2008 Audi A8 Reviews

The new Mercedes S-Class has some very big shoes to fill because the old one was just so good. It's also got to beat it's traditional rivals like the Audi A8 and Range Rover.

Sitting at the pinnacle of car image are three big name German manufactures: Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

It's a bit like getting a Christmas In July invitation - you think it's a bit over the top but you'll still take up the offer.“We didn't plan to launch this,'' says Audi Australia's Anna Burgdorf of the S8 slingshot limo, “because we didn't expect the demand.''Indeed, even at a projected one sale a month from when the Audi S8 hits the Australian market in the second quarter of next year, it's still business the company wants. “We expected the S6 or the S7 to take up demand from where the previous S8 left off,'' Ms Burgdorf says. “But we have had a lot of interest - that is, a lot of interest for a $250,000 car.''The S8 continues Audi's plan to reduce the weight of its cars, make them more powerful (though to be politically correct, it's called efficient) and use less fuel.It has the 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that replaces the previous S8's exotic V10 that continues to be used as the premium engine for the R8 and Audi-owned Lamborghini's Gallardo.The delay before the S8 arrives in Australia is attributed to waiting for the mid-life makeover model. The A8, which forms the basis for the S8, started in its current generation in 2010. Audi last imported an S8 in 2010 after selling 45 units in its four-year life.VALUEIt's at the top of Audi's saloon-car range so earns a premium price. It's expected to cost about $250,000 when it gets here about May next year, and the only good news about that is it's $14,000 cheaper than the last S8 to be sold here.The previous V10-engined model was a beast but Audi promises the new version will be more civilised and less aggressive on the owner's wallet. High-end features include double-glazed windows, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, Bose audio, diamond-quilt leather upholstery and a buffed body clothed in subtle bulges, dominant exhaust pipes and 20-inch alloy wheels.DESIGNThe latest S8 - the one we get in May - gets relatively minor upgrades on the current A8, but remain important to differentiate the car and the temperament of its owner. The grille is finished in platinum - rather than silver - and features black slats on the front, bold S8 badges, chrome exhaust pipes and the 20-inch S8-specific alloys open the spokes over black-painted brake calipers.TECHNOLOGYIt's all in the engine. The 382kW/650Nm 4-litre gets two identical turbochargers siting within the vee of the V8. It is technically similar to the RS6's 412kW/700Nm engine, just muted to suit a less frenetic lifestyle. To save fuel, there's cylinder deactivation when cruising and stop-start for traffic congestion.Electronic engine-mount dampers cradle the V8 so you never feel it switch from eight cylinders to four. The engine drives an eight-speed torque-converter automatic to power all wheels. The body is all aluminium with an all-alloy suspension system, electric-assist steering - with drive-select modes - and despite its 1975kg weight, streaks the 100km/h dash in a very unlimousine-like 4.2 seconds. It's also capable of a 10.2 litres/100km average drawing from an autobahn-friendly 90-litre tank.SAFETYThe S8 showcases Audi's safety arsenal and most of the options on lesser models here become standard. The adaptive cruise system is one of the highlights, with the ability to use its radar to pick up danger signs from the front and rear of the car.There's also blind-spot monitor, a driver fatigue system, lane-change warning and so on. The S8 doesn't have an official crash rating.DRIVINGThis isn't exactly the car we'll get in Australia. This is the current car and gets its mid-life makeover - a soft change to the nose and tail but no driveline alterations - in production later this year. It's a chance, however, to feel what a few Australians will be able to buy come early 2014. For a start, though technically similar to the RS6's powerplant, the noise is less dominant and the power delivery less intense.Yet 382kW/650Nm isn't cheese dip and it pumps with immediate response in a predictable, linear delivery. It's more responsive and quicker than the old V10 and 23 per cent more fuel efficient, while carving a massive 54kg off the engine weight. Win, win!There's a lot of sports-oriented gear in the car - real carbon-fibre trim, alloy edging, bold S8 graphics, lowered body, fat bodykit and the paddle-shifters on the steering column - and while the engine fulfils much of the visual promise, it's still restrained.The exhaust growls as it sets off and changes pitch to a roar in proportion to the arc of the tacho needle. It's clearly quick but the cabin is too good at cocooning the occupants. But it's a superb cruiser and on the German autobahns on a quiet day, will double Australia's speed limit without appearing to stretch a muscle.VERDICTNice car but we may be living in the wrong country.AUDI S8Price: est. $250,000Warranty: 3 years/unlimited, roadside assistCapped servicing: NoService interval: 12mths/15,000kmResale: 55%Safety: 10 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol, 382kW/650NmTransmission: 8-spd auto; constant AWDThirst: 10.2L/100km; 98RON; 237g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.1m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.5m (H)Weight: 1975kgSpare: None

