Audi A8

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The new Audi A8's official name is the 2023 Audi A8 L 55 TFSI quattro. The "L" stands for long wheelbase for this limousine-like ride, while "55 TFSI" refers to the big sedan's standard engine, which is a turbocharged hybrid V6 offering 335 horsepower and 369-pound-feet of torque.
 
The first thing you might notice is that this long saloon car is not as ostentatious as some of its rivals in the high-end performance sedan market. The sedate A8 is less flamboyant than the Mercedes-Benz S Class. It doesn't scream "performance" like the BMW 7 Series. Rather, it crouches long and lean with silent menace, much like a coiled panther. All-be-it a panther in a tuxedo.

Panther in a Tux

This stealth sedan doesn't have to flaunt your wealth as some other elite brands do. It is happy to get you where you're going quickly and quietly without drawing a great deal of attention to itself. Sort of like Jason Statham in The Transporter. Audi is known for its superb soundproofing technology and the A8's lush cabin is amazingly quiet and wonderfully roomy.
 
A new remote parking feature comes with the Executive Trim Package which also adds such amenities as massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Luxury Trim Package adds heated and massaging rear power seats, all-wheel steering for tighter maneuverability, and more.

Under the Hood

Open the long, sleek hood and you'll find an equally good-looking engine. The standard 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is combined with a mild 48-volt hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic transmission for better fuel economy. The EPA estimated mileage is 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. This pouncing panther will take you from zero to 60 miles per hour in a blink over five seconds.
 
For 2023, drivers with a need for a bit more speed might prefer the sportier S8 with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that produces a meaty 563 horses and will get you to 60 mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds. We found the A8's V6 to be extremely smooth, offering more than enough oomph to pilot this large and in charge executive hauler.

Inside the Cabin

The A8 is so quiet in the cabin that you can barely hear the engine running at all with the windows up. You might think you're driving an all-electric car. You'll find rich, premium leather seats, elegant wood trim throughout, and the same feeling of sedate luxury as witnessed with the exterior styling. The car is a class act.
 
The long wheelbase of the A8 assures plenty of room for passengers and the back seat is like its own separate space, featuring its own sunroof. You can choose between seating for three passengers in the back, or the center seat can be removed so that two lush power adjustable rear seats include heating, ventilation, and massage as well as heated foot massage functions. A center console with storage cubbies replaces the center seat area with individual entertainment tablets.
 
Sitting up front in the serene driver's seat, you'll notice the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster just over the steering wheel. Just to the right, a 10.1-inch center touchscreen and an 8.6-inch touchscreen beneath it showcases Audi's MMI Touch Response infotainment system. Because most of the controls for the climate control, radio, navigation, and driver assist features are controlled via the touchscreens, the only physical adjustment knob you'll notice adjusts the stereo volume. We found the infotainment system to be very intuitive and easy to use.
There are two USB ports up front and two in the back, and the car comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audi's Driver Assistance Package comes with something called Traffic Jam Assist that helps you manage those times when you are stuck in stop-and-go traffic by assisting you with braking and acceleration. It's not exactly autonomous driving though, because you can't take your hands off the wheel longer than a few seconds.
 
Standard driver assist tech includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic jam assist are available extras.

On the Road

Like all Audi vehicles, we found the A8 to be sure-footed and remarkably easy to handle for such a big car. The adjustable air suspension adds to the overall ride comfort and stability. Driver-adjustable adaptive dampers come as standard. The combination helps to smooth out potholes and patches of rough road but still feels agile and connected to the road in tight corners. Steering is crisp and the 10-degree rear wheel steering makes it easy to park in tight places or to change lanes on the highway in an instant. This also means you can turn this long sedan around in an in credibly tight turning radius.
Acceleration is really excellent in Sport Mode with the turbo V6 offering plenty of torque and stopping power is very good as well thanks to the Audi' six-caliper braking. As stated earlier, the car is incredibly quiet and supremely comfortable. Handling is remarkably light and playful for such a big car. We like it a lot!
 
One interesting feature is that the air conditioner vents in the center of the dash are hidden by the wood panel when not in use. When you turn on the climate control, the wood panel slides away to reveal the vents. Sort of a James Bond detail.
The Bottom Line
When comparing the 2023 Audi A8 to its closest competitors, it has the best passenger legroom in its class and also plenty of room in the trunk, with 13 cubic feet. Other executive luxury sedans may be a bit faster or flashier, but the A8 gets high marks for its sinister yet sedate looks and world class comfort and amenities. With a starting MSRP of $88,895 the Audi is considerably less expensive than the entry level Mercedes-Benz S Class, the BMW 7 Series, or even the Genesis G90. Only the Lexus LS costs less, and it can't stand up to the luxury of the Audi.
 
When all is said and done, the A8 may not be as flashy and ostentatious as some of its rivals but it does everything well, and for a top-end luxury executive sedan for under 90K, we think it is hard to beat. In fact, this subtle yet sultry beauty might just be the girl in the classic black dress and pearls that we'd take to the prom.
 
Audi A8 L 55 TFSI quattro
Starting MSRP - $88,895