The flagship Audi A8 is a full-size luxury saloon meant to appeal to wealthy consumers looking for maximum luxury and space. Although competing models from the premium German and Japanese marquees may sell in greater numbers, the Audi A8 does possess a distinct advantage because of its aluminium frame and body panels.
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| All-New Audi A8 |
Significantly lighter than a traditional steel frame, the Audi Space Frame (ASF), as it's called, helps offset the bulk of the car's all-wheel-drive system; the A8's competitors are primarily rear-wheel drive. The outgoing model has been in existence since 2008, quite a long time if you consider its main rivals have already been refreshed. With this in mind Audi decided to update the aging A8 with some modern and innovative design tweaks.
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| Controls for the seats |
Captivating looks
The dynamic design of the big saloon has become even more expressive. The bonnet, the Singleframe grille and the front bumper are now more sculptured. The lower edge of the headlight units is straight. LED headlights are now standard in all models with a V8 engine.
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| Matrix headlamps |
The 2014 Audi A8 is also available with optional headlights featuring Matrix LED technology. With these headlights, the high-beam comprises 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit, which can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation.
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| Rear lights with technology adopted from the R8 |
The LED lamps at the rear of the 2014 Audi A8 have also become flatter. In all models, the redesigned bumper houses two rhomboid tailpipes. New chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames round off the differentiating design details. Wheels are available in sizes up to 21 inches.
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| Profile unchanged |
Thrilling performance
Audi offers the 2014 A8 with two petrol and two diesel power units. These are the supercharged 3.0 TFSI with 228 kW (310 hp), the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI with 320 kW (435 hp), the highly efficient 3.0 TDI clean diesel with 190 kW (258 hp) and the extremely high-torque 4.2 TDI clean diesel, which produces 283 kW (385 hp) and 850 Nm.
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| New flashy front grille |
Performance has increased with most engines. For example when paired with Quattro all-wheel drive, the 4.0 TFSI now accelerates the 2014 Audi A8 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The 2014 Audi A8 comes standard with a fast and smooth-shifting, eight-speed tiptronic. The electronically controlled automatic transmission is paired with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
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| First-class rear seats |
Striking interior
The interior of the Audi flagship dazzles with its elegant lines and generous spaciousness. Options for the front seats include ventilation and massage. All components in the 2014 Audi A8 have been carefully chosen and processed with the utmost precision. Each of the lovingly executed details documents the hand-built character of the interior.
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| Cockpit |
A new range of choices for seat coverings, inlays and colours are available in many areas. The multimedia highlight is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. The Rear Seat Entertainment system includes two displays, Bluetooth headphones and a DVD player.
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| Rear design |
Verdict
Audi has typically trailed its rivals in the luxury-car sales race. However, as the 2014 Audi A8 illustrates, this sale ranking should not be construed as a reflection on the relative quality of the manufacturer's products. With a gorgeous cabin and handling that's distinctly and gloriously German, the 2014 Audi A8 is, from roof to rubber, a class act that succeeds at elevating the driving experience in the large luxury saloon class.
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