Somewhere in the world, today probably, some clown is filling up the stonking Audi A8 4.2-litre V8 TDI's fuel tank with petrol.That's because the filler has yet to recognise that this near silent, elegant, rapid and authoritatively-styled German is powered by a diesel engine. Getting out the petrol, flushing the fuel lines and replacing a few injectors and filters will be expensive.Very expensive. But doubtless Audi service centres around the world are well practised. How can one blame the guy who filled it up? The A8 4.2TDI idles with almost inaudible assurance, responds instantly to a touch of the accelerator and cuts through freeway traffic with so little fuss and bereft of noise that the clink of Armagnac flutes from the rear seat can clearly be heard.VALUE All this doesn't come for nothing. The limousine will cost $238,500 before it's ready for the road. It is loaded with equipment that will keep you amused for hours - possibly days. If you let children loose in here, you may not see them for months.All this before you turn over the engine. Standard kit starts with the best materials and finest construction ever to grace the cabin of a sub-$500,000 car. It's brilliant.There's also a superb audio and sat-nav system, a touchpad with handwriting recognition, wireless for your iPad/iPhone or Android and Audi's Multi Media Interface that does everything from alter the drivetrain characteristics to help lower fuel consumption.DESIGN It's a lavish and expansive saloon with its hard bits built predominantly from aluminium - it weighs about 40 per cent less than a comparable steel body - and the soft bits from leather, padded vinyl and wool-blend carpet. It has family lines but while its possible to mistake it for an A6 on a damp night, it is clearly too much a limousine to be an A4. There's more room than most people deserve and even the boot is big enough to carry sufficient cash to buy a small country. TECHNOLOGYThe A8 rides on adaptive air suspension and the bi-turbo V8 diesel drives all wheels through an eight-speed sequential automatic. Remarkably, the 4.2-litre engine pumps 258kW/800Nm - that's not a mistake - and yet can get 7.6 L/100km.Not when you max it out over the 0-100km/h spring, however, which can be dashed in a mere 5.5 seconds. Not bad for a 2-tonne, 5.1m top-notch four-door sedan. The MMI also gets a nod for its technological excellence. SAFETY This should go without saying but the A8 is the pinnacle of Audi's safety program. Some of the equipment is optional - and no surprise here but it's expensive - but the standard lifesaving aids should be more than adequate. The A8 previews Audi's pre-sense safety system for avoiding accidents and minimising the consequences, and gets night vision assistant with pedestrian marking and adaptive cruise control with "stop and go'' feature.DRIVINGForget the word diesel and immerse yourself in 800Nm of torque flowing seamlessly to all wheels through a silky ZF eight-cog auto. Wet corners at night dissolve as a dry corner in day with the limpet grip of the tyres and AWD and the canny electronic aids. The quietness is so unnatural that the experience of cruising country highways is almost surreal.Back to reality quickly, though, when overtaking and feeling that torque thrust the car forward without a murmur. Practical car for the city? Probably not. Perfect open-road tourer - also a maybe given it has no proper spare wheel. But the liquidity of its forward motion and readiness to spring to life without flinching, is magic.Audi A8 4.2 TDIPrice: $238,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km, roadside assistResale: n/aService interval: 10,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5-starsSpare: noneEngine: 4.2-litre V8 bi-turbo diesel 258kW/800NmTransmission: 8-spd auto, AWDBody: 5.1m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 2070kgThirst: 7.6 1/100km; 199g/km Co2

The big A8 is Audi's flagship model and competes against the likes of the Benz S-Class and BMW's 7 Series.But it's sportier than the Benz and stands out in a way that the 7 Series never could - a car that for some reason is virtually invisible on the road. The big diesel walks the line between performance and economy, unlike a petrol V8.VALUEDeep breath. It's high end luxury and the asking price is a whopping $234,500, about $80,000 more than we guessed. For the same price you can have the 4.2 FSI petrol model or, if more legroom is required, there's also a long wheelbase version for another $15,000.Standard features include leather, wood, a sunroof, four-zone airconditioning, power operated boot, plus hard drive audio with satellite navigation and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.The thing is even at this price many features remain optional some of which should perhaps be standard like adaptive cruise control at $5400. It's opulent all right but for a high end model, a