Motoring - Audi A8 BRS.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2018 15:14 Page 2
MOTORING | TEST DRIVE
THE A8, ULTIMATE LUXURY Looking for a luxury limo that is reassuringly understated, technically and mechanically highly advanced, but above all oozes class? Chris Lilly enjoys everything the new Audi A8 has to offer
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udi’s A8 has long been the marque’s flagship model, representing just what the German manufacturer can do with a car when let off the leash. This new version returns the A8 range to its roots, promising a technological tour de force for buyers, with advanced kit both in the cabin and under the surface. Before anyone sits in said cabin, though they must first be tempted in, and the A8 certainly has the style to do that. The large saloon is an early example of Audi’s current design language, with a prominent nose, sleek shape, and sharp creases to highlight certain design elements. Most importantly though, it’s understated in a way that few, if any, of its competitors can be. In the luxury saloon class, many buyers are looking for a classy, refined look that doesn’t ‘shout’ about anything. When pitched up against the Mercedes S-Class for example – which has long been the yardstick for large saloons in Europe – the Audi’s design is elegant, while the Merc is a bit lumpy. Jaguar’s XJ is a little too brutish to be classed as refined, while BMW’s 7 Series is the closest to the A8’s sense of style – but the Audi is a better-looking machine. It’s inside that everything becomes important though. An A8 is expected to be able to complete a cross-country trip with no greater strain on the driver (or occupants) than if they were simply having a bath. Part of the large saloon experience these days is what goodies are available, and Audi doesn’t disappoint. The feature that immediately grabs your attention inside is a double stack of touchscreens to control essentially every element of the car’s systems. Audi’s previous MMI system was a very good one, using a rotary dial to select options, switch between functions, and the like. In my experience, it is always easier to control infotainment systems in a car with a separate interface – such as a dial – than with a touchscreen setup. However, Audi’s new MMI Touch Response is so good, it almost reaches the same level of usability; and looks much cleaner and more high-tech for it. The screens operate different functions, but both are touch-responsive, with the top screen displaying elements such as satellite navigation, while the bottom controls heating controls, driving mode, etc. Both can offer a variety of displays though, and the bottom screen acts as a touchpad to draw out letters when inputting a destination for the (upper) navigation system for example. Both can also give haptic feedback, and have to be controlled as if the user is actually pushing a button. Trying to lightly brush the screen often results in nothing happening, whereas ‘pushing’ the screen with the same sort of force as one would use a physical button results in a ‘click’, that lets you know you’ve actually done something. It’s got all the sophistication of a digital system, but with much of the user friendliness of an analogue set-up. It works very well and means that you spend less time looking at the screens concentrating on what you are trying to select, and more time with your eyes on the road. Other elements to the A8’s cabin tech include door handles that use switches as well as mechanical linkages, so that to open a door requires just a tiny pull of the handle. The interior also sees a touchscreen airconditioning system built into the end of the centre rear armrest, and Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ which enables the driver to toggle through a wide range of instrument displays – prioritising navigation or dials, plus a range of other options. Essentially though, despite the myriad technological elements, the A8 cabin’s interior design and build quality are up to the company’s usual excellent standards. The test model featured elements of matt dark wood across the cockpit and the tops of the seat backs, and a gloss piano black facia on the dash to break up the leather trim. The air
vents hide behind some of these wooden screens when not in use – with individual fan settings controlled using a touch panel – and the whole interior feels beautifully built. It’s a great place in which to sit, both for the driver – and potentially more importantly for this type of car – in the rear. Here there is leg space aplenty for anyone, and the head and shoulder room available shouldn’t see complaints from anyone. Seat comfort is top quality too, and they are both squashy enough to cosset occupants, plus supportive enough to prevent aches and pains come the end of a long trip. The A8 is never going to be a true driver’s car, but Audi has done plenty to make sure someone behind the wheel doesn’t just feel like a chauffeur, as the car can be enjoyed too. Tested was the A8 50 TDI, which sees a 3.0 litre TDI mild hybrid diesel engine provide 286hp and a luxurious 600 Nm of torque. This makes for effortless driving in Efficiency or Comfort modes, and rapid progress in Dynamic – certainly more than quick enough for any car weighing over two tonnes has any right to be. The engine is refined when warm after a slightly rattly start, and settles down to a whisper at motorway speeds, which helps make the Audi a very quiet car to drive. The A8 50 TDI will get from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds when needed to, and there’s a certain fascination in setting the car into Dynamic mode and treating it like a hot hatch. However, the A8 performs far better wafting along effortlessly, relying on an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and all that torque to quietly get on with business. The suspension runs along similar lines, both in terms of technological focus and driving dynamics. The springs – or lack thereof – mean that the A8 runs smoothly on all but the very worst road surfaces. Underpinning this ride quality is new standard adaptive air suspension, that changes damper settings with driver modes. Predictive air suspension is available as an option, which actively raises or lowers each wheel depending on driver settings, making for a more dynamic drive or comfortable ride depending on the situation. The standard system tested is very good though and provides a soft ride – but not a bouncy one – for the majority of the time, firming up nicely when put into Dynamic mode. There is plenty of grip – thanks in part to the quattro all-wheel drive system – a fair amount of weight to the steering, and a sense of solidity from the handling and suspension set-up, so that you feel as though the A8 could cope with just about all you have to throw at it. Although not tested off-road, even greasy conditions failed to unsettle the big Audi, and the suspension combats excessive lean with aplomb. It’s a big potential trap to fall into for makers of luxury saloons, but Audi have avoided it nicely. Anything else? Ah yes, I still need to mention bits and pieces of technology used under the skin. For example, all engines available in the A8 range are 48-volt mild hybrid units. This sees a beefed-up integrated starter motor assist in powering the A8’s auxiliary systems – such as air-con – improve engine stop/start efficiency, and help with coasting at motorway speeds when off the throttle. There are also driver training aids to improve fuel efficient driving, and the car, though longer and taller than before, is only a little heavier thanks to the use of a combination of lightweight materials. All this combined helped me return more than 51 mpg during my time with it – not at all shabby considering the official figure is 50.4 mpg. The A8 is an extremely accomplished machine, with the driving experience well pitched – comfortable but with a hint of dynamism – and a combination of style, equipment, and refinement that are first class. It’s instantly one of the picks of its class.. ■ Bath Audi, Bath Business Park, Roman Way, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8SG.Tel: 01761 438300; bathaudi.co.uk
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