While some large luxury sedans are designed to turn heads with their flamboyant styling, the 2023 Audi A8 wears a more tailored, professional appearance that has a unique appeal. The big Audi is just as roomy and comfortable as rivals such as the BMW 7-series and the Mercedes-Benz S-class inside, and a host of high-tech features makes staying connected during travel easy. Extensive sound deadening measures ensure the A8’s cabin is whisper-quiet, drowning out even the sound of the turbocharged V-6 engine.
This makes the A8 a relaxing place to reflect as your driver shuttles you to your next board meeting. But the A8 isn’t only pleasing to those chauffeured in the back. Its driver will be pleasantly surprised at how nicely this large car can handle. While it’s not as athletic as the sportier S8 (reviewed separately), the A8 can hold its own if you come across a particularly curvy stretch of tarmac.
Engine Performance
The A8 comes with a turbocharged V-6 rated at 335 horsepower which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The A8 we tested sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Among six-cylinder executive sedans, that puts the A8 a few tenths off the rapid pace the Mercedes-Benz S500. The Audi's engine is smooth, but there's no fanfare to its power delivery, and sound-deadening measures are so extensive that it's practically inaudible with the windows up. The A8 offers a very Audi-like blend of athleticism and ride comfort. An adjustable air suspension and driver-adjustable adaptive dampers are standard.
Safety Features
The A8 has much the same driver-assistance technologies as other high-end sedans. When equipped with Traffic Jam Assist (Driver Assistance package), the A8 will help you out with acceleration and braking in heavy traffic, but your hands can't leave the wheel for more than a few seconds.
0 Comments