Aspi Bhathena succumbs to the charm of the Audi A8 as he drives its different variants on Germany’s autobahns, listening to Pavarotti casting his spell over the luxo-limo’s Bang and Olufsen audio system
The first time I set my eyes on the A8 as it was unveiled in Miami, it looked absolutely stunning. The best part about the A8 L is that it is undoubtedly a big car, but does not look its size. The sporty design makes the car look much smaller than it really is. Incidentally, every time I test a new car, especially one from the super luxury segment, I feel that this is it. Now it will be very difficult for the manufacturer to improve upon this car. However, every time a new version is launched, it somehow succeeds in raising the bar to another level, making the previous one look dated, even obsolete.
The A8 is the only luxury car that is constructed around an aluminium space frame and, as a result, it is lighter and has greater rigidity than the conventional steel monocoque. For this generation, Audi have focused on using aluminium alloys, whose extra strength makes the A8’s structure 25 per cent sturdier and more rigid than before.
Super luxury segment cars are all about breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks. When it comes to the interior, Audi have the philosophy that luxury does not mean excess and extravagance, but, rather, elegance and a cultivated style.
The moment you open the door and step inside the car, you can feel the class and quality of this car. The interior of this large luxo-limo is path-breaking, from the automatic gear selector to the touch pad MMI system, and the list goes on and on. The 22-way adjustable seat and steering ensure the driving position you desire.
The standard A8 L comes with a three-seat rear bench. However, the two-seat rear bench option is the most desirable one, because you can recline in it as in a business class seat of an aircraft. Once you make yourself comfortable in it, you just don’t feel like getting out. The quality and fit finish of the interior have been taken to another (and higher) level. Suffice it to say that this car thoroughly spoils its occupants with all the luxury and comfort offered by it!
We could keep on talking about the interior for ever, but now let’s get down to the business end, which is driving this beauty. After a small presentation at the Audi Forum at Munich airport I collected the key (fob) to the 6.3-litre W12 A8, since this and the 4.2 petrol will be the first to arrive in India later this year.
As I hit the autobahn to Salzburg, the W12 engine felt as if it were just about turning over and as if as we were ambling along at 180 km/h, listening to Pavarotti live in a concert. And that is what it sounds like, listening to the Bang and Olufsen audio system. It makes you forget where you are as you raise the volume. It is intoxicating, because the sound quality keeps getting better and better. In fact, one has to listen to this system to believe it.
Back to driving. The speedo was reading in excess of 180 km/h and the 170-km drive to the first stop got over very quickly. The W12 engine is a marvel of engineering. It is not larger than a V8, but, at the same time, it delivers the seamless, silky smooth power of a 12-cylinder engine.
During the day I drove all the engine variants and found the 4.2 TDI to be the most suitable for India. When you select the sport mode, it transforms the car from a luxury liner into a sports car. The eight-speed gearbox does a fabulous job of transferring the power from the powerful engine to all the four wheels via the Quattro system. The pneumatic suspension delivers excellent ride quality and handling.
After spending a full day behind the wheel, driving more than 450 km, there wasn’t the slightest suggestion of fatigue or tiredness. This is a car capable of munching the miles in the most relaxed manner.
Truly, the A8L redefines the Vorsprung durch Technik for which Audi are renowned!
caption
1. The work table gets added to the list of smart equipment and the ride quality allows you to use it too!
2. The W12 engine is not larger than a V8, yet it delivers the seamless power of a 12-cylinder engine
1. The two-seat rear bench option is the most desirable as you can recline in it as in a business class seat of an aircraft
2.The automatic gear selector resembles a speed-boat throttle
3. There are acres of legroom and the A8 pampers its occupants with luxury and comfort
NEED TO KNOW
Audi A8 L
Price Rs 1 crore (OTR, Pune)
Engine 6299cc W12,
507PS, 625Nm
Transmission Eight-speed automatic,
all-wheel drive
Performance NA
Fuel efficiency NA
