Needless to say, the resplendent cabin of the A8 L is a fully
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| So many goodies come with the A8 L, including an auto-lift and auto-close trunk. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
stocked larder. Rather than prattling-on ad nauseam, listing the standard equipment and array of optional accoutrements available to supplement the A8's splendor, I will touch on a few of the notables while being more specific around safety apparatus. Along with all the gear one generally associates with premium automobiles, the A8 is available with an advanced key system, which means the key never has to leave a pocket or purse. As long as the electronic key is within proximity the doors will automatically unlock, following which the engine can be started with the push of a console-mounted button. After becoming accustomed to this convenience, I found myself bothered by having to pull and use a key to drive other vehicles. Yes, it's the height of sloth, but so were power windows not so long ago.
In
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| Though the navigation / MMI display is standard, it hides behind a panel of high-gloss wood when not in use. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
keeping with a theme of avarice, the A8's heated, 16-way power-adjustable front seats are available with ventilation and massage features. As with other premium brands, the A8's four doors are available with a soft-touch feature powering the door closed once it has made contact with the car body. Manually operated sunshades are optional for the rear side glass and a power-operated sunshade is available for the rear window. And the sun can be put to good use with Audi's power Solar Sunroof, which generates an electrical current sufficient to keep a ventilation fan in operation while the car is parked in the sun. A personal refrigerator can be ordered for keeping refreshments cool on those sunny days and dual-paned security glass can be acquired for travel in hostile territory. Making cruising extra carefree is Audi's adaptive cruise control system, which is optional over the basic cruise setup. The adaptive version utilizes the vehicle's engine and braking system to maintain a constant distance behind the vehicle in front; which nicely segues me into the A8's crash avoidance and occupant protection systems.
Helping keep the A8's shiny side up is Audi's Electronic
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| The A8's instruments are simple and easy to read. The trip computer's display is in between the speedometer and tach. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
Stabilization Program. This technology intervenes with wheel-specific braking and targeted engine management when a lateral skid is detected or anticipated. The system works harmoniously with the A8's powerful, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes featuring Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and hydraulic Brake Assist (BA). These binders effortlessly pulled my big sedan to near instant halts without invoking significant nosedive or unsettling weight-transfer dynamics. Should a crash occur in spite of the avoidance technologies, Audi has you covered... well, at least cushioned.
Standard
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| It may be aluminum, but the A8 L is a strong and safe as a solid steel bank value. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
airbag placements include driver and front passenger dual-stage dual-threshold airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted chest side airbags, driver and front passenger knee protection airbags, rear seat side airbags and Audi's Safeguard head protection airbag system for front and rear occupants. Additionally, the front head restraints are of the "active" sort, which minimize whiplash in the event of an impact from the rear. The A8's front seatbelts are equipped with pretensioning as well. And finally, as with all Audi's, there is a first aid kit in the rear center-armrest - nice to know it's there but hopefully never needed.
In many more ways than safety and occupant protection, Audi's big A8 L is a breathtaking automotive tour de force. The palatial sedan spoils driver and occupants with the trappings of eminence and fortune while advancing highly impressive acceleration and handling capabilities. From its imposing front grille to its uncluttered lines and expansive greenhouse, the A8 L projects athletic savoir-faire sufficient to match the reward and pleasure found in driving it. Define it as sophisticated performance with restrained flamboyance.
