In a class where cars often exceed five metres in length and are loaded to the gills with electronics, big engines, and other heavy additions, minimizing weight is a serious issue. Audi's decision to put its largest car
on a strict light-metal diet really helps to keep curb weight in check (it's not a fad diet either). Even with all-wheel drive, it is lighter than both of its German rivals, BMW's 7 and Mercedes' S. For more evidence, just look at its steel-bodied equivalent, VW's Phaeton that is some 200 kg (440 lbs) heavier. As such, the tagline, "Class without Mass" is well applied.
It's worth noting that the A8 is no longer the sole upper-sized vehicle to feature aluminum intensive construction; Jaguar's retro-styled XJ uses the same lightweight metal, engineered as an extruded monocoque chassis held together by rivets and epoxy.
With all that talk about the A8's advanced chassis, let's look at what else was new for 2005. For starters, Audi took the opportunity to expand the range, adding an ultra-luxurious range-topper powered by the almighty 6.0-litre W12 engine and featuring the new crest-like corporate grille that is now becoming standard issue on all 2006 model year A8s. Elsewhere in
the world, the A8 also received a new diesel engine, and a base 3.2-litre FSI V6 and CVT combo from the A6 and A4 models (unavailable in North America). Audi also decided to bring over the regular-length model, which is now offered alongside the initial long-wheelbase 'L' model.
The A8 being featured in this review is one of my favourite large sedans from a styling standpoint. While some may find it a little on the bland side compared to some of Audi's smaller cars, I think its exterior has the right creases and pleats on its taut skin. It's understated and civilized yet coolly suave - exactly the way a flagship luxury sedan ought to be. It doesn't look as if its blindfolded chief stylist grabbed a machete and started waving it about. Nor does it appear as if it were punched out of a cookie-cutter mould. Likewise, it doesn't look like a carbon copy of your great-great-great grandfather's car either, complete with pedestrian-spearing hood ornament.
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| Audi's decision to put its largest car on a strict light-metal diet really helps to keep curb weight in check. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
It's worth noting that the A8 is no longer the sole upper-sized vehicle to feature aluminum intensive construction; Jaguar's retro-styled XJ uses the same lightweight metal, engineered as an extruded monocoque chassis held together by rivets and epoxy.
With all that talk about the A8's advanced chassis, let's look at what else was new for 2005. For starters, Audi took the opportunity to expand the range, adding an ultra-luxurious range-topper powered by the almighty 6.0-litre W12 engine and featuring the new crest-like corporate grille that is now becoming standard issue on all 2006 model year A8s. Elsewhere in
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| I think its exterior has the right creases and pleats on its taut skin. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
The A8 being featured in this review is one of my favourite large sedans from a styling standpoint. While some may find it a little on the bland side compared to some of Audi's smaller cars, I think its exterior has the right creases and pleats on its taut skin. It's understated and civilized yet coolly suave - exactly the way a flagship luxury sedan ought to be. It doesn't look as if its blindfolded chief stylist grabbed a machete and started waving it about. Nor does it appear as if it were punched out of a cookie-cutter mould. Likewise, it doesn't look like a carbon copy of your great-great-great grandfather's car either, complete with pedestrian-spearing hood ornament.