2021 Audi A8L 4.0T Sport Review

2021 Audi A8L 4.0T Sport Review - Improvement has actually continued apace at Audi, as confirmed by excellent new versions of the Q7, A4, as well as TT. Each of these redesigned designs brings more dramatically wrinkled sheetmetal, in addition to tech-savvy insides, crisper dynamics, as well as brand-new systems beneath. Similar changes are coming soon for the Q5 crossover and also the A5 coupe. But some old Audi still exists within the lineup, also on top. The current-generation A8 sedan, which first arrived in 2010, is starting to look dated compared to its fresher display room companions. But, in spite of its age, the most significant four-ringed four-door offers plenty to such as for the full-size-luxury-sedan customer.

Any Wheelbase You Like, So Long as It's Long
As it nears completion of its life cycle, the U.S.-spec A8 schedule diminishes for 2016. The short-wheelbase version is gone, as is the ignominious TDI diesel (for now, at least), leaving only the long-wheelbase A8L offered with a 6-, 8-, or 12-cylinder engine. The 4.0 T is the single A8 version to pack a V-8 (excepting the short-wheelbase S8 Plus variant), and all 4.0 Ts embrace the new "Sport" classification for 2016. That suggests slightly more-aggressive front and back fascias as well as a 15-hp bump for the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 to bring horse power approximately 450.

More power was almost the last thing the A8 required. The last A8L 4.0 T we evaluated taped a blistering zero-to-60-mph time of 3.9 seconds and also ran the quarter-mile in 12.4 secs. In spite of loading a little added power, this one matched those numbers specifically. It still leaves the comparable V-8-- powered BMW 7-series (the 750i xDrive) car, which struck 60 miles per hour in 4.4 secs, in its dirt.

2021 Audi A8L 4.0T Sport Review

Your travelers, cosseted as they may be by the hedonistic rear seats with heating, cooling, and massage therapy features, will certainly never ever suspect that the A8L is capable of Corvette-rivaling acceleration runs. The powerful V-8 deals with its organisation with no dramatization whatsoever, with power provided easily throughout the rev array as well as just a slight hint of refined complexity going into the otherwise calm cabin.

Passersby will not take much notice of the A8L, either, even in this Sporting activity trim. Its clean, purposeful lines and also restrained use chrome mean that the Audi does not have the panache of its competitors from somewhere else in Germany. We appreciate the subtle method, but some could mistake it for a more plebeian A6. If an attractive, head-turning Audi is just what you desire, select the much more rakish A7 (or among its S7 and also RS7 variants) instead.

Lithe and Spry for a Large Individual
The Audi's plush ride and also nearly quiet inside are foregone conclusion in this class. More special is the cars and truck's dexterity. The 2021 Audi A8L 4.0T Sport's steering wheel really feels light in your hands but uses exact reactions to inputs, while well-controlled body activities help avoid any kind of feeling of floatiness while cruising or collaring alike. Clear chauffeur sightlines likewise make the A8L easy to place into turns, preventing the ungainliness you may expect from a 207-inch-long, 4672-pound car. It's just as comfy rushing down a curvy road as it is getting on a vehicle parking area at the supermarket (a 360-degree camera system helps in the latter regard, too).

Audi originated the concept of a light-weight high-end barge when the aluminum-bodied, first-generation A8 got here in 1997, yet competitors such as the Jaguar XJL as well as the newcomer Cadillac CT6 also currently make use of large amounts of aluminum in their structures-- and also to greater effect. The in a similar way sized XJL as well as CT6 are both at least 200 pounds lighter compared to the Audi, and also both deal even sharper, sportier handling for the unquestionably few buyers in this segment that are trying to find that type of thing.

Odd as it appears for an automobile coming close to six numbers, the A8L is a type of spending plan choice to the BMW 7-series as well as the Mercedes-Benz S-class. Our test car, geared up with conventional all-wheel drive, a rear-seat comfort plan, as well as lots of energetic safety functions, supplanted at just $96,175-- that's a couple of thousand less than the beginning costs of the equivalent all-wheel-drive Mercedes S550 4MATIC and BMW 750i xDrive designs. Load up the Benz as well as Bimmer with alternative packages, and also you're conveniently approaching the $120K mark.

The 2021 Audi A8L 4.0T Sport's inside stumbles upon as a bit behind the times. Certain little bits of plastic trim typically aren't on par with those in the base S-class, and also the common glossy timber garnishes look more passé than, state, the classier matte wood that's offered as an option. Audi's MMI control user interface still functions well ergonomically, yet its onscreen graphics haven't changed in the last five years or two. Neither Apple CarPlay neither Android Vehicle capacities are provided, as well as it's unacceptable that anything at this rate doesn't have a single USB port. That's not extremely befitting of Audi's Vorsprung durch Technik ("innovation via modern technology") punch line.

Still, that Audi's front runner sedan doesn't fairly jibe with the brand's techy, dynamic image does not lessen the A8L's various other beauties. Certain, it could not excite the next-door neighbors as much as would certainly an S-class, as well as it's not the sportiest car in its soaring segment, but the A8L continues to be sophisticated, glamorous, and extra rewarding to drive compared to many of its competitors. It may be nearing retired life, however the A8 has aged with dignity.

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