little light on in the gadget department.DESIGNThe A8 is Audi's technology leader. It's a long 5.137 metres, aluminium bodied to save weight and kitted out with lots of leather and wood trim. Our test vehicle even smelled like it had been freshly polished inside. The front seats are 22-way power adjustable and the ambient strip lighting in the cabin is a real treat at night.SAFETYAs good as it gets with a pre-sense safety system for avoiding accidents and for minimizing their consequences. Comes with all the safety gear you'd expect including six airbags, all-wheel drive, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.TECHNOLOGYThe 4.1-litre, not 4.2 twin turbo diesel V8 (it has a capacity of 4134cc) delivers 258kW of power and a massive 800Nm of torque from a low 1750 revs. 0-100km/h takes a surprisingly quick 5.5 seconds and it even sounds like a V8, but doesn't have anywhere near the same appetite for fuel.Claimed fuel consumption is an incredible 7.6 litres/100km, which with a 90 litre tank gives the car a range of 1184km  but the trip computer was showing a more realistic longterm average of 12.8.The V8 is hooked up to a state of the art eight speed auto complete with paddles shifts, with drive to all four wheels via a self-locking centre differential. Despite its size it weighs only 1995kg because of the all-aluminium construction.DRIVEThe all-wheel drive system is biased towards the rear to give the car a sportier feel, with a sports differential that distributes power between the rear wheels for better handling. Feels slower than it is but when the lights go green you'll soon discover yourself 200 metres down the road ahead of everyone else. Even in dynamic mode the adaptive air suspension was a little soft for our liking, but you can add sports suspension for another $2200.It has really annoying brakes that pull you up abruptly but then the car rocks backwards and forwards on its suspension before finally coming to rest.VERDICTOf the big German three we prefer the Audi, but if economy is a priority we'd probably opt for the much cheaper 3.0-litre diesel which also offers plenty of performance. Then of course there's the superlative S8 which we'd buy in heartbeat if we won Lotto.AUDI A8Price: $234,000 (FSI), $188,000 (V6), $234,500 (TDI V8)Engines: 4.2L V8 petrol, 3.0L TDI V6, 4.2L TDI V8)Power: 273kW (FSI), 184kW (V6), 258kW (TDI V8)Torque: 445Nm (FSI), 550Nm (V6), 800Nm (TDI V8)Transmission: 8-speed auto with paddle shiftsEconomy: (l/100km): 9.5 (FSI), 6.6 (V6), 7.6 (TDI V8) CO2 (g/km): 219 (FSI), 176 (V6), 199 (TDI V8)

THE nation's "decision-makers" now have three more luxury saloons to choose from. Audi has added two turbo-diesel A8s to the existing 4.2 FSI petrol V8 model with a long-wheelbase model coming next month.The new flagship is the 4.2 TDI V8, the first V8 diesel in its class. It will be joined by a 3.0 TDI V6. It will be joined by a 3.0 TDI V6. All engine models also now come in a long-wheelbase version.Audi Australia boss Uwe Hagen says these models will make them more competitive."The D segment is really important to us because these are the decision-makers of the country," he says.PRICEThe diesel V8 arrives at the same price of $234,000 as the existing 4.2 FSI V8, providing a tempting choice for decision-makers. The 3.0 TDI V6 is listed at $188,000.A8 product planner Jacqueline Walden says 35 per cent of all Audi sales last year were diesel-powered. She expects the two new diesel models to represent 70 per cent of A8 sales with about 60 per cent of those buyers opting for the flagship."We will have a diesel in every model in our range by the end of the year except the R8," she says.The A8 comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive Audi "drive select" and air suspension. The V8 also gets a sport differential which splits torque between the rear wheels for better drive through corners. It's optional in the V6.The V6 comes with 18-inch alloys, pre-sense safety system, rear camera and parking system, cruise control, MMI satnav, Bluetooth, music interface, metallic or pearl paint, electric adjustable steering column, electric sunroof, Xenon headlights and LED daytime lights.The V8 adds 19-inch alloys, ambient lighting in three colours, adaptive lights that monitor oncoming cars, automatic boot lid, servo-closing doors, Bose sound system, digital TV and sports diff.Key options include LED headlights ($2700), night vision assistant with pedestrian detection ($5400), adaptive cruise with stop and go ($5395), adaptive cruise with lane assist, side assist and pre sense plus ($9080), 1400-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system ($16,950 in the V6 and $14,430 in the V8) and rear seat entertainment screens ($9845).TECHNOLOGYWalden says the TDI technology has a "racing pedigree" from their four diesel-powered Le Mans victories."TDI not only benefits the race track, but also customers," she says. The new turbo-diesel engines are "high-performance, low-consumption, lightweight and compact engines".New to the 3.0 TDI V6 is a stop-start system that switches the engine off when stationary. Walden says this, alone, represents a fuel consumption saving of up to 0.4 per cent. Other fuel-saving