Audi A8 – Audi released the premium A8 saloon late last year and it cuts an imposing presence. Big, athletic, sleek, and stylish, the A8 is everything a prestige saloon should be. 
It comes in two versions, a normal wheelbase, and an extended wheelbase version. We drove the A8 50 TDI quattro.
This comes with 217kW of power and a healthy 600Nm of torque driving through the brilliant quattro all wheel drive system and an eight speed Tiptronic transmission.
The beauty of this combination will see the A8 go from 0-100kmh in under 6 seconds, have a top speed of 250kmh and ADR economy of just 6.7L/100K
All this is a luxury limousine that has a familiar Audi interior. This means well laid out with excellent driver ergonomics and functional.
The seats cocoon the occupants both front and back and allow you to consume huge distances arriving feeling relaxed.
Both models come well equipped as standard, but for those buyers that want more Audi has cleverly bundled together some appealing option packs.
The A8 sits alongside the practical Q8 as the pinnacle of the Audi range and choosing between them is a problem I would love to have
Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro is priced from a touch under $203,000 plus the usual costs
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
More details on the Audi A8 can be FOUND HERE
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More Audi A8 50 TDI thoughts
- Its big, like the RS e-tron GT, but different
- The A8 has a more subtle style. More conservative shall we say.
- However, the front grill and LED matrix headlights still exude pure class.
- Sitting inside the A8, occupants are cocooned in absolute luxury and comfort.
- The heated front massage seats are particularly good.
- Driver ergonomics are familiar and excellent.
- A8 is jam packed with little luxuries like ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, leather everywhere.
- There is also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Rear seats are comfortable and have enough room for taller passengers. There is a smaller screen control panel.
- There is always the A8L for those that want the limousine like leg room.
- Driving the A8 is both powerful and economical. The economy on the freeway got down to 6.0L/100k. That’s good for a car this size.
- The big diesel allows more than adequate performance.
- For a big car the A8 is responsive to driver inputs as you would expect from an Audi.
- Its like riding on a cushion of air when inside.
- Yet it will respond like a sports saloon when Dynamic drive mode is selected.
- There is a clever ski port for storage, but the boot is long and relatively deep.
What is good? |
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| What is not so good? |
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Also look at.
The big Audi sits in rarefied air.
Big luxury saloons, once the pinnacle of luxury, are now for the chosen few.
Buyers could look at the Lexus LS500, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes Benz S450, BMW 740I, or even the Genesis G80.
Audi A8 50 TDI Final thoughts
Its big yet subtle and stylish.
Sumptuous interior cocoons the occupants.
Powerful yet economical, the A8 is ideal for long distance travel in Australia. You arrive feeling refreshed and relaxed.
It heralds a past era where the big sports saloon was the pinnacle of motoring. I sometimes miss those days.
I love it and its dam near perfect.
The big question is would I choose the A8 or the Q8. Why not have both.
Audi A8 | |
Model | A8 50 TDI |
| Model Price | $201,375 MLP* |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 TDI Euro 6 |
| Drivetrain | Eight speed Tiptronic Quattro |
| Battery Capacity / type | N/A |
| Power | 210.0kW @ 4000rpm |
| Torque | 600Nm @ 1750-3250rpm |
| Range (WLTP) / ADR | 1242Km max / 1000km on test |
| Range on test | 740km |
| Economy / efficiency | 6.6L/100k / 6.6L/100k on test |
| Fast Charge**/ Home | N/A |
| Safety | Not tested |
| CO2 Emissions | 174g/km |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 5.9 secs / 250km/h |
| Servicing | 12mth / 15,000km service plan |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km |
| Roadside Assist | 5Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
** Using a 270kW fast charger from 10-80%
Overall Rating | 91/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 9 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 9 |
| Style / Appeal | 9 |
| Technology/connectivity | 10 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
Dimensions | |
| Overall Length | 5190mm |
| Wheelbase | 2998mm |
| Width | 1945mm |
| Height | 1512mm |
| Wheels | 20×9.0 Alloy |
| Tyres | 265/40 R20 |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 131mm |
| Wading Depth | N/A |
| Approach | N/A |
| Rampover | N/A |
| Departure angle | N/A |
| Turning Circle KTK | 12.5m |
| Boot Min | N/A |
| Boot Max | 505L |
| Kerb Weight | 2095kg |
| Battery weight | TBC |
| Payload (kg) | 615kg |
| GVM (kg) | 2710kg |
| GCM | 5010kg |
| Towing Capacity | 2300kg |
| Tow Ball rating | N/A |
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- Overall Rating - 9.1/109.1/10
Summary
Audi A8 50 TDI Final thoughts
Its big yet subtle and stylish.
Sumptuous interior cocoons the occupants.
Powerful yet economical, the A8 is ideal for long distance travel in Australia. You arrive feeling refreshed and relaxed.
It heralds a past era where the big sports saloon was the pinnacle of motoring. I sometimes miss those days.
I love it and its dam near perfect.
The big question is would I choose the A8 or the Q8. Why not have both.
