Audi A8 L - First Test - German Car

First TestIn today's economy, bigger is better, especially in the luxury market. By expanding its model lineup, the high-end Audi A8 can now address both the sporty and the sumptuous sides of its segment.

Answering a "shortcoming" of the A8, Audi designers stretched the aluminum space frame 5.1 inches for the comfort-oriented L model, increasing rear legroom by almost 3 inches and achieving nominal gains in head and shoulder space. However, to counteract a sharp increase in weight, the added length would bring, engineers achieved a notable 10-percent reduction in unsprung mass. Despite being aluminum intensive, though, the space-framed A8 L still tips the scales at slightly more than the Mercedes-Benz S430 and only 32 pounds lighter than the BMW 740iL.

A gain of 88 pounds over the standard A8 also comes from increased feature content, which includes such standard hedonistic delights as power rear window sunshade, manual side shades, heated front and rear seats, GPS navigation system, exclusive "comfort" seats, and electronic stability control. A8 updates for 2000 further pamper, such as improved audio controls, more user-friendly color information display, additional soft-tone interior lighting, and supple Valcona leather. Airbags abound, with front, side, rear side, and large Sideguard curtains.

The net effect is an extremely well-equipped automobile that is as commodious in back as up front. Rear passengers can even dial in comfort with electric head rests and lumbar adjustments, while the numerous aft-chamber air vents make for excellent personal comfort zones. Though legroom isn't quite limousine-generous, it's ample to satisfy full-size adults on long trips.

A significantly revised 4.2-liter/310-horsepower DOHC V-8 employs five valves per cylinder. The long-stroke architecture provides sufficient torque in a compact package (302 pound-feet at 3000 rpm), while reducing weight by 25 pounds over last year's powerplant. Even at high altitude, the responsive engine was quiet, strong, and quick to rev. According to Audi, 0-60-mph time is 6.8 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

Audi expects the A8 L to account for 70 percent of A8 sales in America, customers drawn by the increased features and interior space without performance compromise. Value-priced a few grand lower than '99 models, the A8 starts at $62,000 with the A8 L offered at $67,900. We've always liked this all-wheel-drive Teutonic tourer, and now our rear seat passengers will too.