Audi A8 4.2 TDI L
Nowadays it is a foregone conclusion that when you purchase Audi’s state-of-
The car’s Audi Space Frame (ASF) design and the lightweight manufacturing techniques employed to build it, set it apart from the “others” in the German luxury saloon market. In long wheelbase 4.2 TDI format, this upper hand translates into a spectacular driving experience, underscored by Audi’s obvious excellent grasp of diesel technology. Audi has used their compression-ignition advantage to the full in this car, creating a fuel-sipping super sedan that not only delivers thriftiness in spades, but also refinement in heaps.
Make no mistake; the A8 L is Audi’s absolute flagship sedan. Longer than the “ordinary” A8 by 130 mm, it manages to take what is a perfectly acceptably sized interior and stretch it out into ballroom territory. It is quite amazing to see what a difference it makes, but less amazing to know that you will sacrifice an additional R161,500 for the privilege.The 4.2-litre TDI A8 L ranks front and centre in the A8 L pricing structure for South Africa. At R1,592,000, it straddles the 3.0-litre TDI at R1,295,000 and the uppercase 6.3-litre W12, which comes in at R1,936,500. Our test car was also fitted with R79,900 worth of extra spec, in the form of Matrix LED headlights, Night Vision Assist, seat heating and Park Assist with autonomous parking.
It should be no surprise that the 4.1-litre turbodiesel engine embedded in the A8 generates plenty of torque. Despite its own weight (2,720 kg which remains best in class), the turbodiesel overcomes lethargy quite briskly, reaching 100 km/h from rest in a snappy 4.9 seconds. Yes, this is a luxury saloon that will get you from robot to robot in less time than it takes some supercars, and it will only top out at 250 km/h because it’s governed, but ultimately you won’t choose the long wheelbase Audi for its pavement-scorching abilities.
Diesel propulsion is more about consumption than acceleration (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it), and in that area, the TDI scores well in the A8 L line-up. Driving the car for little less than a week, I recorded consumption figures during five daily commutes – using the car’s own on-board plotter – to better understand how the A8’s different driving modes may affect fuel use during normal operation. While the results were by no means surprising, it was enlightening to try and achieve similar numbers as those quoted by the manufacturer for the combined cycle (see the results below). To an extent an argument can be made, though, that the affluent market likely to buy this car would care least about fuel economy when compared to other buyers.
In day-to-day driving, the TDI’s torque comes in handy, aided very competently by an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic ‘box. Using Sport mode is seldom necessary to achieve great performance, but should you want to intervene with the paddles, you’re likely to find them responsive enough to make the experience fun, and the big sedan delivers the same eager handling – again despite its weight.What did take away from the overall experience in the A8 L, however, was the traditional hydraulic power steering. Although it is quick and accurate – and gives enough tactile feedback to keep the most spirited drivers in touch with every nuance of the road – it displays a similar heaviness observed in some other larger Audis when energetically cornering at low speeds. It is not a serious enough issue to be concerned over, however, and the many other, beautiful attributes this car possesses will certainly keep most drivers engaged enough to never notice.
The A8 4.2 TDI L is a satisfying, enjoyable vehicle to drive. It is super-sized without being heavy or cumbersome, is sumptuously appointed, and boasts enough interior room to have your next board meeting in. Well done on this one, Audi.
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