Audi's A8L
Good points: all wheel drive, appearance, features, ride, power, room
Needs improvement: price, complicated controls, gas mileage
Nothing can approach the A8 Audi L in terms of its all wheel drive, smooth engine, interior space, and looks. Unfortunately, it comes with a significant price tag of US$69,220 in base form. The question that immediately comes to mind is how it stacks up against the Lexus LS, Mercedes S500, Jaguar XJR, the BMW 7 Series, and others of that ilk. The answer is that the Lexus clearly is the best value, the Jaguar the most fun to drive, the BMW the best handling, and the Mercedes the most solid. So where does that leave this lovely, executive sedan? Thanks to its all wheel drive it ranks as the best luxury car to have if you reside in those areas where inclement weather is not a novelty.
Despite the appealing exterior, the L Audi has an Achilles heels in the form of the overly complex driver's computer control center. This unit is nearly as complicated as the one in the Mercedes, and more so than the Idrive in the BMW. You must go through the Audi's center for nearly every operation. Even though the screen is easy enough to read, you are forced to go through multiple steps each time you want to change even the simplest of settings. For example, in other cars if you want to activate the heated seats you press a button or turn a knob. Audi has decided that it wants to personalize that process. It starts easily enough as you depress a small button seat heater button on the dash. Unfortunately, all that does is activate the display screen. You are than asked a series of questions such as what speed you want the seat fan to run and what temperature you want. The process must be repeated if your front seat passenger also wants a warm rear end, or back, or both, it's your choice. In other words, this executive car expects you to be able to make executive decisions at every turn. It doesn't stop there. If you want to listen to stereo you click on the center control button that activates the monitor. Next you push on the radio button, turn the knob to show the stations which are listed in the speedometer cluster and on the center monitor, and select one. Want to change from FM to AM? You press another button, turn the center control, and press in when the desired mode lights up. You get the idea. Speak of micro managing.
Mom's view: What a beauty. It truly has a commanding presence with its 121.1 inches wheelbase, aluminum body, soft, leather trimmed with polished wood, and topped off with numerous elegant touches such as both a regular and touch-up mirror in the visors. It just makes you feel as good.
There is a tremendous rush of power when you step on the gas and it becomes addicting resulting in gas mileage that never topped 17 mpg. The six-speed automatic transmission is a gem that adds to the relaxing feeling you get whether on the open road or mall hopping. Unfortunately, the quiet demeanor of the Audi can result in some significant scuff law speeds without your realizing it. Hopefully, the officer is going to accept that argument.
Good points: all wheel drive, appearance, features, ride, power, room
Needs improvement: price, complicated controls, gas mileage
Nothing can approach the A8 Audi L in terms of its all wheel drive, smooth engine, interior space, and looks. Unfortunately, it comes with a significant price tag of US$69,220 in base form. The question that immediately comes to mind is how it stacks up against the Lexus LS, Mercedes S500, Jaguar XJR, the BMW 7 Series, and others of that ilk. The answer is that the Lexus clearly is the best value, the Jaguar the most fun to drive, the BMW the best handling, and the Mercedes the most solid. So where does that leave this lovely, executive sedan? Thanks to its all wheel drive it ranks as the best luxury car to have if you reside in those areas where inclement weather is not a novelty.
Despite the appealing exterior, the L Audi has an Achilles heels in the form of the overly complex driver's computer control center. This unit is nearly as complicated as the one in the Mercedes, and more so than the Idrive in the BMW. You must go through the Audi's center for nearly every operation. Even though the screen is easy enough to read, you are forced to go through multiple steps each time you want to change even the simplest of settings. For example, in other cars if you want to activate the heated seats you press a button or turn a knob. Audi has decided that it wants to personalize that process. It starts easily enough as you depress a small button seat heater button on the dash. Unfortunately, all that does is activate the display screen. You are than asked a series of questions such as what speed you want the seat fan to run and what temperature you want. The process must be repeated if your front seat passenger also wants a warm rear end, or back, or both, it's your choice. In other words, this executive car expects you to be able to make executive decisions at every turn. It doesn't stop there. If you want to listen to stereo you click on the center control button that activates the monitor. Next you push on the radio button, turn the knob to show the stations which are listed in the speedometer cluster and on the center monitor, and select one. Want to change from FM to AM? You press another button, turn the center control, and press in when the desired mode lights up. You get the idea. Speak of micro managing.
Mom's view: What a beauty. It truly has a commanding presence with its 121.1 inches wheelbase, aluminum body, soft, leather trimmed with polished wood, and topped off with numerous elegant touches such as both a regular and touch-up mirror in the visors. It just makes you feel as good.
There is a tremendous rush of power when you step on the gas and it becomes addicting resulting in gas mileage that never topped 17 mpg. The six-speed automatic transmission is a gem that adds to the relaxing feeling you get whether on the open road or mall hopping. Unfortunately, the quiet demeanor of the Audi can result in some significant scuff law speeds without your realizing it. Hopefully, the officer is going to accept that argument.