A Nimble Executive SedanDespite its lengthy wheelbase - 121.0 inches, stretched from the standard 115.9 inches - the A8L is a surprisingly nimble and flexible car. The turning circle is relatively tight and the car's handling benefits from the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system, combined with an air suspension system on all four corners.
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Road handling is impressive regardless of weather. |
While the quattro system gives the A8L the expected high levels of roadholding, grip and traction - slick roads proved no match - the suspension brings continuous damping and a ride that's smoother than the average Audi.
The A8L comes standard with 19-inch wheels with 12-spoke rims, while 20-inch wheels are an option - and a much slicker choice from both an appearance and performance standpoint. With the larger wheels, ultra-low profile 275/35 R20 Continental SportContact tires are fitted to each corner.
Aside from all-wheel drive, the Audi comes equipped with numerous technological features to make every trip behind the wheel safer. These features include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-pressure distribution and hydraulic brake assist, and anti-slip regulation traction control. With all these systems standing guard, it would take a massive blunder to get into trouble with the A8L.
Fully Loaded... for Safety and ComfortThe Audi comes standard with adaptive bi-xenon headlights and an advanced parking system with rearview camera. (The rearview camera displayed a more accurate picture than in a number of other cars tested recently.) The safety story continues with two-stage, dual-threshold airbags and knee airbags for the front seat, as well as side airbags for both the front and rear seat.
Of course, being an executive sedan, the Audi contains a full complement of luxury amenities. These include, but are not limited to: a navigation system, the MMI system, power sunshades for the rear windows, heated power-adjustable front and rear seats, and leather upholstery on the door panels, console and dashboard. (Conspicuous by its absence, particularly in winter: a heated steering wheel, my new favourite winter-driving option.)
For the uninitiated, MMI is Audi's system for controlling everything from the audio system to the climate control and from the air suspension settings to your Bluetooth-enabled phone. The system is a bit more intuitive than BMW's i-Drive, but you still have to question the logic of needing to manipulate two buttons to set the seat heaters. (My old Audi A4: one button on the centre console.)
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The interior is opulent, but it might take some time to get used to the abundance of control buttons. |