Sophisticated Performance with Restrained FlamboyanceI have keenness for certain numerals and combinations thereof, such
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| Normally high-end luxury cars have triple digit numbers. All Audi needs is 8, as in A8 (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
as 8, 45, 430, 550, 750, and 760. No, these aren't my lucky lottery numbers picked by a Gypsy fortuneteller, they're model designators for several premium automotive models. Aficionados of full-size sedans ought to immediately spot the pattern: Audi A8, (or Jaguar XJ8), Infiniti Q45, Lexus LS 430, Mercedes S550, BMW 750i and 760Li. Whether one embraces the big sedan or laments it, there's little argument that these numbers represent some of the finest automobiles in the full-size sedan segment. This week's road test shines the spotlight on the number "8," as in A8.
The
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| The A8 L was the first of the second-generation A8s to debut. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
aluminum-bodied A8 has been Audi's flagship sedan since its introduction in the 1997 model year. Adding an "L" to the "A8" designation also adds 5.1 inches of length to the car, resulting in limousine-like rear seating. Personally I think the "L" versions are too long for typical ownership. They're more suited to CEOs with drivers rather than parents with 2.5 kids - but hey, it's unlikely my chequing account will soon cover the $72,090 price tag hung on my tester, so why worry. That said, the A8 L's steep price-point buys a tremendous amount of wood, leather and cutting-edge technology, not to mention opulence, prestige and impressive performance, and who can put a price on that! Okay, back to reality.
The 204-inch long A8 L is almost identical in size to BMW's
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| The richness of the A8's interior is simply unprecedented. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
750Li, which is perhaps its most direct competitor. Both of these vehicles are benchmark setters within the full-size, premium sedan category, but like top performing CEO's, each exhibits its own leadership style while remaining true to similar, success-building strategies.
Core strategies begin with exterior styling. Where the Bimmer is cut and chiseled, the Audi is smooth and sculpted, projecting more of a sophisticated but conservative boardroom image over the BMW's "risk mitigation be damned" approach. Which do I like better? I give the nod to the Audi, but only by a fender so to speak. The Audi projects a more timeless design. Like bell-bottom pants and teardrop collars, Bangle's work on the Bimmer may look dated after the next 7-Series restyling. While the wood and leather laden cabin of the 2006 BMW 750Li I recently road tested was beautifully executed, it didn't measure up to the gracious environs greeting me in Audi's opulent livingroom.
Audi
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| Audi's MMI - a stroke of genius. It's much easier to use than BMW's iDrive. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
is renowned for well-crafted cabins, and the A8 is its shining star. The interior architecture in my tester included a stunning center console finished in gleaming Birch burl (Sycamore burl is available). Wood appliqués also beautified the A8's sleek dashboard and added elegance to each of its four doors. There is a "richness" imparted by the A8's buttery interior that makes a person feel like royalty, but the regal cockpit can just as easily induce feelings of frustration and inadequacy in the technically-challenged among us. Audio and navigation functions are controlled through Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, which is similar to but easier to use than BMW's iDrive technology. MMI also enables the contouring of a plethora of vehicle comfort settings and more. Adapting to MMI takes time and practice, especially if a driver wishes to engage MMI to its full potential.
