2013
Audi
A8 Review
(4 Stars)
Reviewed by Automotive on
When you want the best in luxury sedans, your mind wanders to a few select names: the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi’s flagship, the Audi A8. Naturally, in a car like this, you expect the best of everything. Therefore it may surprise you that the standard engine for the Audi A8 has been shrunk from a V-8 to a V-6. Fear not, however, as the supercharged V-6 Audi has assembled is actually more efficient than the bulkier V-8 from previous models, with only a minimal loss of horsepower and torque. In addition, by the end of 2013, an even more powerful V-8 is available, and the behemoth 6.3-liter W-12 is always an option.
Besides what’s under the hood, you definitely get all the luxury you want and expect out of an upscale luxury sedan. There are plenty of state-of-the-art interior features that would be the envy of any driver, and the luxurious interior materials don’t disappoint either.
Whether to go with the 2013 Audi A8 or one of the other super-high-class German luxury sedans is primarily a matter of taste, however, some drivers may feel that the A8 strikes an ideal balance between the opulent luxury of some of these models and the more dynamic nature of some of the sportier entries.
The Audi A8 is available in the standard configuration or with the Long Wheel Base (LWB), and comes with the standard and quite energetic 3.0-liter V-6, a new 4.0-liter V-8, or the massive 6.3-liter W-12 (LWB) only. The W-12 is a Prestige model which contains most of the available stand-alone options for the 2013 Audi A8 as standard equipment, although there are additional option packages to add on.
New For 2013
The most noticeable change for the 2013 Audi A8 is the replacement of the V-8 engine with a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. Although you’re likely to love this engine, a 4.0-liter V-8 engine is also ultimately available for 2013, along with a new diesel V-6.
Exterior
The Audi A8 is definitely a car that’s dressed for success. Its smooth, clean lines; well-proportioned body; jewel-styled headlamps and tail lamps; and aggressive yet upscale grille are sure to turn heads and let everyone know that this is a serious luxury automobile. The 2013 Audi A8, which comes with 19-inch alloy wheels (20 inches on the W12), also has many useful and upscale exterior features, such as adaptive xenon headlights with headlight washers, LED running lights, a sunroof, and a power rear sunshade. Exterior options include a power trunk lid and keyless entry. Color options are appropriately subtle, including Emerald Black Metallic, Havanna Black Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, and Ibis White.
Interior & Cargo
Computer control centers are the hallmark of modern vehicles, and Audi’s MMI system with Audi Connect is one of the best, with a clear display, easy control of systems like audio and navigation, easy-to-access vehicle info, and even a remote touchpad. Of course, there’s a lot more to the 2013 Audi A8 interior. Beautiful, rich materials line the interior, with aluminum and wood trim everywhere and premium leather front seats and steering wheel. The 12-way power bucket front seats with multi-level heating and power lumbar support feels molded to your body, and elements like a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with transmission and audio controls on the wheel are also standard. The navigation system is hard drive based with voice control and the Audi A8 is wired for Bluetooth. Entertainment features include a full 14 Bose speakers with AM/FM stereo, Satellite radio, and the ability to play CDs, DVDs, and MP3s, with input for iPod/iPhone and USB connection as well. The Premium W12 model ups the ante even more with 16-way massaging power seats with multi-level heating and four-zone climate control. A dual screen rear entertainment system with 10-inch screens is also available. Legroom is ample in the 2013 Audi A8, but there could be more trunk space, with a meager 13.2 cubic feet available.
Safety
When you’ve got a car this good, you want to protect it. If safe driving is a concern, you’ll definitely want to get the Driver Assistance package, which provides such safety features as blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a pre-braking system, a lane departure warning system, and Audi’s collision alert system, known as Pre-Sense Plus.
You’ll find an impressive array of standard safety features on the 2-13Audi A8 as well. There’s the expected four-wheel anti-lock braking system, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, stability and traction control, emergency brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution, but you’ll also find adaptive self-leveling headlights, cornering lights, a night vision assistant and both front and rear seat-belt pretensioners.
Other safety precautions include an alarm system and engine immobilizer, front and rear head and dual front and rear side-mounted airbags, child seat anchors, rear door safety locks, and tire pressure monitoring.
Driving Experience
With an adaptive air suspension, a 3.0-liter, supercharged, V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the 2013 Audi A8 provides a great balance of comfort, control, and power. The V-6 actually accelerates faster than the old V-8, and the steering is quite responsive. On the whole, it’s a great driving experience, with tremendous control over a lot of power and a smooth ride, even when driving conditions get a little bit harsher. The V-6 delivers 333 horsepower with 325 lb-ft of torque, and you’ll enjoy fuel economy of 18/28 mpg city/highway, aided by Audi’s Auto Start/Stop system. The 6.3-liter W-12 can deliver a mighty 500 horses with 463 lb-ft of torque, with slightly less wallet-friendly fuel economy of 13/21 mpg city/highway.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Audi A8
- Jaguar XJ
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- BMW 7 Series
Expand full summary
Choose a submodel below for Rebates, Prices & Reviews:
|
|