2006 Audi A8 4.2 Road Test

Class, style and performance


Top Gear, the automotive related car show, featured a segment a while back where the hosts were given the opportunity to test-drive some of their most favourite cars. James May reminisced about the early 80s and the fact that, when he was a mere lad, he absolutely adored the Lamborghini Countach. He was given the opportunity to drive the object of his desires only to find out that the car was absolute rubbish. As a car enthusiast, I, like most, have a list of personal favourite cars. In my case, there are 4 or 5 in each category and one of those is the premium luxury sedan segment. Back in the day, this list included the likes of the Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL and the Aston Martin Lagonda. In 1994, the European-market only Audi A8 was introduced and promptly found its way in my dreams.

In 1997, I was able to lay eyes on one for the first time and it did not disappoint; it was gorgeous, sleek and sexy. Subsequent years brought the very enviable S8 and in 2004, the present-day car. The evolution of the car only served to increase my intrigue and I prayed that, unlike James, I would stay away from thinking "Rubbish!"

Subtle elegance
Subtle except for the new for 2006 front grille that is. The A8 has always flown under the radar design-wise. From 1997 to 2003, nothing about the car save for its outer dimensions said much about the fact that this was Audi's flagship; it even sported the same wheels as the basic A4. In 2001, the S8 stood out with S-line wheels taken from the S4, dual exhaust outlets and a slightly lower ride height. Otherwise, it was only in 2004 that the A8 found its own identity all the while staying true to the Audi look. The corporate horse-collar front fascia further distinguishes the car and, at the same time, ties it to the rest of the very recent Audi line-up.

The overall shape of the A8 is enormously pleasing. The nearly flat tail-end is slightly bevelled towards the sides and almost straight-cut onto the quarter panels. My tester's rolling stock includes the optional 19" 5-spoke wheels which transform this car into a real head-turner. Finally, the A8 is clearly assembled with great care as the panel gaps are tiny and even not to mention that the Akoya Silver paint job is about as perfect as they get.

Being aboard
It would take too long to properly enumerate the list of standard ultra-luxury features of this car; suffice it to say that it has everything. The surroundings are surprisingly intimate and warm. This is perhaps the best trick up the A8 sleeve. Although this is a big car, the driver has the impression that all necessary controls are within easy reach. The center console's positioning allows for quick consultation and easy manipulation of the buttons. The trick pop-out navigation screen serves many purposes including the audio and climate menus. Using the MMI (Multi-media interface) wheels and controls can be time consuming, however having spent some moments tinkering with it, some menu changes can be made quickly enough. The dashboard is otherwise very functional and crafted from some of the finest plastics and with extra attention to details.