With Audi‘s Virtual Cockpit and two large touchscreens, the center console is largely devoid of knobs and buttons. Thankfully, Audi also took the time to develop a system that’s intuitive to use and responds quickly to inputs, so the lack of buttons shouldn’t be an issue. Even the remote for passengers lucky enough to ride in the back seat is easy to use. The fact that Audi’s high-resolution graphics look great is just a bonus.
Eventually, the U.S. will get an optional V-8, but for now, the A8’s only engine is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 making 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed transmission, standard all-wheel drive, and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, Audi estimates the A8 L will hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. That’s not especially quick, but it’s still far from slow. Besides, cars like the A8 are more about cruising in comfort than racing to the next traffic light.
Surprisingly, the A8 handles curves pretty well. It’s no R8, but in Dynamic mode, it’s more nimble than you’d expect a 17-foot, 4,700-pound luxury sedan to be. Does it understeer at the limit? Probably. But if you plan to take corners fast enough to find out, full-size luxury sedans probably aren’t for you.
On the highway, the A8 is impressively quiet, almost keeping road, wind, and tire noise out of the cabin entirely. Add in comfortable seats with an excellent massage function, a smooth ride, a high-quality Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a 21.7-gallon gas tank, and you have a recipe for a truly fantastic road trip car.
As for the A8’s much-anticipated Traffic Jam Pilot, a Level 3 system capable of handling most driving responsibilities on divided highways at speeds less than 37 mph, don’t expect it to be available in the U.S. anytime soon. From the sound of it, the complexity of federal and state regulations forced Audi to shelve Traffic Jam Pilot for the foreseeable future.
The good news is, many of the A8’s other desirable features are on their way. The U.S. has to wait until next year to get four-wheel steering and a predictive active suspension, but both systems will be worth the wait. With the rear wheels turning, Audi says the A8 actually has a smaller turning circle than the A4. The result is a car that’s noticeably more agile.
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The active suspension, meanwhile, can raise and lower each wheel independently as it scans the road ahead. Not only can it skip over potholes, it also flattens out speed bumps as you drive over them. And if the system recognizes you’re about to be T-boned, it can tilt up that side of the car to reduce the risk of injury.
Considering how much the four-wheel steering system and active suspension improve the A8, you’ll want to make sure your A8 has both. Just be prepared to pay up. Although the 2019 A8 starts at $84,795, well-equipped versions easily sail past the $100,000 mark. With the V-8, the A8’s two most desirable features, and a few other options, a $150,000 price tag wouldn’t be surprising.
Then again, if you’re looking for a car that celebrates your success, who cares about saving money?
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