Review: 2011 Audi A8L 4.2 Quattro Auto Tiptronic Sedan

There are two types of luxury cars.  There are luxury cars...and then there are luxury cars.  The Audi A8L belongs to the second group.  Once you slip behind the wheel of this car, you'll never want to get out.  Never?  Yes, never.  As I begin to write this review and start reminiscing about the week that I spent with the A8L, I still remain speechless over its magnificence.  Who needs to go to the spa to relax when you have this car?

With a 395% increase in sales, it's obvious that luxury car enthusiasts are diggin' the Audi A8L just as much I am.  It has 22 more horsepower than its predecessor, weighs 350 less, and is packed with all the technological bells and whistles which Tech Crunch says is nearly perfect.

The Exterior

The Audi A8L has a very simple, understated, but yet, very commanding aura about it. This car is for people who appreciate elegance, but don't want to be obnoxious

As many Audi enthusiasts would agree, the full LED lights and chrome grille are unmistakably the highlight of the exterior. That's not to say, though, that the little details don't count. I also love the chrome trim along the back bumper. Some people think the grille is just too much, but I personally like it. Everyone has different tastes, right?





Our tester also came equipped with the optional sporty-looking 20-inch wheels and summer tires, which adds even more to the sleek, stylish design of the exterior.

The Interior

The feeling I got when I slipped into the driver's seat of this beauty is unexplainable. To put it simply: It's pure bliss. Even a friend of mine who owned a BMW 7-Series said the interior of the Audi A8L is so much better. The plush leather seating can adjust 18 ways to ensure that you are absolutely comfortable, which also has a memory function so you don't have to manually adjust the seat every time you get in the car. The front seats can also be heated, but not cooled in this test vehicle. (Cooled seats is an extra option, but much needed in San Diego!) And if you're traveling to a hot place like Las Vegas, or you just want some privacy while riding in the back seat, the power side and rear windows have sunshades for added comfort and protection from the sun.

But what was it about the interior that wowed me? One would think that it is the convenience of a voice command system for navigation, or the multi-function steering wheel for music selection. However, I was amazed by the LED ambient interior lighting, which really enhanced the experience. I liken it to being in a spaceship, or what I think one would feel like!

No Audi car review would be complete without mentioning the revolutionary MMI Navigation Plus system with its touch pad that allows you to search quickly through your contacts on your phone, or you can write in your destination without taking your eyes off the road. The 8" LCD monitor rises up out of the dashboard when the car starts, and is connected to the rearview camera and parking system.



The Drive

"How does the Audi A8 feel like when you're driving?" I asked my fiance.

"It feels like I'm on a cloud," he replied.

My thoughts exactly.

With 372 horsepower, 328 lb or torque, and an all-wheel drive system, this baby is something to write home about. Our tester was equipped with the Audi's drive select plus package ($2,300) that includes quattro sports rear differential and dynamic steering to deliver that sports car feel whenever you so desire. I had no idea that you could get that type of sports car driving performance in a sedan, but in the world of Audi, anything is possible.

And since you're getting decent gas mileage (17 City MPG and 27 Highway MPG), it's ok to crank up the speed a little to get the full experience of floating in a cloud.

One of the driving features that I like is the Electronic Stabilization Program that includes Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), which I was able to experience first-hand as we were navigating through hills. The car would automatically apply the brakes as we rolled downhill and prevented it from swerving.

Pricing

Base Price (MSRP): $84,000
Audi drive select plus package: $2,300
20-inch wheels w/ summer tires: $1,200
Destination Charge: $875
Total Price as Shown: $88,375
Fuel, license, title fees, and taxes not included


Check out more photos of the 2011 Audi A8L on Flickr....