Propelling the A8L from 0-60 in a mere 4.2-seconds (according to Motor Trend's tests) is a 4.0 L V8 engine rated for 420 hp. It makes 444 lb-ft of torque at a very low 1500 RPM and sends the nearly two-ton A8L down the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds. That's sports car-fast in a limousine form factor. The four-liter motor with overhead cams, variable valve timing, and a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers increases power while maintaining efficiency.
Speaking of efficiency, this configuration receives an EPA rating of 16/26 MPG in city and highway driving. That might seem low compared to a hybrid, but my wife’s minivan gets close to the same mileage with 134 fewer horses and much lower performance stats. So long as you stick to highway cruising, this land barge will reward you with respectable fuel consumption.
Audi mates the 4.0 L V8 to a very familiar ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission, which is used in pretty much everything from Jeep's Grand Cherokee to Jaguar's F-Type, which are both vehicles we’ve reviewed. The A8L's ZF 8HP is no different. It delivers quick and smooth shifts, though it's not as snappy as the F-Type. Power is then sent to all four wheels through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. By default, the power split is 40/60, with a bias to the rear wheels.
Naturally, the A8L's powertrain makes it more of a joy to drive than if the car were underpowered. The four-liter engine is great for merging into traffic or overtaking on a two-lane road. Fuel efficiency suffers, of course, if you can't keep that tendency under control. But something tells me that anyone dropping six figures on an executive cruiser isn't sweating the price of oil. Quattro keeps the A8L planted around corners, while the rear bias helps prevent understeer. Although the car weighs almost two tons, the A8L is still a lot of fun to drive.
- Getting To Know Audi's Top-End A8L
- Audi's Infotainment System
- How Much Nvidia Is Inside Audi's A8L?
- Music Features And A $6300 Audio Upgrade Package
- Navigation, Audi connect, And Phone Connectivity
- Audi's Gauge Cluster LCD And Night Vision Assistant
- Rear-Seat Amenities
- Driving Aids, LED Lights, And Camera Assistance
- Audi's 4.0 L Powertrain With Quattro
- Results: Benchmarking Audi MMI
- Audi's Well-Exectuted A8L Takes Home The Gold


(wifi hardware was present but the software wasn't enabled since the first year of 3G was free)
I've never heard the B&W in the XF. The Meridian system in the XJL is quite good though. The Acura Krell system in the RLX is the best system I've heard so far.
It's on the list of vehicles to cover. It's a very good vehicle and the new system is a massive improvement over the terrible TomTom system in the 6 and CX5.
(wifi hardware was present but the software wasn't enabled since the first year of 3G was free)
Audi had it in the A8 since 2011
Bose is standard on Audi's. B&O is a $6300 option.
Yes
Yes the A4 has MMI as well, but the touch pad is quite excellent. Also the interior ergonomics and overall package are different. The next gen A4 will have touch. Audi has a combo touch / control knob that debuted in the A3. I imagine it will make its way to the next A4.
Unfortunately driving with a third pedal will be a forgotten art. However, the 8-speed ZF is a very good transmission. I love manuals and everything, but will gladly trade a third pedal for adaptive cruise control with stop and go and the 8-speed ZF for daily driving.
You are correct. Ours only had the iPod connector, a 30-pin one at that. It's highway robbery that Audi sells the cables for about $70 to use a feature that should be standard by now.
People will always find ways to distract themselves if they aren't focused drivers. You can have all the electronic nannies and lock outs you want, but that doesn't stop a parent turning around to yell at their kids before plowing into the car in front of them IMO.