Full Audi A8 Model 2014 Review
What's New for 2014
For 2014, a diesel V6 joins the A8's engine lineup. in addition, sure possibility packages are reshuffled and renamed, and every one Audi A8s currently have commonplace keyless ignition and a power-operated lid
Introduction
Audi has generally trailed its Teutonic rivals within the luxury-car sales race. However, because the 2014 Audi A8 illustrates, this sales ranking mustn't be construed as a mirrored image on the relative quality of the manufacturer's merchandise. With a beautiful cabin and handling that is clearly and gloriously German, the A8 is, from roof to rubber, category|a category} act that succeeds at elevating the driving expertise within the massive luxury sedan class.
Audi tweaked the formula last year by revamping its engine lineup for the lifesize A8. For the primary time, base models were steam-powered by a V6, which switch has well-tried to be quite satisfying from a performance and potency point of view. a replacement turbocharged V8 additionally debuted as a midlevel selection. currently for 2014 the engine lineup sees another modification, with the addition of a three.0-liter diesel V6. Performance is kind of satisfactory, with a 0-60 mph time of half dozen.3 seconds along side fuel economy that is the most economical within the high-end luxury sedan segment: twenty four mpg city/36 mpg route and twenty eight mpg combined.
Within and while not, the A8 embodies deluxe sophistication. The materials in its cabin square measure top-rate, and proof of superior acquisition abounds. Typical of the big luxury sedan category, there square measure 2 wheelbases out there, with the longer "L" model providing further rear legroom. you'll be able to add additional decadency to the rear seat with a range of choices, as well as massaging rear seats or Associate in Nursing extendible stool in W12 models. alternative attracts to the A8 embody commonplace all-wheel drive and an in depth assortment of luxury and technology-oriented options.
Of course, most of those square measure traits that square measure shared by the A8's rivals, and choosing only one of those wonderful luxury sedans is sure to be a challenge. patrons with a yen for a sportier driving expertise can wish to examine out the 2014 Porsche Panamera. If full-on luxury is a lot of your issue, think about the luxurious, all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. there is additionally the Panthera onca XJ if you discover the A8's styling to a small degree too anonymous, along side the BMW seven Series, a perennial favorite even supposing it's currently among the older models during this category. Still, despite fierce competition, the A8 may be a nice selection for patrons World Health Organization appreciate unostentatious wealth and a balanced approach to luxury and performance.
Body designs, Trim Levels, and choices
The 2014 Audi A8 Quattro is Associate in Nursing all-wheel-drive luxury sedan that's offered in regular- and long-wheelbase versions, the latter known by Associate in Nursing L badge and given with five further inches of rear legroom. Trim levels embody three.0T, L 3.0T, L 3.0 TDI, 4.0T, L 4.0T and L W12. every designation corresponds to the distance and engine sort. The superior Audi S8 is reviewed one by one.
Standard options for the bottom three.0T embody 19-inch wheels, adaptive argonon headlights, diode running lights, a sunroof, Associate in Nursing adaptive air suspension, dual-zone automatic climate management, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, heated 12-way adjustable front seats with driver memory, an influence tilt-and-telescoping wheel, metal and wood interior trim, an influence rear sunshade, a power-operated lid and soft-close doors. Electronic options within the cabin embody keyless ignition, a navigation system, a rearview camera, Audi's MMI natural philosophy interface with voice management, Bluetooth phone and audio property, Associate in Nursingd a Bose surround-sound system with a CD player and an iPod interface. additionally enclosed is Audi Connect (enhanced Web-based navigation, info and local area network access).
Although the A8 three.0T is well equipped, there square measure variety of accessible choices. With the nice and cozy Weather package you get four-zone climate management along side power rear side-window sunshades. Associate in Nursing Extended animal skin package wraps the armrests, center console and wheel airbag cap in animal skin.
On the long-wheelbase L three.0T model, the nice and cozy Weather package, Extended animal skin package and piano-black interior inlays square measure enclosed as commonplace.
