Audi A8L 2005 Review

Long on Luxury

The very appeal of the A8 and its long wheelbase A8L variants to some buyers could be, ironically, their undoing in others.

For one, this is arguably the most understated $220,000 car on the market today. Sure, if you're a car nut you'll pick the biggest Audi for the mega-dollar limo it is. However, with lack of an in-traffic (or showroom) reference point most observers are hard-pressed to separate the marque's range topper from its more bread and butter A4 and A6 stablemates.

As far as this observer's concerned the understated elegance of the A8L with its deliberately derivative family looks is a plus.

This is not a car that screams "I've spent a fortune -- look at me!" It is perhaps the perfect choice for a CEO or business owner who wants the best but would prefer not to rub his or her customers (or shareholders) collective noses in it... The sort of buyer who would prefer to stay away from the ubiquitous S-Class or 7 Series, perhaps...

That's not to say there's any issue of having to rough it by adopting the Ingolstadt option. The fit and finish of even humble entry level Audis is good. On the A8L it is beyond reproach. Inside it's a gentleman's club blend of leather, real wood and satin alloy highlights. Outside, the metallic paint's flawless and there's enough brightwork to please without nudging the bling meter off its stop.

The long wheelbase A8L tested here lacked for nothing. Standard specification on the Audi A8 is lengthy and the A8L adds more than just a 130mm stretch in the wheelbase and rear legroom. Think every default driver and active safety aid and the whole gamut of comfort and convenience items, and then add some.

 Of particular note is the L's extra attention to the comfort of the rear passengers. As well as all that extra room, there's adjustable rear seats, electric rear blinds (side and rear) and a sound, navigation and entertainment system befitting an inner city apartment.

Up front keyless entry and start are standard and the car's 246kW 430Nm V8/six-speed auto/Quattro all-wheel drive underpinnings have enough sporting ability to keep enthusiast drivers happy. The air suspension can be tuned to waft or point though we tended to leave the car to its own devices.

In auto mode road irregularities seemed to be ironed out ahead of us yet there was good control when the road got interesting.

The standard A8 provides engaging rather than eyewatering performance. With its added mass (a modest 70kg over the standard A8 according to Audi's own figures) and extra ranginess, the A8L is not quite as wieldy nor as quick. If you want a hotter A8L you can always opt for the W12-engined flagship - though it will set you back another $100,000 or so.

Better perhaps to wait for the recently announced S8. With its Lamborghini Gallardo-based V10 it could be just what Herr Doctor ordered....