Audi A8 quattro 4.2 FSI and TDI SE Exec road test
When Audi first locked horns with the S-Class, 7 Series and Lexus LS back in 1994 its A8 had two major Unique Selling Propositions: an all-aluminium body and chassis, and all-wheel drive. Sixteen years on those USPs are no longer unique in the luxury executive sector, but the all-new, fourth-generation A8 has other aces up its sleeve.
The new A8’s Drive Select system integrates the adaptive air suspension, engine, transmission and steering so that the driver can choose between comfort, auto and dynamic modes, or a programmable ‘individual’ mode. Suffice to say that the A8’s ride is never anything other than ultra comfortable, but driven hard in dynamic mode it steers, handles and grips like a pukka GT car. Particularly sporting drivers will prefer the slight extra agility of the 160kg-lighter FSI, but both V8 A8s are bewilderingly nimble and well-controlled for near 2-tonne, 5-metre luxury saloons. And should you louse it all up then, in extremis, the ESP instructs the steering to automatically countersteer and reduce either under- or oversteer.
Read the full Audi A8 quattro 4.2 FSI and TDI SE Exec road test
RoadTestReports.co.uk provides road tests reports written by members of the Guild of Motoring Writers. These reports are complemented by car reviews submitted by the members of the public who drive the vehicles day in day out.
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