To either distance, 3.0T patrons might favor to add the Premium package, which incorporates 22-way multicontour comfort front seats with ventilation and gas massage, full diode headlights, a blind-spot warning system and a rear collision-mitigation system. a chilly Weather package adds a heated wheel, a ski bag for the rear seat pass-through and heated rear seats. A Luxury package includes a faux-suede performing artist, upgraded animal skin upholstery and dual-pane glass. The Rear Seat Comfort and package includes a five-passenger configuration with separate power rear outboard seats with ventilation and massage, and front traveller seat adjustment from the rear seat.
For a sportier A8, the game and package applies a sport-tuned air suspension, adaptive steering and a rear limited-slip differential. Finally, the motive force help package includes a top-view parking camera system; adaptive cruise management; a lane-departure warning system; the a lot of deluxe Pre-Sense and version of Audi's collision warning and braking system; and automatic high-beam control.
Stand-alone choices embody a bird's-eye roof, a star roof (powers a ventilation fan to stay the automotive cool), a premium Bang & Olufsen system, an evening vision camera (an infrared camera to observe animals and pedestrians up to one,000 feet away) and a rear seat diversion system (with 2 10-inch headrest-mounted screens).
The 4.0T model has constant commonplace instrumentation because the three.0T model, nonetheless the addition of active noise-cancellation technology (included to atone for its V8 engine's cylinder deactivation system), whereas the L TDI and L four.0T square measure equipped just like the L three.0T. These models additionally feature facultative instrumentation kind of like the three.0T models, however square measure in addition offered with Associate in Nursing Audi style choice package that adds full animal skin upholstery, dual-pane glass, distinctive handicraft and piping, Associate in Nursing Alcantara performing artist and distinctive wood and metal interior trim components.
The prestige-level L W12 is basically a completely loaded, four-seat version of the long-wheelbase model that's steam-powered by a 12-cylinder engine. It includes all of the above-listed options, apart from adaptive controller (and the a lot of advanced collision turning away system that comes with it), the star roof, premium Bang & Olufsen audio and therefore the twilight vision camera -- all of that stay complete choices. additionally note that the 2014 Audi A8 L W12 rolls on 20-inch wheels and comes with commonplace adaptive steering. facultative is that the govt Rear Seat Comfort package. It includes one rear relaxation seat with a steam-powered stool, a 10-way power front traveller seat, a cold cooler box and a 115-volt power outlet.
There's additionally the W12 Driver help package, which incorporates adaptive controller, a lane-departure warning system and a collision warning and braking system. alternative possibility packages for the W12 embody the W12 Sport package (sport suspension and the limited-slip differential) and therefore the Audi style choice package.
Powertrains and Performance
Powering the bottom model 2014 Audi A8 may be a supercharged three.0-liter V6 that produces 333 H.P. and 325 pound-feet of torsion. All of this power is channeled through Associate in Nursing eight-speed transmission system and all-wheel drive. In Edmunds testing, a long-wheelbase L three.0T with the facultative Sport and package accelerated from zero to sixty mph in five.3 seconds, that is faster than each V6-powered challenger and simply off the pace of these packing V8s.
Also commonplace on the V6 is Associate in Nursing automatic stop-start feature that shuts the engine off once the automotive involves a stop. It helps to extend fuel economy, that is kind of smart for this category of automotive at Associate in Nursing EPA-estimated eighteen mpg city/28 mpg route and twenty one mpg in combined driving for either distance.
Newly adscititious this year may be a three.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine rated at 240 power unit and 406 lb-ft of torsion. In our testing, Associate in Nursing A8 TDI took half dozen.3 seconds to accelerate to sixty mph. At twenty four mpg city/36 mpg route and twenty eight mpg combined, fuel economy with this engine is phenomenal, and therefore the engine comes solely with the long-wheelbase configuration.
The turbocharged four.0-liter V8 produces 420 power unit and 444 lb-ft of torsion. Stop-start, Associate in Nursing eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive are commonplace. In Edmunds testing, an A8 L 4.0T ran to sixty mph in precisely four.2 seconds. The independent agency estimates the four.0T ought to earn seventeen mpg city/28 mpg route and twenty one mpg combined, or nearly constant because the supercharged V6. The L 4.0T is just slightly a lot of thirsty at 16/26/19 mpg.
