Big cars like the Audi A8 are where luxury starts to get serious. Even in a marketplace where SUVs and crossovers are the sales kings, full-size upscale sedans still command a lot of attention for having so much presence. That was true before luxury SUVs came along, and we'd argue it's even more relevant now we're accustomed to big, tall vehicles being the ones occupying all the parking lot real estate.
For 2018, the A8 is unchanged, carrying over from last year without so much as an extra standard feature or two in either of the two available trim levels.
Unlike many Audi models, the A8's trims are based around what's under the hood. The range starts with the 3.0T model, featuring a 3.0L supercharged V6 that sounds small for such a big car, but generates a healthy 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Want more? Go for the 4.0T and its turbocharged 4.0L V8, good for 450 hp and 444 lb-ft.
Both come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and, naturally, Audi's Quattro AWD system.
We've always considered the A8 among the sportiest of the German flagships, in spite of BMW's reputation as the "ultimate" driver's car. But if you're looking to make a dramatic entrance, this may not be the car for you: the A8 looks imposing, but the 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class look more expensive.
Standard kit in 3.0T models includes 19-inch wheels, steerable xenon headlights with washers, power trunk (with hands-free operation) and soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, leather seating with heat at all four outboard positions, 14-way power front seat adjustment, power rear door sunshades, MMI infotainment with handwriting function, passive keyless entry, front and rear park assist, top-view camera and blind spot monitoring.
A driver assistance package brings active safety features like head-up display, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, active lane assist and forward collision warning with automatic braking. A front-seat comfort package is where you'll find front seat ventilation.
4.0T models add 20-inch wheels, LED headlights and 18-way front seats with ventilation and memory.
The driver assistance pack is offered here too, along with a rear-seat comfort package with outboard power adjustment, ventilation, lumbar and massage, and a sport package brings a sport differential, unique wheels and performance tires.
Engine choice doesn't have a significant impact on fuel consumption estimates, which are 12.6/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway) in the 3.0T and 12.9/8.0 in the 4.0T.
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