10 Feb 04
Blame the Chinese. Audi quietly concedes that one of the reasons the top-of-the-range, long-wheelbase A8 L 6.0 quattro gains that giant horseshoe grille is that Far Eastern clientele don't like subtle statements of wealth. They like a bit of flash, so Audi has given the A8's restrained nose a large dose of attitude for the flagship model, courtesy of a grille that echoes that of the famous Auto Union racers of the 1930s. While it's not gone down terribly well with more effete sections of the European motoring press, I quite like it.
Behind that grille, you'll find a 444bhp version of the W12 engine that also powers the VW Phaeton and Bentley Continental. With 427lb ft of torque, the resulting performance is epic for a car of such inflated dimensions. It'll reach 62mph in just 5.2 seconds - that sort of performance was the preserve of supercars not so long ago - and will haul itself effortlessly to its electronically limited 155mph top speed. The six-speed automatic transmission, which is marvellously responsive, can also be operated with paddles located behind the steering wheel, Formula 1 style. With the added security of four-wheel drive, the A8 6.0 is a formidably effective way to cross very large chunks of (damp) Europe. It's a refined powertrain, too, although the sound the W12 engine makes when pushed hard is more of a 'noise' than an 'exhaust note.'
The A8 L 6.0 also gains a useful 130mm of wheelbase. Crucially, though, this added length hasn't spoiled the proportions of the car - it still presents the best-looking profile at this end of the market. Inside, the stretch results in a simply huge amount of space, where two very tall people can sit happily one behind the other. The rear seats can also be electrically reclined (when you opt for the Massage and Ventilation package, which costs £4150). Otherwise, the A8's cabin remains one of the very best in the business, with the intuitive MMI 'infotainment' system along with tasteful and beautifully assembled combinations of wood, alloy and leather.
Then there's the price. At £75,775 for the basic car, Audi is pitching the A8 6.0 straight at the usual suspects - that price undercuts the BMW 760Li by £3000 and the Mercedes Benz 600 Limousine by a significant £14,000. But here's the small print - that £75K doesn't get you the top dog A8 6.0, because you can spend another forty thousand pounds on optional extras, bringing the top price of a fully-loaded A8 L 6.0 to £115,160. Yikes.
