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As I engaged “dynamic mode” for the new Audi A8, with sport shifting for its wonderful 8-speed transmission, it dropped an inch lower to the ground, suspension was stiffened and steering became noticeably heavier. The ’11 Audi, the fourth-generation A8, seemed much more secure during active driving maneuvers than it did in normal “comfort mode.” The higher-rev gear changes, barely evident with the 8-speed, bolstered its performance.
Showing it off to onlookers at downtown stops was appropriate, for the A8 is one of several Audis getting positive press this week at the annual Los Angeles Auto Show, which ends Sunday.
An all-new A7, which Audi says mixes the sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon, is featured at the show (and is the cover photo for this column). Equipped with V-6 power, the A7 is expected to go on sale in the spring or early summer.
The extended-wheelbase version of the A8, 5 inches longer than the model I am reviewing, is also drawing attention in L.A., as well as an Audi Quattro concept car with lightweight body and 5-cylinder turbocharged engine.
The A8, which has just hit showrooms of Audi dealers, appears to be a worthy competitor for premium luxury sedans from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Jaguar.
In sizing the A8 against the Jaguar XJL which I drove the week previously, I would give the Jag an edge in exterior styling and interior finish, while rating the Audi the better performer and handler.
Pushed by the 8-speed automatic transmission, the A8 also easily surpasses the Jag in economy with an EPA rating of 17-27, compared to 15-22 for the XJL.
Paddle shifts can add to the responsiveness of testing the Audi’s 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 and 8-speed with all-wheel drive. A new electronic shifter on the console takes some getting used to, as it moves so lightly it will slip right past reverse into drive.
Gaining the A8 some exterior distinction is a bigger-than-ever center grille and LED lighting for the headlamps, including an LED eyeliner.
Inside, a display screen popping up atop the center stack guides the driver or front-seat passenger through a 22-way adjustment of the seats, including thigh and side bolsters, cushion extender and massages. Ambient lighting adds a nighttime impression to the plush interior.
Like the Jaguar, the new Audi features a power-closing trunk lid. The downside to that is, open the lid and cargo space available in the A8 is only 13.2 cubic feet, smaller than any of the other premium sedans.
An optional $6,300 Bang & Olufsen sound system pushes price of the A8 from a base of $78,050 to $93,525. Also included are a rearview camera, keyless entry, leather interior and wood decorative inlay on front seatbacks, automatic climate control, 20-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, power glass sunroof, power rear window shade, headlight washer system and front knee airbags.
A look back
Thirty years ago this month, I summarized Denver’s electric car business in a column in The Denver Post. Four individuals, separate from other new-car dealerships, were attempting to sell electrics in Denver during a spark of interest in 1980. Excerpts: Six months after the champagne and orchestra opening of Electric Transportation Systems Inc., 850 Bannock St., how is business? Like all the other electric automobile sales facilities in Denver, it became very quiet after the excitement of the opening. “But it is picking up very fast” the past month, said President Richard Miller. Sales of Lectric Leopards have averaged three a week since early October, Miller said. The Lectric Leopard, built by U.S. Electricar Co. of Athol, Mass., is on a Renault body. Fiat Motors of North America will become supplier for the bodies in the near future, officials said. The vehicle has a range of 60 to 80 miles on level terrain, with a top speed of about 45 miles per hour. Retail prices run between $9,000 and $11,000. Miller’s quiet summer sales pace was shared by other Denver electric car dealers. John Fetters, owner of Alternative Autos at 7540 E.Colfax Ave., said sales of Marathon electric have been slow. He said he has been busier selling electric motors, cable and battery packs to persons wishing to build their own electric cars. The most frequent complaint (besides price) by those who have driven electric cars in Denver is the loss of power on the hills about the city.2011 Audi A8
$93,525
(price as tested)
MPG City 17 Highway 27
Vehicle type: Premium luxury AWD sedan
Wheelbase: 117.8 inches
Length/Width/Height: 202/76.7/57.5 inches
Weight: 4,045 pounds
Engine: 4.2-liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Fuel mileage: 24.9 mpg
Fuel tank: 23.4 gallons
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles basic
Competitors: BMW 7 series, Mercedes-Benz S class, Lexus LS460, Jaguar XJ
Built at: Neckarsulm, Germany
THE STICKER
$78,050 base
$6,300 Bang & Olufsen advanced sound
$2,350 Power trunk, rearview camera, keyless entry
$2,000 22-way climate comfort front seats with massage
$1,400 LED headlights
$1,200 20-inch wheels
$875 Destination
PLUSES
Fuel mileage
Suspension modes
Sound system
MINUSES
Electronic shifter’s lightness
Trunk space
