Fortunately Audi has also incorporated voice-activation into many of
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| A pleasing blend of stout handling and civilized road manners. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
the MMI-controlled functions, but again users need to learn the wording for the various commands and cue their passengers to voice-activation prior to issuing oral orders. Failing to do so will draw more than a few perplexed looks from passengers unaware of the A8's voice-activation technology, plus uttering incorrect words simply confuses the system causing unintended results.
Once familiarization renders confusion obsolete, drivers can easily select one of four height-adjustable variable damping suspension settings, part of Audi's adaptive air suspension system. This setup arrives as standard A8 equipment; an optional performance-oriented version is also available, but in my view is unnecessary. The standard air-ride system delivers a pleasing blend of stout-handling and very civilized road manners. Why someone would feel the need to upset the ideal balance in favor of tighter handling is as mysterious to me as Jimmy Hoffa's whereabouts, however, Audi makes it possible. And thanks to the big car's big horsepower, they also make quick getaways possible - something else Hoffa could likely have used.
Two engines are available in the A8 and A8 L: a potent 335-horsepower V8
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| A twist of a key (or a push of the starter button) brings the 4.2-liter V8 to life. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
and a powerhouse, 450-horsepower W12. My tester held the V8, which was capable of smoothly powering the extra-spacious A8 L from static to 60 mph in only 6.2 seconds. That's nothing short of impressive for a sedan tipping the scales at 4,389 lbs - Audi claims an even more startling time of 4.9 seconds when the W12 is doing the pushing. Without doubt, Audi's 4.2-liter V8 is one of the sweetest engines in manufacture today. It finds its maximum torque of 317 foot-pounds early in the rev band and holds it throughout a sprint to 7,000 rpm. Free-breathing credit goes to its 5-valves per cylinder and the variable intake timing that Audi has given the polished powerplant. Seldom does this ultra-smooth mill have to do more then burble quietly to keep the big "L" at the front of the line, but when the hammer drops, lookout.
My
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| Beautiful 19-inch alloy wheels don't spoil the A8's supple ride, thanks to the superb air suspension system. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
test unit was fitted with optional 19-inch wheels shod in 255/40R rubber. Off-the-line the sticky rubber gripped the pavement at all four corners and sling-shot the A8 L quattro out of the hole with amazing thrust while virtually eliminating wasteful wheel spin on wet or dry tarmac. Almost immediately the A8's 6-speed autobox, featuring a "sport" mode, discreetly replaced first gear with second and so on. Speed builds deceptively fast in the A8 while its high-revving V8 emits an intoxicating muted growl. On the highway the A8's power is most welcome. As if devouring one of Germany's great autobahns, the A8 exhibits compelling passing power at any speed while remaining rock-steady, unflappable and buttoned-down. At autobahn-illegal speeds (meaning too slow, not too fast), my tester drew very little wind and road noise, making long stints from town to town most relaxing. My tester's vault-like quiet cabin allowed every musical nuance to be heard with crystal clarity through the car's sensational audio system, which shared the pop-up Navigation screen. When not in use, the 7-inch screen conceals itself behind the beautiful wood inlay mid-point along the dashboard.
