Upwardly Mobile: Audi A8L Quattro
Thoroughly designed, thoroughly elegant, thoroughly satisfying
By Scott Mead
Photography by David Newhardt
On first glance at its sleek aluminum skin, one may not realize the amount of world rally champion heritage that's integrated into the A8 L, Audi's stretched-for-'01 flagship. In fact, the A8 (L or standard) is the only car among our group that offers all-wheel drive.
Starting with an aluminum space frame, Audi adds a four-link front suspension with coil springs over shocks and a hefty stabilizer bar. A trapezoidal link with track rod, springs/shocks, and anti-roll bar rounds out the rear underpinnings. Our tester features optional 18x8.0-in. alloy wheels shod with Dunlop 245/45ZR18 SP Sport 8000 tires. The result is a truly progressive suspension that allows a smooth ride on open road, yet hunkers down to attack twisty terrain.
Our editors are also wowed by the A8 L's powertrain: a 40-valve (that's five per cylinder: three intake and two exhaust) 4.2L alloy V-8 that delivers 310 hp to the driver's right foot. Mated to the standard five-speed Tiptronic automanual gearbox, the package provides smooth, spirited acceleration.
All interior controls are logically placed and easy to reach. Front buckets are firm and supportive with six-position heat and four-way power lumbar and lateral support, electric headrest, and seatbelt height adjustment. We especially like the HVAC's automatic recirculating feature, which switches off outside air when pollution is present. The standard navigation system-with its in-instrument cluster screen-isn't the easiest to operate and only affords directional indication.
Our tester based at $67,900 and was fitted with optional pearlescent-white clearcoat paint ($1200), 18-in. wheels and tires ($1500), self-leveling Xenon headlamps ($500), acoustic parking system front and rear ($700), and a ski sack ($200) for those planning on visiting the slopes. Total cost: $72,525.
A fully loaded A8 L comes with a host of neat gizmos, like heated door locks, headlamp and windscreen washers; puddle lamps in each door; heated steering wheel; solar sunroof (with built-in fans to cool the interior when parked in the sun). And every A8 L has a trunk that swallows enough bags for a weekend trip for a family of five-including their housekeeping staff.