technologies in the V6 are an on-demand oil pump, reduced internal friction, thermal management and a recuperation system.The engine weighs 194kg, which is 23kg less than the previous model. Power has been increased 13kW to 184kW and torque is up 100Nm to 550Nm, yet fuel consumption is down 1.4 litres per 100km to 6.6L/100km and CO2 emissions are down 40g/km to 176g/km. But most impressive is the stonking 258kg 4.2 TDI V8 with a walloping 800Nm of torque.Yet Audi claims it sips fuel at 7.6L/100km and emits CO2 at 199g/km. Fuel economy is reduced 6 per cent by the addition of an eight-speed transmission, with shift-by-wire technology.DESIGNThe new A8 arrived last year and these models continue the same Audi style with single-frame grille, V shape bonnet and coupe-like D pillar.It's an attractive, if understated saloon, with an opulent and hi-tech interior. The MMI touchpad infotainment system is a little more complex than before and takes a bit of getting used to. However, the touchpad function helps simplify use and the restyled gear lever actually becomes a handy arm rest when using the touchpad.Underneath is the new Audi spaceframe which is 40 per cent lighter than a conventional steel body.DRIVINGThe national media launch of the A8 took us down narrow country roads west of Melbourne. We marveled at the car's remarkable stability when stepping two wheels off on to the soft dirt shoulder to allow a truck to pass on the narrow bitumen. Then we hit a monster pothole.When we returned to the bitumen, the car immediately felt biased to the left and within a kilometre a warning on the dashboard told us we had a flat tyre. The spare is a space-saver, but thankfully Audi "minders" arrived with a full-size replacement. Owners can't expect that sort of service when they buy the car.The new A8 is a delight to drive and the TDI V8 is an absolute rocketship with acceleration that will pin your ears back and singe your eyebrows. Audi tells us it accelerates to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.But most importantly for drivers and passengers in this class of car, the diesels don't sound or feel like tractors. They are smooth and quiet, while the V8 has a macho growl at full throttle that could fool most people into thinking it's a petrol engine. They handle like much smaller cars and the sports diff gives them even greater cornering agility.VERDICTAudi's new diesel A8s provide the "decision maker" with a balanced approach to power, economy, environmental concerns and safety.AUDI A8Pricing: $234,000 (FSI), $188,000 (V6), $234,500 (TDI V8)Engines: 4.2L V8 petrol, 3.0L TDI V6, 4.2L TDI V8)Power: 273kW (FSI), 184kW (V6), 258kW (TDI V8)Torque: 445Nm (FSI), 550Nm (V6), 800Nm (TDI V8)Transmission: 8-speed auto with paddle shiftsEconomy (l/100km): 9.5 (FSI), 6.6 (V6), 7.6 (TDI V8)CO2 (g/km): 219 (FSI), 176 (V6), 199 (TDI V8)

Anyone who is a fan of driving movies will know what I mean when I say The Transporter should up his asking price and add "delivery guaranteed." That is, of course, if he’s upgrading to the new Audi A8 the pricetag now starts at a tickle over $225,000 but there’s a stack more gear, more grunt and less fuel being burnt.It’s subtle, perhaps too conservatively styled, but it feels like it could tackle any sealed road excursion with the best of German composure.VALUEThe 4.2 V8 is priced from $225,904 a $19,000 price rise over the old car, but there’s more vehicle for the money as the wheelbase has grown 48mm to 2992mm, contributing to an overall increase in length to 5137mm, up 75mm.The features list is extensive (and some of the options expensive) but the interior is dominated by a redesigned centre stack and dashboard, with a new multimedia interface. There’s the full sat-nav system which has the touchpad for manual entry of letters or numbers (probably easier for a left-hander to use), a Bose surround-sound 600-watt 14-speaker sound system, power-adjustable seats and quad-zone climate control.The options list includes a Valcona leather trim package for $26,385, plus there's an additional leather package that ups that again by a little over $20,000. Also available are full LED headlights for $2700, adjustable rear seats for an additional $9440, $5500 of heating and cooling for the front seats, the 1400-watt Bang and Olufsen 19-speaker sound system (including subwoofer) at $14,430 so if your bank balance can deal with is then the pricetag could easily approach $300-large and that’s before you get to the safety equipment options.TECHNOLOGYThe drivetrain has benefitted from the latest in engine tweaks, with outputs from the 4.2-litre direct-injection V8 up a little to 273kW and 445Nm, but the increases are offset by the use energy recovery systems, lower internal friction and an on-demand oil pump.Team all that with a very clever eight-speed auto and a lean (for its girth) 1835kg kerb weight and it all adds up to 13 per cent lower fuel consumption the claim is 9.5 but in the real world (with some enthusiastic use of the V8) that rose into the teens.SAFETYTop of the pile in safety equipment is the Audi pre-sense drive safety system, which offers three levels of driver assist systems (up to $10,000 on the options list). The accident anticipation system keeps an eye on the road ahead and will prep the car, warn the driver and then take action if it deems necessary to reduce or avoid an accident. We didn’t test it to that extent but it does get your attention.There’s also dual front and side airbags (front and rear), full-length curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control The test car had the $5400 optional night-vision system (that uses thermal imaging) and the adaptive cruise control system (with Stop and Go function), but its the former that was tested with interest.The pedestrian spotting function I had dismissed as a bit of a gimmick not just on Audis version either but a dark suburban street with two hidden walkers soon changed my mind.The adaptive headlights also proved worthwhile on a night run, probably saving the life of a dawdling koala on the exit to a corner he was lit up a few valuable seconds earlier.DRIVINGIt might not be a lakeside retreat but it was easy to ask "How’s the serenity?" A very quiet cruiser, the lack of any exterior noise was near the top of the class.The big sedan feels light to drive in its comfort or automatic (the latter the better for most driving) suspension mode, easily taking in its stride road imperfections that would previously have had this breed thumping a little, even riding on 45-profile tyres.Switching through to dynamic mode offers very effective body control without the same level of nervous jiggle that the top handling mode can deliver in such systems. There’s also much less of the remote feeling that some adjustable air suspensions can return.The big V8 sings sweetly but almost too quietly (bring on an S8 please) as it zips with almost no discernible change through the eight gears, swiftly and quietly dispatching of a back road run with unruffled elegance and a grin on the drivers face.The new-look transmission selector, reminiscent of a fighter-plane video game control, makes selecting Sport mode easy but in the other direction more than a few times I overshot Reverse and went into Park at in-opportune moments.The cabin is a beautifully lit cocoon, with comfortable seating and climate-controlled tranquility. If you had to drive from Perth to Sydney there are probably few better machines in which to do it.Unfortunately, not everything worked to plan Audis normally unflappable systems were marred by a sat-nav/infotainment freeze, which included shutting down the Bluetooth. The driver was well looked after by the active bolsters and massage function but the front passengers system stopped and (unlike the infotainment problem) failed to return.VERDICTA seriously capable uber-saloon that covers a broad breadth of duties with aplomb a few niggles did take the shine off and for this money you’d want everything to work.AUDI A8 4.2 FSI QUATTROPrice: from $225,904Engine: 4.2-litre DOHC continuous intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment 32-valve direct-injection V8Transmission: eight-speed tiptronic auto, all-wheel drive with self-locking centre differentialPower: 273kW at 6800rpmTorque: 445Nm at 3500rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h 5.7 seconds, top speed 250km/h (governed)Fuel consumption: 9.5 litres/100km 95 RON, on test 14.6, tank 90 litresEmissions: 219g/km, EU5Suspension: Five-link front suspension, upper and lower wishbones, tubular anti-roll bar, air Suspension (front); trapezoidal-link suspension with wishbones, tubular anti-roll bar, air suspension (rear)Brakes: four-wheel ventilated discs, with ESP/ABS/EBD, brake booster; hydraulic brake assist, electromechanical parking brakeDimensions: length 5137mm, width 1949mm, height 1460mm, wheelbase 2992mm, track fr/rr 1644/1635mm, cargo volume 510 litres, weight 1835kgWheels: 19in alloys.

While I don’t go to bars anymore, to me they're not much different to a new car showroom. You know before you even reach the glass front door that you could exchange a lot of money for fleeting thrills. If it's a luxury car, that thrill could cost you upwards to $300,000 and the next morning's hangover would be $50,000-plus in depreciation. So you want to get it right.Consider the Audi A8, Jaguar XJ and BMW 750i.Compared with the Jaguar XJ, the A8 is unobtrusive. Compared to the BMW 750i, the A8 is feminine. Sashay into a dim bar after dark and you'd immediately lust after the XJ. There's no doubt that with the XJ absent, you'd flirt with the A8 at the bar. If it was the 750i, you'd be attracted but always wonder what's under the skirt. But looks aren't everything.VALUEIt’s unlikely Audi A8 buyers just won Lotto. This, like the BMW and the Jaguar, is an Amex trinket designed for the “love ’em-leave ’em” coolness of the corporate world. Value is, of course, subjective to how much you have in your wallet. Or the colour of your Amex.The A8 is top of the wozzer for high-tech equipment and is the only Audi sedan to get the 4.2-litre V8 engine and eight-speed auto box with all-wheel drive - undeniably an enticing package.Value? Hey, it's your money but there are some strong rivals (two above plus Mercedes and Lexus) so look around.TECHNOLOGYLet me impress you - the A8 is a wonder of aluminium castings and tubes over which is stretched 11 taut body panels, also made of aluminium. The engine is also aluminium and the bits that are left are leather, wool carpet, slices of trees and rubber. There's steel in there somewhere but it's not on show.The V8 comes standard - the 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel is an option - with its impressive eight-speed auto and chassis dynamics that let you dial in the air suspension's firmness and engine/steering response.It has a brilliant sat-nav system and TV, plus lots of buttons and strips of wood and perforated and quilted leather seats.DESIGNIt is contemporary but conservatively styled, appearing that the designer wanted to appease all possible buyers. During the drawing process, he somehow found himself stroll too far into an accountant's loungeroom. The sum of the exotically-made parts is a shape that is taut, trim and utterly efficient,­ but not seductive and doesn't portray the sticker price or the technology beneath its skin.Inside, it doesn't feel big and even the rear seat room isn't limousine class, though there's a long wheelbase version. But, and it's a big but, the workmanship is superb.SAFETYLots of airbags, heaps of electronic aids and the size of the A8 go a long way in attempting to preserve its occupants.There's nothing wanting here and, at nearly a quarter of a million bucks, there wouldn't want to be.DRIVINGOddly, it doesn't feel as big as the dimensions suggest. It sits snugly on the road and it's only until you hit undulations that there's a suggestion that the A8 is made for comfort. The electronically-controlled air suspension can, however, be switched through various degrees to achieve a firm-ish ride and to settle down any blancmange sensations through the corners. This chassis softness is probably precisely what the A8's audience wants, yet it is at odds with the noticeable growl of the V8 engine when the driver massages the accelerator.If you expect this car to leap away from the lights, it does. It's quick but that's not the whole story. The V8 is audible but the transmission's upchanges are almost invisible. All you feel is a slight tug as the next cog is fed through. Audi will let you play with the box, providing steering-wheel paddles to click up and down the ratios, but you may tire of this effort in a car made for serenity, not competition.VERDICTLovely job in terms of quality and technology but buyers may be lured more to the more stylish offerings, such as the Jaguar XJ.AUDI A8Price: $225,904Engine: 4.2-litre V8; 273kW/ 445NmTransmission: 8-speed sequential auto; AWDThirst: 9.5 litres/100km

THE previous Audi A8 had a hi-tech system you don't find in other cars: a fingerprint reader like the ones on business laptops. It could authenticate a driver and then load their preferences for seating, mirrors, aircon and audio. When the car emerged in 2002, this was very novel.TECHNOLOGYIn the new A8, which goes on sale next month, the fingerprint reader has disappeared but there's something else that's exclusive to Audi: a touchpad that allows the driver to input letters or numbers by tracing them with a finger. You might use it to set a destination on the sat-nav or call up a number on your Bluetooth-linked mobile.Audi doesn't say why the fingerprint reader has disappeared; it was presumably not as useful as it seemed. Where a car is used by different drivers, their preferences can be stored on each individual's key. If buyers were demanding it, other carmakers would have followed suit. But they didn't. The fingerprint reader turned out to be a technological cul-de-sac in the car market.Even though it's only just arrived, I suspect the touchpad will go the same way. Each letter must be traced as a capital and confirmation given by the system before moving on to the next. Once you get the hang of it, it's reliable -- except for the letter A, awkward for a company called Audi -- but slow. In right-hand-drive markets such as Australia, you must write with your left hand, the wrong one for most people. Voice recognition is quicker and you don't have to take your hands off the wheel.The touchpad will no doubt appeal to some buyers, but ultimately it's a bit of a gimmick. In the context of the new A8, though, it does the vital job of keeping up appearances. Audi, in common with most carmakers, uses its flagship luxury sedan as its technology spearhead.The A8 is positively packed with new technology. For the first time it has an active cruise control system that can brake to a halt, then get going again without any driver intervention. There's night vision that can recognise and highlight pedestrians, and a system that detects an imminent collision and applies the brakes. There are “intelligent” LED headlights and clever ambient strip-lights in the cabin.These are sophisticated systems that have been finessed to a high level in the A8. However, all of them have already been offered elsewhere. In the equivalent Mercedes, BMW or Lexus, some of this technology has been available for four years or more.Except, of course, for the touchpad reader. Audi has that to itself.This doesn't make the A8 less desirable. But it does make Audi a follower, rather than a leader, in top-end technology. And that runs counter to the