2004 Audi A8 Review (continued)
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Summary

More and more Audi is becoming a Tier 1 premium brand like Mercedes and BMW. Like the Benz and BMW, the A8 L is fast, roomy, luxurious and exceptionally comfortable. It rides like a luxury car. Yet at the same time, it's taut and handles like a sports sedan. Loaded with innovation, the A8 L is the thinking man's luxury sedan, more progressive, less traditional than a BMW or Mercedes. It's elegant but not arrogant, indulgent without being excessive. It's priced a little lower than comparable sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, yet gives little ground to them in many respects.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	A8 L ($68,500)
Engines:	4.2-liter dohc 40-valve V8
Transmissions:	6-speed Tiptronic automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, inflatable Sideguard curtain airbags, front knee airbags for driver and front passenger, front safety belts with automatic pretensioning and force limiter, three rear safety belts with ALR and ELR, ABS, EBD, all-wheel drive, stability control
Saftey Equipment (optional):	none
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles with free scheduled maintenance
Assembled In:	Neckarsulm, Germany

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	A8 L ($68,500)
Standard Equipment:	fully automatic dual-zone climate control with Rest function (heater can operate with vehicle shut off), dual sun sensors and smog sensor with activated charcoal filter, Valcona leather seat upholstery, 16-way power front seats, four-position memory (for seat adjustments, climate control settings), heated front and rear seats, power seatbelt height adjustment, power glass solar sunroof with pre-select function and pinch protection, power windows (with power retention, one-touch down/up for all four windows), cruise control, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, multi-function steering wheel with MMI controls, electric tilt/telescoping heated steering wheel, 12-speaker AM/FM Bose Surround Sound system with noise-cancellation technology and 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, heated side mirrors
Options As Tested (MSRP):	none
Destination Charge:	660
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	69160
Layout:
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	330 @ 6500
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	317 @ 3500
Transmission:	6-speed Tiptronic automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
Wheelbase:	121.1
Length/width/height:	204.0/79.8/57.3
Track, f/r:	64.1/63.6
Turning circle:	41.0
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	37.4/NA/41.3
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	38.3/NA/42.3
Cargo volume:	17.7
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent, fully pneumatic
Suspension, r:	independent, fully pneumatic
Ground clearance:	4.7
Curb weight:	4,399
Tires:	235/55R17
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, ESP
Fuel capacity: