By Ian Strachan
The Audi A8 55 TDSI Quattro is, quite simply, a magnificent limousine. This beautifully constructed, good-looking executive express could teach BMW and Mercedes a thing or two about building luxury cars writes motoring editor Ian Strachan.
Because despite being a big car, its lightweight aluminium construction keeps it fairly frugal and a delight to drive, handling like a car a fraction of its size. And, unlike rear wheel-drive BMWs, its Quattro drive set-up won’t let you down in snow and ice.
The Audi A8’s impressive interior proportions and its refined, head-turning design, not to mention its price, puts it firmly in Jaguar XJ territory, and it’s not shamed in that exalted company.
The A8 is certainly a looker. With its long, sleek shape, aggressively styled front grille and headlights and its dramatic spoked 19-inch alloys it has a truly striking appearance.
The Audi A8 55’s length means the boot – with automatic opening and closing – is cavernous. And rear seat room is excellent too. This car was obviously designed with VIP rear-seat passengers in mind.
Not that the driver and front seat passenger have to put up with second best. The plush, leather clad seats are supremely comfortable, with full electronic adjustment and memory.
Be in no doubt, this vehicle oozes style and comes with a host of extras you don’t expect to find on a standard-spec German car. And you also get lots of storage space – something else sometimes lacking in cars of this class.
Standard equipment includes satellite navigation and media system including DAB radio and Bluetooth, luxurious leather upholstery, electrically operated heated door mirrors, electric seat adjustment with heating and cooling, cruise and parking controls, fog lights, acoustic parking system with on-screen assist and front and rear cameras, four-zone automatic air conditioning with electronic vents and rear seat controls (£1,250 option), and multi-function steering wheel . You also get keyless entry and ignition as part of the standard package.
So straightaway you’re getting lots of car for your money. And the car is further enhanced by very high quality trim materials throughout the interior, giving it a little more class and style.
The A8 which I drove has a quiet but very powerful 340 horsepower three litre petrol engine which is light, lively and well balanced with great power delivery. The flexible unit is linked to smooth eight speed automatic box. Not once did I feel it needed more grunt. It will get you from 0-60 in not much more than five seconds, and has great mid range power, always feeling as if it has more to give.
Despite its power and pull, fuel consumption in mixed driving is acceptable at 36.7 mpg in mixed driving. Not bad for such a big vehicle.
Handling is excellent, helped by the car’s air suspension which keeps its composure whatever the road conditions. With its sure-footed Quattro set-up the car felt in total control throughout, including in wet weather. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum and despite the low profile tyres on its alloys the ride is smooth and unfussed.
The Audi A8 3.0 55 TFSI comes in at £69,515. Not cheap, but this is a stylish and roomy premium luxury car that sets very high standards. It’s an attractive, well specified, well-built, high-performing vehicle which doesn’t make compromises. I loved it.
