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Test Drives:
2006 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro
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The A8 has been out in its latest form for a few years now. Although not as prestigious
as the S-Class or 7-Series, it is a worthy competitor. What the A8 does best is style.
This car is gorgeous to look at, particularly in a side profile angle. The sloping roof
makes me wonder who copied whom: the A8 or the CLS. After all, the A8 was out first.
In North America, it was the long-wheelbase A8 L that debuted, followed a few years
later by the short-wheelbase A8. The base engine for North America is the 4.2L V8
engine applied to several other Audi models. When applied to the A8, this engine
produces 335-hp and distributes that power to all four wheels via Audi’s legendary
Quattro all-wheel-drive system. On the road, the performance of the vehicle was quite
acceptable. Power delivery was very smooth and quiet, not as quiet as a Lexus but
impressive nonetheless. The opportunity to test the Quattro system never presented
itself due to the superb, summer-like weather conditions. Available 5-spoke 19-inch
wheels gave this Audi a rather stunning look, particularly in short-wheelbase form. The
only trouble with the SWB is that it can easily be confused with a loaded A6 now, given
the family resemblance in the Audi lineup thanks to the new grillework on the V8-
powered A8s. I am still not convinced of the ‘beauty’ of this grille. Does it look better on
the smaller Audis or the larger Audis? Both or neither? The A8 now looks like it could
swallow an A3 whole. Maybe the grille will grow on me, maybe not.
Step into the driver’s seat of this A8 flagship and you will experience the fit and finish
that has been talked about for years now. Audi has made huge leaps forward when it
comes to interior materials and fittings. This particular A8 had hints of Alcantara
inserts, of which you can order more with a package. Front seats are expectedly
comfortable with enough power seat adjustments to make the most unshapely
occupant comfortable. Honourable mention goes to the upper & lower back tilt
adjustments, something we’ve seen in high-end BMW seats for years now. The MMI
screen is neatly tucked behind a wood panel in the center of the dash with power
open/close of course. Having driven an Audi through Europe one week prior, I found
myself quite familiar with the controls on the dash, as well as the MMI interface &
operation. Without that one-week training session, I don’t think I would have been too
impressed with the functionality of the telematics.
On the road, the A8 performs extremely well, thanks to a weight-reduction strategy of
intensive use of aluminum in its construction. You would think that a full-size V8-
powered all-wheel-drive sedan would perform without thrill and excitement. Relative to
its competitors, this A8 was actually fun to drive, even with its base engine and lack of a
sport package. The investment in aluminum has paid off. Unfortunately, it isn’t
common knowledge that this strategy offers a competitive advantage. But that is a
marketing issue. The engineers have done their job. I can only assume that the short-
wheelbase contributed to the sporty character of this car. I haven’t driven an A8 L but I
have driven a long-wheelbase 7-Series and felt it took away from the driving experience
(from the driver’s perspective that is, of course). The 19-inch wheels did not
compromise the ride quality, a definite plus. Steering input was perfect in my opinion,
as were throttle and brakes. The engine note could have sounded a little more
muscular. In an effort to change lanes for the first time, the result of a sloping rear
roofline becomes apparent. Rear visibility is not the best due to the sloping C-pillar.
Just as it does when you drive a cargovan, the A8 teaches you to effectively use your
mirrors.
On a rating scale of 100, this Audi flagship would receive a commendable 90 in my
opinion. In its favour, it has an attractive profile complemented by a great wheel
package, a sporty character thanks to its short-wheelbase and use of aluminum, and a
luxurious cabin feel thanks to quality materials and comfortable seats. Driver
interaction with the car and road offer something you won’t find in an LS 430. Lexus
has the advantage when it comes to ergonomics and interface though. The Audi MMI
system requires thought and patience whereas a Lexus is pretty self-explanatory.
Nonetheless, the A8 4.2 Quattro is a joy to drive and a pleasure to see. It hasn’t
reached the volume of sales that the LS, 7-Series, or S-Class enjoy but to some, going
against the crowd is part of the plan, to never follow.
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