brand's carefully cultivated image. The touchpad is the cherry on top of a splendid gateau that's not quite as fresh as it appears.DRIVEThere's a similar problem with another a key claim for the car. “The A8 is the sportiest sedan in the segment,” says Audi Australia's managing director Uwe Hagen. That's a big call against the new Jaguar XJ, BMW 7 Series and even the stately Mercedes S-Class.On vital statistics, the A8 compares fairly well. It's a bigger car all around than before, but weight gains have been minimised by aluminium construction, which Audi pioneered in this segment in the mid-1990s. The 4.2-litre V8 under the bonnet has been made 13 per cent more fuel efficient -- helped by a new eight-speed automatic transmission -- but can still propel 1.9 tonnes to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.The all-wheel drive system splits torque 40:60 front-rear, in common with most upmarket Audis. The aluminium suspension features adaptive dampers and a sports differential, which can divide torque between the rear wheels.Audi always makes sweet-sounding engines and this V8 plays a typically enticing tune, with the volume turned down a bit for the sake of refinement. The pace doesn't feel electrifying, but it's sufficient. It's as quick as the 5.0-litre V8 Jaguar XJ, which is lighter, but a half-second slower than the 300kW BMW 750i.The launch drive in Queensland, up a winding road to the Atherton Tablelands, made the most of the Audi's strongest dynamic virtue: grip. The all-wheel drive system hangs on tight and makes the car secure at speed through tight corners. In wet weather on tricky roads, it would be a boon.For the purist, though, rear-wheel drive will be more involving and, unfortunately, Audi's claim of sportiness comes unstuck elsewhere. The body rolls around quite a lot, even on dynamic settings, and the weight transfer side-to-side or front-rear isn't as controlled as rivals achieve.The steering is inert and it's hard to dial in a corner without lots of little adjustments, while bumps send shudders through the wheel. The brakes are easy to modulate -- they often feel over-assisted in Audis -- but they're a highlight in an otherwise less-than-engaging experience.The same engineering that makes the A8 a place-getter in the sporting stakes also handicaps its bid for luxury supremacy, with a ride quality that's too floaty in comfort setting and too jittery in other modes. Despite these qualifications, the A8 is undeniably a lovely car, fitted and finished to Audi's exemplary standards. If it's optioned to the max, you will want for very little.DESIGNThe cabin, especially with satin metal trim, is one of the most appealing at this level. The seats are excellent and the range of adjustment is the most comprehensive I've seen. You could probably fold the front pew into an origami animal, with enough patience. Audi has overhauled its control system for the car and aside from the aircon, which still requires too many button-presses for simple functions, it's first rate.The A8 is also competitive on boot space, although one surprise was less-than-generous space in the rear of the cabin. This is odd given the car's additional length, although it's probably explained by the fact the A8 will eventually be offered as a hybrid. Some of the extra real estate has been set aside for the electric gubbins. The hybrid is unlikely to be offered in Australia, but a 184kW turbo-diesel V6 will join the V8 towards the end of this year.The exterior of the A8, while obviously new, works within the brand's design parameters. That's enough to make it feel attractively modern, if oddly conservative. In design terms, Audi is the strongest of the German carmakers and the A8 reinforces this reputation through consistency rather than innovation.VERDICTThe A8, like its predecessors, arrives as a contender in the top luxury segment rather than its heir apparent. Most Australian customers at this level go for the other Germans, with a new Mercedes S-Class selling as many in one year as the previous A8 achieved over its entire life cycle.This is unlikely to change, even though this A8 is both more efficient and less expensive than its rivals. The A8's real significance is this: having unveiled a lot of technology for the brand, Audi can quickly move it into other models.In the race to make premium cars in as many niches as possible, Audi has been streaking ahead. In the eight years since the previous A8 appeared, it has added multiple new model lines, including the A5 junior executive, the R8 supercar and two SUVs, the Q5 and Q7. Within a year or two, we'll see an A1 entry model below the A3 hatchback, a smaller Q3 compact softroader and much more.Once the A8 has done its job as master of ceremonies for new technology, Audi can fit it into the smaller premium segments where it will wow the young, fashion-conscious buyers it's chasing most effectively. Because at this level, there are few extra sales to be had.AUDI A8 - $225,904 plus on-road costsVehicle: Large luxury sedanEngine: 4.2-litre V8Outputs: 273kW at 6800rpm and 445Nm at 3500rpmTransmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel driveRead more about prestige motoring at The Australian.

