Audi, by its own admission, dropped the ball once or twice during previous A8 importation. The models simply failed to penetrate the “D” segment with any success, but the latest incarnation could, and in Audi’s words: “must succeed”. After spending a few hours behind the wheel of the new fourth generation 4.2 FSI quattro Tiptronic, with
renewed focus from the group, don’t be surprised if it does just that! The new A8 doesn’t jump around thumping its chest, “Look at me, I’m Audi’s flagship!” But rather discreetly gets on with its new role - taking on the best that Mercedes and BMW have to offer in the form of their S-Class and 7-series ranges. While there are striking similarities between it and its lesser brothers, Audi has done this to retain its current DNA, say the boffs from Ingolstadt. The single piece grille is retained, although it’s sharper in profile and more in line with current design trends.
Besides a myriad of luxuries like heated/ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, I’d rather talk about the dynamics of A8. The pace frame is largely built of aluminium, as is the body, saving critical weight. The engine has been re-mapped for the A8, producing 273Kw at 6 800rpm, while the torque is a lively 445Nm made at 3 500 rpm - via its eight pods, totalling a weight of just 1 835kg. New to the A8 is a super slick eight-speed Tiptronic box, and thanks to its low increments between the ratios, silky smooth changes are offered which should be expected from a vehicle in this category. Now, factor all this in, add in permanent four-wheel drive with a self-locking differential and you have a car that corners on rails.
The steering is truly remarkable as we found out on Outeniqua Pass - it’s very direct, but not overly so, gives great feed back and pointing into corners can be described as dictatorial; it goes exactly where you want it. Unlike its competitors, the front appears to be very light and even when pushed hard, refuses to push out and get its nose out of joint. Adaptive air suspension along with three suspension modes is the secret here and the well-heeled will welcome this, depending on the mood. It’s a very agile beast indeed.
That said, other nice features include three interior ambient light settings, 22-way adjustable front seats, back seats that are as comfortable as the front, while the new MMI system coupled with the Bose Sound system, is simply brilliant. It now boasts a touch pad like a laptop and while we didn’t fiddle too much, were amazed at its functionality - watch the others follow suit. The voice prompts can also be used in conjunction with the touch pad to control the various tricks such as the standard GPS. Last but not least - it’s quick! Besides a limited top speed of 250km/h, it will still sprint to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and with emissions tax around the corner, its 219g of CO2 per km will impress.
The Audi A8 4.2 FSI retails for R1 096 000, which includes a one-year unlimited distance warranty and a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.
