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Summary
Perhaps the most appealing quality of the A8 is its ability to mate seemingly opposite objectives. It's fast and relatively agile, yet roomy and comfortable. It's elegant but not arrogant, indulgent without being excessive. And it's priced a little lower than comparable sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Striking even more closely at BMW and Mercedes territory are the roomier A.8 L and super-performance S8.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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A8 ($62,200); A8 L ($67,200), S8 ($72,500) |
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Engines:
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4.2-liter dohc 40-valve V8 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed Tiptronic automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control, stability control |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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|
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Basic Warranty:
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4-years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Ingolstadt, Germany |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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S8 ($72,500) |
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Standard Equipment:
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quattro permanent all-wheel drive with electronic differential lock, one-touch power windows, cruise control, remote keyless entry, Nappa leather seats, electric tilt/telescoping steering wheel, AM/FM Bose stereo cassette with 6-disc CD changer, 14-way power front seats with four position memory for both driver and passenger, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control with micron filtration, multi-function steering wheel with audio, telephone and transmission controls |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Luxury Alcantara ($3,500) replaces Valcona leather upholstery; Premium Package ($700) includes heated rear seats, power rear window sunshade, manual rear side window sunshades, expandable ski/storage sack |
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Destination Charge:
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575 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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1700 |
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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78975 |
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Layout:
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|
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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360 @ 7000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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317 @ 3400 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed Tiptronic automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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15/21 |
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Wheelbase:
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113.4 |
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Length/width/height:
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198.2/79.0/56.6 |
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Track, f/r:
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62.6/62.2 |
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Turning circle:
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40.2 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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38.9/58.3/41.3 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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|
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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38.2/57.1/38.4 |
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Cargo volume:
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18.0 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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|
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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5.7 |
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Curb weight:
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4068 |
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Tires:
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P245/45ZR18 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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vented disc/vented disc with ABS |
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Fuel capacity:
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23.8 |
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