The new Audi A8 is seen as the flagship for the brand but also a forerunner for the brand's future direction, including the small A1, the recently-unveiled A7 and the new A6, all set for 2011 appearances.The company's A8 flagship is aiming to be seen as progressive, luxurious and still a driver's car, but it's hard to get past the immense amount of technology within its aluminium body and spaceframe.Safety systems, interior design, materials and features are all contributing to the A8's target of being desirable and prestigious.New Audi Australia managing director Uwe Hagen has been looking forward to the release of the company's new flagship, calling it the ambassador for the future.The new A8 is priced from $225,904 and is due to go on sale in September, the three-litre TDI model is due before the end of the year and the 4.2 turbodiesel is coming in 2011.Engines and gearboxesThe launch model is powered by a 273kW/445Nm 4.2-litre direct-injection V8 - increases of 20kW and 5Nm over the previous car.The A8 sedan boasts energy recovery systems, lower internal friction and an on-demand oil pump, which with the eight-speed auto all contribute to lowering fuel consumption by 13 per cent, from 10.9 to 9.5 litres per 100km for the petrol V8.Coming later this year will be the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, which offers 184kW and 550Nm, boasting a fuel consumption figure of 6.6 litres per 100km and emissions of 176g/km, with a 4.2-litre TDI V8 planned for 2011.Both engines have braking energy recovery to store normally-wasted energy in the battery to reduce charge loads on the engine and reduce fuel consumption, but the three-litre TDI only will have start-stop when the vehicle is stationary.The drivetrain is headlined by an eight-speed automatic, teamed to the quattro all-wheel drive system that runs 40 per cent front, 60 per cent rear -- although that can rise to 85 per cent under appropriate conditions.It also has as standard the sport differential (for V8s) that distributes the drive between the rear wheels as well.Equipment, features and pricing.Top of the heap on the safety front is the pre-sense drive safety system, which offers three levels of driver assist systems (up to $10,000 on the options list) in a similar manner to Benz systems, employing the radar cruise control systems with the stop-start technology, braking and suspension systems to assist the driver in avoiding an accident, including rearward-facing systems. There is also a $5400 night vision system (that uses thermal imaging), adaptive cruise control system (with Stop and Go function), lane and blind spot assist systems.Standard fare as you'd expect is considerable - dual front, side (front and rear) and full-length curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, electronic centre diff lock and a quattro all-wheel drive system sit beneath the lightweight aluminium spaceframe.The petrol V8 gets the sport rear diff to send drive left and right as required, which is optional on the diesel; sports air suspension is optional on both the petrol V8 and the three-litre diesel.The petrol V8 gets 19-in alloys, the three-litre TDI will arrive on 18in wheels; both will have the option of 20in rims, with latter also able to opt for 19in wheels.Inside the opulent, flowing cabin there is full leather, 22-way power-adjustable seats, full satnav, a Bose surround sound 600-watt 14-speaker audio system (a $3000 option on the 3.0 TDI) with multi-media system including a touchpad for manual entry of letters to search for numbers or locations.Also standard is the quad-zone climate control, with controls in the rear armrest.OptionsThe list of extras is considerable, kicking off with an epic interior leather package that is extremely opulent, very comfortable but also expensive.The Audi design selection in Balao brown is full Valcona leather trim package, includes seats, dashboard, rear comfort head restraints, ash wood inlays, brushed aluminium silver trim inlays - pricetag $26,385.But as they say .... wait, there's more - an additional leather package, full–range option that ups that by a little over $20,000.There are also full LED headlights for $2700, adjustable rear seats for $9440 (which drops the rear seats to two), $5500 worth of heating and cooling for the front seats.The Bang & Olufsen 19 speaker sound system (including subwoofer) with more than 1400 Watts is a $16,950 option on the 3.0 TDI and a $14,430 upgrade on the petrol V8.DrivingIt's a near silent ride in the new A8, apart from a bit of tyre noise which is probably only noticed because the absence of other noise.The new A8 feels light on its feet, with the four-mode suspension delivering a well-sorted ride; even in the dynamic mode the A8's suspension system has been given the smarts to get rid of the jiggle present in some active systems.Audi have boasted that they have not forgotten about the driver and it's a claim with substance.The big V8 sings sweetly but quietly as it zips through the eight gears, with near-DSG quality and speed.The big Audi doesn't drive like a heavy car, topping the scales at just over 1800kg when much of its competition is nearing two tonnes.The optional sound system and seating fitted to the launch car is exceptional in quality but carrying a correspondingly crippling pricetag.Audi A8 sedanPrice: from $225,904.Engines: 4.2-litre FSI direct-injection petrol V8, 3.0-litre common-rail direct-injection variable-geometry turbodiesel V6.Power: 273kW; 184kW.Torque: 445Nm; 550Nm.Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive.Performance: 0-100km/h 5.7 secs (3.0 TDI 6.6), top speed 250km/h (governed).Suspension: Five-link suspension, upper and lower wishbones, tubular anti-roll bar, air suspension (front); trapezoidal-link suspension with wishbones, tubular anti-roll bar, air suspension (rear).Brakes: four-wheel discs, front ventilated, with anti-lock and stability control systems.Fuel consumption/capacity: claimed 9.5 l/100km (3.0 TDI 6.6), on launch drive 13.5, tank 90 litres.Emissions (g/km): 219 (3.0 TDI 176).Dimensions: length 5137mm, width 1949mm, height 1460mm, wheelbase 2992mm, track fr/rr 1644/1635mm, boot 510 litres.Weight: 1835kg (3.0 TDI 1840kg).Rivals:BMW 7 Series, from $203,000.Lexus LS460, from $191,164.Mercedes-Benz S-Class, from $214,900.Jaguar XJ, from $246,000.