Audi A8s with the half dozen.3-liter W12 engine come back solely in long-wheelbase configuration. The 12-cylinder engine makes five hundred power unit and 463 lb-ft of torsion. like all A8s, Associate in Nursing eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive square measure commonplace. consideration in regarding two hundred pounds quite the L four.0T, the A8 L W12 can reach sixty mph in four.4 seconds, in step with Audi. The independent agency estimates fuel economy at 13/21/16 mpg.
Safety
Standard safety instrumentation for each 2014 Audi A8 includes antilock brakes, stability and traction management, full-length facet curtain airbags, front and rear seat facet airbags and active front headrests. A rearview camera is commonplace on most A8s, whereas the W12 gets Associate in Nursing increased camera array with a top-view show (optional on lesser models). A blind-spot monitor and lane-departure warning system square measure offered during a number of out there possibility packages. additionally facultative is Pre-Sense and, that uses the adaptive controller system's microwave radar to observe traffic and alerts the motive force if a possible collision is detected, even applying the brakes (to a standstill once vehicle speed is below twenty mph). A night-vision camera may be a complete possibility.
In Edmunds brake testing of a V6-powered A8 with facultative summer tires, the automotive came to a stop from sixty mph in Associate in Nursing imposingly short 104 feet. With constant tires, the TDI model required solely 109 feet. An A8 3.0T with all-season tires delivered United States to a stop in 121 feet, that is average for equally equipped cars within the category. An A8 L 4.0T with all-season tires came to a stop from sixty mph in 114 feet.
Interior style and Special options
As Audi's flagship, the 2014 A8 represents the most effective that the corporate should provide. because of exquisite materials combined with impeccable acquisition, the cabin is one among the best in any flagship luxury sedan.
As you'd expect, comfort may be a priority and therefore the A8 delivers it in heaping parts. The upgraded seats found within the Premium package modify in such a big amount of ways in which Audi required to create a a lot of advanced suggests that of dominant them, and that they ultimately make sure that drivers of Associate in Nursingy size or form can realize an optimum position to motor away innumerable miles. Rear seat comfort is additionally noteworthy, particularly within the long-wheelbase versions that offer Associate in Nursing expansive forty three inches of rear legroom.
For technophiles, Audi's Multi Media Interface provides an extended list of functions through a crystal-clear show. there is a little bit of a learning curve thereto, however with somewhat time, management of diverse systems becomes wont. The distinctive remote touchpad (upon that you'll be able to "write" numbers and letters together with your finger) additionally doubles as a radio planned panel. it's going to appear to be a superfluous novelty initially, however it seems to be as helpful because it is cool.
If there is one grievance that appears to return up quite others, it might be the A8's lack of trunk area. At a paltry thirteen.2 boxy feet, consignment capability is much below that of its competitors and not nearly capable accommodate baggage for four adults.
Driving Impressions
Power from the Audi A8's base V6 is plentiful, whether or not beneath acceleration or cruising down the route. Passing slower cars is easy and therefore the brakes square measure equally up to the task of transfer the large sedan to a halt. The 4.0T power station is even a lot of spectacular. whereas earning nearly constant fuel economy because the supercharged V6, the turbo V8 delivers a tsunami of easy torsion to the purpose that a V8-equipped A8 can go toe to toe with virtually any muscle automotive during a drag race.
Fortunately, there square measure few if any drawbacks to creating the switch to the diesel-powered A8 TDI model. Acceleration is brisk because of the plentiful torsion, and there is little diesel clatter to be detected from the within. the automated stop-start perform are often somewhat jarring on startup, however it's fast to react and needs no waiting to urge back on the gas. For people who realize it too unquiet, it are often disabled simply.
With its all-wheel drive, well-tuned suspension and crisp steering response, the A8 handles sort of a smaller, lighter sport sedan in either distance configuration. nonetheless over broken pavement, the Audi flagship delivers a compliant, composed ride absolutely to keep with its luxury sedan standing. we tend to additionally like its electronically adjustable settings for the chassis and engine activity, which offer a way bigger degree of driver customization than BMW's similar system.
All things thought-about, the 2014 Audi A8 may be a worthy challenger among first luxury sedans. whereas the gap between these high-end sedans is slim, the Audi A8 distinguishes itself as a existent driver's automotive.
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