Audi A8 Expert Review
Duncan Brady
The current fourth-generation Audi A8 made its North American debut for the 2019 model year with only one powertrain option, but for 2020, the executive four-door expands its engine lineup and is joined by the performance-oriented S8. It’s Audi’s largest sedan, positioned above the A3, A4, and A6 sedans in size and price. It’s a less popular choice than the long, segment-leading Mercedes-Benz S-Class but holds its own against the ‘Benz as well as other full-size luxury sedans like the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Genesis G70, and Porsche Panamera Executive.
What We Think
chevron
It’s hard not to appreciate a giant four-door sedan. The segment is rapidly diminishing, but there’s something wonderfully nostalgic and refreshingly modern about a car that eschews sporting intentions and embraces itself as a quiet, comfortable cruiser that prioritizes luxury above all else. That’s the Audi A8.
It would be easy to cover great distances in this car. The standard air suspension is wonderfully plush, and combined with the A8’s long wheelbase, ride quality is refined and superb. It’s an ideal road trip machine thanks in part to its nearly silent cabin, standard Bang & Olufsen audio, a capacious fuel tank, and available (not to mention excellent) adaptive cruise control.
Audi is known for polished, tech-forward interior design, and as its flagship sedan, the A8 is no exception. Wood dashboard trim retracts to reveal hidden air vents; the digital instrument cluster and dual-screen infotainment setup are crisp and responsive; and that executive rear seating package is next-level luxurious. Some of our editors took issue with the infotainment screens’ touch sensitivity, though, and there’s too much high-gloss piano black plastic trim for our tastes.
Other quibbles include the available lane-keeping system pinging and ponging against lane markers and the A8’s understated design, but there’s a lot more to like about this car than there is to take issue with. If you’re looking for a tech-filled bank vault in which to cover some serious miles in serious comfort, we can’t think of many reasons not to do so in an A8.
Смотреть в источнике
No responses yet