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!
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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
