2004 Audi A8 Review (continued)
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Driving Impressions

The first impression of the Audi A8 L is its smoothness. There's nothing remotely resembling a squeak or rattle, and there is no vibration.

The responsiveness of the engine and transmission make the A8 L a joy to drive. The 4.2-liter V8 delivers powerful acceleration, but its power delivery is sophisticated, not crude. The engine has been revised for 2004, providing an increase of 20 horsepower over the previous-generation model (1997-2003). For 2004, the engine generates 317 pounds-feet of torque, an increase of 17 horsepower over the previous-generation A8 models and as much as the previous-generation S8. The A8 L can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, according to Audi, impressive given its size and weight. Its top speed is electronically governed at 130 mph. The A8's 4.2-liter V8 delivers power on demand, responding with a muted roar to every poke at the gas pedal. No matter how fast the A8 is already going, the driver can tap into a deep well of acceleration-producing torque.

Audi's new six-speed automatic transmission quickly shifts up or down according to the driver's wishes, deftly sensing how quickly and how hard the throttle is mashed. Upshifts are silky smooth in full automatic mode, and downshifts relatively quick. It features Porsche's Tiptronic control, allowing the driver to slide it into a manually controlled mode. We found that's not necessary though, because it's quite responsive in the automatic mode. The new transmission is an improvement in every respect over the A8's previous five-speed automatic. It helps the V8 engine achieve better fuel economy and deliver better acceleration, an impressive combination. For 2004, the A8 L is not saddled with the federal Gas Guzzler Tax.

The A8 features its adaptive air suspension at all four corners. It's a bit more sophisticated than the rear air shocks that could be inflated on 1970-vintage American station wagons. Four settings are available, selected electronically with the MMI system. In the Comfort mode it rides at the normal ride height (120 millimeters or 4.7 inches). The term Comfort" might suggest a cushy, mushy ride, but that's not the case. Even on a narrow, undulating Kentucky backcountry road, we found the suspension well controlled with Comfort selected, though smooth, compliant and comfortable. Switching to the Dynamic mode lowers the suspension by 20 mm (about three-quarters of an inch). You might think Dynamic is buckboard firm, but we found it quite comfortable and compliant, though tuned for sporty handling and more aggressive driving. There are distinct differences between the ride and handling of the Comfort and Dynamic settings, but neither is uncomfortably firm nor disappointingly mushy; both modes operate at all speeds. Switch to the Automatic mode and the system automatically tailors the suspension damping to conditions and the way your driving, automatically lowering the suspension at 75 mph. This is usually the best setting as the system continuously matches the ride and handling to the situation and does a good job of it. The ride is smooth, supple, yet without the slightest sensation of floating or wallowing. Lastly, there is the Lift mode, which raises the suspension 25 mm (about an inch) above the normal (120 mm) ride height. Lift is a good setting for gravel roads, snow, nasty driveway or garage transitions and other situations that call for a raised ride height. Exceed 62 mph and the suspension automatically lowers to the normal ride height.

Besides offering excellent traction in slippery conditions, the Quattro all-wheel-drive system improves stability when cornering, whether under full-throttle acceleration or when the driver lifts off the throttle in the middle of a turn. Quattro also eliminates torque steer, that pulling sensation on the steering wheel that powerful front-drive cars often exhibit under acceleration.

Steering is sharp and precise, providing excellent communication between the tires and the driver. The A8 feels light and agile for a car of its size. The key to its excellent handling and ride quality is its rigid aluminum space frame. The frame resists flexing and lets the suspension do all the work, which is how it's supposed to be. That's why the A8 delivers a nearly perfect balance of fine handling and ride comfort. Driven to the limit in a corner, it understeers a bit, tending to push toward the outside edge of the pavement. To counter this, the driver simply lifts a little from the throttle, and the front tucks in and tracks through the turn. It works beautifully.

The brakes are easy to modulate for smooth stops. They're also powerful for quick stops and hard braking from high speeds. We found the brakes excellent. The A8 L is very stable under braking with little nosedive. The brakes are equipped with the latest anti-lock brake system (ABS 5.3) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and electronic differential locks (EDL). Electronic Brake Distribution re-proportions braking force from rear to front as weight inevitably shifts forward during braking. The Electronic Differential Lock assures directional stability while accelerating. An electronic stability program (ESP 5.7) monitors vehicle behavior against driver input, and uses the antilock brakes and traction control to correct a skid or slide. Add Quattro all-wheel drive and the A8 L will do everything physically possible to keep you heading where you point it. In an emergency situation, stand on the brakes, don't relieve pedal pressure, and remember to look and steer where you want to go."