First Drive: All new Audi A8

The new Audi A8 is cruising at 200kph for the last few minutes, and the performance is effortless, despite a soaking wet road, torrential rain, and traffic that hinders acceleration. Moreover, it’s cruising at 200 even around long corners with changes in elevation. Traction is simply amazing.

Squeeze down on the accelerator and it’s as if a mechanical claw grabs hold of the road below, as the quattro system sends power to all four wheels. Though there isn’t too much in the way of feedback or feel from the steering, in an effort to keep the surges from the four-wheel drive system at bay, the helm is super accurate and allows you to place the car exactly where you want it. This allows you to introduce a dash of power and additional grip via the quattro system. On fast corners, the A8 doesn’t dip, bob, or even roll and simply shrinks around the driver, thanks to a combination of Audi’s aluminium space frame chassis, now in its third generation. 

The brakes have plenty of feel, great stopping power, and are almost as effective as having a pause button. The new A8 however is not as agile as some of its smaller stable mates in tighter corners. You can feel the bulk of the car being flung around, and it’s not as involving a drive either. 

The cabin sill is an area where Audi has surpassed itself. They’ve got the tradition vs. modern blend just right this time. The stunning instrument panel is now larger with more legible dials and the chromed-over buttons on the centre console look stunning and the levels of fit and finish are even higher than Audi’s usual standards. The chrome quality is stunning, and yet there’s no ‘heavy’ opulence.

The A8 is also loaded with features. There’s a touch pad to help you write and dial numbers; Audi’s new MM-i system is just as easy to operate as earlier, and this car uniquely combines Google earth maps with its own navigation system.  However, a touch screen is missing. And while the boat-throttle like gear selector looks cool, functionality is poor. The individual slots aren’t easy to select, and you regularly ‘miss’ the notch you are aiming for - selecting P for R. 

However, in India that will be the chauffeur’s problem; sitting at the rear equals business-class seat comfort, despite the fact that you can’t recline much. The seats are large, supportive, and come with many functions. They massage and can be cooled or heated accordingly. There’s even a footrest for a quick nap. And don’t miss the screens or MM-I controls at the rear either. 

Because of its air springs and big rims, ride comfort isn’t what you’d want in a limo. The ride isn’t coarse, but there’s almost a constant pitter-patter. It can also get mildly thumpy on a rougher road. However, Audi claim that they will rectify this by specifying the Indian car with much smaller rims to improve ride quality. 

The V8 engine is one of the finest diesel motors, and even with the air-con blower set on one and audio system on mute, you can barely identify this as a diesel from within the car. There’s an area of discordance in the note of the motor around 2500rpm at times and a hint of growl when pushed hard, but the strong performance compensates. A glance at the specification sheet reveals a power output at 346bhp, but that’s not it. It’s the diesel-generator like torque that truly negates the 2-ton kerb weight of this car, pushing it forward like a big 17-foot piece of thermocol. Flat-out performance is astonishing, even by petrol car standards. The four-wheel drive system and eight speed gearbox makes the A8 launch off like a 100-meter sprinter. The note from the diesel motor is more workman-like at these high engine speeds towards the top of the powerband, but the hit of performance is massive –100kph is blown past in under 5sec and 160kph comes up in just 13sec. 

With regard to looks, some say this car is too plain-looking. However, we think this is one of the best lookers in its class. The right-angle treatment at the rear, the manner in which the new grille and chin have been blended together, and the overall stance of the car is just perfect. 

Finally, Audi has a car that has the potential to take on the competition and win. Getting the ride quality right for the Indian market will be vital as will be the presence of a complete features and options list. But if the current trend for diesel limos is anything to go by, this is it. We expect prices of the all new A8L to be somewhere around the outgoing A8 which is priced at Rs 72.45Lakh for the 3.0 Tdi model, ex showroom Delhi. The launch is expected to be sometime around the Diwali Season.