or front wheel driven option couldnt even be considered. Also not up for questioning was any deviation from the brands innovative aluminum space frame construction. The lightweight metal is also used for the chassis, panels, plus major suspension and engine components. Still, despite the use of featherweight materials, the top of the line Audi couldnt help but tip the scales, weighing in at slightly less than two metric tons - about the same as the majority of its competition.

Such heavy weight is a bonus when it comes to making the ride more comfortable with the obvious negatives when it comes to maintaining composure during high-speed cornering on winding roads. To improve the ride further while counteracting lateral acceleration Audi equips the new sedan with a sophisticated air suspension system. Adjustable to one of four pre-settings, the Audi flagship can ride tautly when corner-carving or pillowy soft for tackling secondary city streets or poorly paved highways. Due to its increased weight, Audi has improved the 6.0s braking system by installing a new speed-sensitive power steering unit.

While such refinements are important, what makes the A8 L 6.0 quattro special is the one-of-a-kind W12 engine under its hood. Based off of the W12 unit used in the previous-generation Europe-only A8 W12, for 2004 the engine has been updated and improved. Output is up to an impressive 450 horsepower while torque climbs to 428 lb-ft - up 30 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque respectively. This engine is linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Tiptronic manual actuation, as well as a sports shift mode.

I have to question the number of top-tier clients who will bother shifting the big cars gearbox manually unless alone on cresting a mountain apex or traversing a two-lane canyon highway, but just the same Audi could hardly build its best car without its top transmission. With the new 6-speed gearbox in place, the engines overall appetite for fuel has dropped in comparison to the previous generation A8 W12. The new model consumes 17 mpg on the mixed cycle (combined city and highway rating), a 0.34 gallon/100 mile improvement.

Performance wise, the A8 L 6.0 can keep up with the Joneses. As mentioned, its brisk acceleration may provide stoplight thrills, but passing and overtaking are this engines forte. With a high 6,200 rpm redline, and then factoring in that 95 percent of tractable torque is available between 2,300 and 5,300 rpm, the naturally aspirated W12 reportedly feels turbocharged. Despite its substantial weight, the ultimate Audi manages a surprisingly quick 5.0 seconds to reach 60 mph, topping out at an electronically limited 155 mph. To reach 124 mph (200 km/h) it takes a mere 17.4 seconds, and its top speed can be attained in less than thirty seconds!

The decision to modify the exterior styling of the A8 L will come as a bit of a surprise to some. After all, few are complaining about the all-new 8-cylinder models face, a fresh, handsome and not too bold design. But it might be the not too bold part of its facade that caused some concern among Audis top brass, that obviously saw a need to separate this much more expensive model from its A4 and A6 siblings. It also points to the future for Audi, the ulterior motive of top-line models.

Regardless of Audis reasoning, the new front end features a completely rethought front grille. Rather than being flat and horizontally rectangular, the new design starts out wide at the top, and tapers inward as it reaches the much deeper bottom. The grilles slats are painted gray, while the outer, surrounding edge is chromed. The reworked front styling is reminiscent of several Audi concept cars, in particular the A8-based Nuvolari Coupe (see Audi concepts in archive).

Flanking the grille, the German brand claims the title of featuring the worlds first twelve-cylinder vehicle to be equipped with LED headlamps. Brighter, more efficient and with minimal energy consumption, they are proudly displayed behind clear lenses.

As for the interior, its aesthetic appearance is mildly altered. First off, a new, thinner four-spoke steering wheel has been installed (also styled similarly to various concepts). Additionally customers can now choose from either a rear bench (as in the standard A8 L) or two molded body-hugging buckets. Those who ride in back are treated well, with seats that both heat and massage. As for entertainment, Audi offers two 6.5-inch LCD displays, each hooked up to a six-disc DVD changer mounted in the trunk - thats handy? Youd think with all that room the engineers could have figured out how to integrate it into the cabin somewhere.

Audis A8 L 6.0 quattro will debut in Europe February 2004, but if youre adamant Audi will accept orders come December 8th. The asking price for Audis flagship isnt cheap mind you. Expect to fork over 117,000 euro (USD$139,000) if youre purchasing it to travel from your Monte Carlo penthouse to your Black Forest hunting lodge. Due to market adjustments it is quite possible the cars Canadian starting price tag will be closer to $115,000 to help it compete with BMWs 760Li. Either way the takers will be few, making this top-tier Audi a truly exclusive super sedan.