2014 Audi A8 Expert Review
Reviewed by Erick Ayapana
Vehicle Overview
With five engine choices, 18-way power-adjustable front seats, and up to 207.4 inches of overall length, the 2014 Audi A8 encompasses all the variety and luxury expected in a large flagship sedan. And despite its size, the A8 is relatively lightweight thanks to its Audi Space Frame technology, which relies on lightweight aluminum for much of the body's construction.
The 2014 A8 is available with two wheelbase lengths, with the normal model measuring in with a wheelbase of 117.8 inches and an overall length of 202.2 inches. Those numbers for the long wheelbase model (designated as A8 L) jump to 122.9 and 207.4 inches respectively, providing a spacious 42.2 inches of rear legroom, which is 4.2 inches more than the normal model. Not surprisingly, the A8 has a substantial amount of standard amenities, including leather, navigation, in-dash DVD player, ambient lighting, and not to mention a number of wood and metallic accents. A rearview camera is standard and optional safety items include blind spot monitoring with a side assist system that will automatically provide steering inputs to help keep the A8 in its lane.
New for 2014 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine rated at 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It is EPA rated at 36 mpg and need just 5.8 seconds to run from 0-60 mph in a recent test. The second V-6 offered is a 3.0-liter supercharged gas engine that makes 333 hp. A 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 is also available and ran to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds during our testing. Sitting atop the range is a the W-12 engine with 6.0-liters of displacement and 500 hp. Finally, the performance-focus S8 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes 520 hp and accelerated from 0-60 mph in an impressive 3.5 seconds.
New for 2014
A new diesel engine joins the lineup and a new Driver Assistance Package is offered and includes a top view camera system, highbeam assist, lane assist, pre sense plus, and adaptive cruise control. A hands-free trunk release system is now standard, as is parking sensors with a backup camera. The Audi Side Assist system is standard on the S8 and W12.
Key Competitors
Sum Up
Expanding the lineup before the replacement A8 arrives
