Audi A8 D4 Test drive since 2010 sedan

Audi A8 car review

General
The history of the Audi A8 model is not so long. Having released the V8 car in 1988, the company took a step towards the Premium Luxury class (car as a luxury item). And in 1994, the A8 model with a body made of aluminum alloy replaced. Thus, the current model is only the second in the row. Her frame is also made of aluminum, which made it possible to facilitate the body of 120-140 kg, while the rigidity for twisting, according to the developers, is increased by 60%.
The body has a length of 5055 mm, its width is 1895 mm, and the height is 1480mm. Quite decent dimensions, isn't it? But thanks to the rounded forms that are used in the design of the machine, it looks much more compact than its predecessor. The size of the machine, therefore, does not suppress everything else, and thanks to the verified design, it looks very intelligent Audi.
The A8 model is part of the Premium Luxury machine group, but at the same time it is intended for everyday driving. And this circumstance can give the key to understanding the features of the external design of this car.
The interior design of the cabin is distinguished by an accurate fitting of each detail, which creates a feeling of high quality of the machine. The interface with an integrated representation of information (MMI) located behind the selector control panel of the audio system with button and disk handles, on -board navigator - all this equipment of the front panel is easily accessible, located at hand. This is one of the good reasons why the front panel design can be called verified.
The car is equipped with a 4.2-liter engine with the upper location of the double distribution shaft and five valves. The gas distribution mechanism is equipped with a system for regulating the fist profile. The engine develops a power of 335 hp. and torque 43.8 kg/m. It works in combination with a 6-step automatic transmission (DF-Tronic). The transmission of all -wheel drive is equipped with high -friction differentials (LSD) with torque sensors on the main differential (Quattro System). Pneumatic suspension with two -chamber shock absorbers, which are equipped with a system of smooth change in the coefficient of fluctuations. The road clearance of the machine can vary in the range from 140 to 95 mm, while its adjustment can be carried out both manually and in automatic mode.
 
Moments worthy of a positive assessment
If you evaluate the A8 car, analyzing each part in detail, it will take a lot of time. And if you take only the main thing, then you should highlight its smooth move, giving true pleasure. And one more important point: it is nice to control the car.
If you then consider the car in more detail, it turns out that the smoothness of the move is provided by a skillfully executed suspension, which allows the machine to stay exactly even on steep turns. On high -speed highways, the car develops a breathtaking speed, whether it is a straight road, or a section with lifts and descents. And suddenly, once, unevenness! Nothing special, the car did not even move, but as it went and continues to go. Of course, when operating in Japan, this dignity of the machine will remain unclaimed. But, for example, somewhere on an autobahn where there are no speed restrictions, the cruising speed of 200 km /h can be withstanded without any difficulty. At the same time, the engine does not look working at the limit. On the contrary, the impression is that there is still a reserve of free power. This is such an even and powerful power unit, developing smoothly distributed, saturated torque.
To this I will add that at such a speed you somehow do not notice the whistle of dissected air at all, and the action of the lifting force is absolutely not felt, which, it would seem, should strive to tear the car from the ground. I believe this happens because the aerodynamic properties of the car body (CD 0.27) not only reduce air resistance. Its form helps to reduce the lifting force of air, that's the matter.
The car demonstrates wonderful handling. It can be characterized as adequate. No, we are not talking about excessive sharpness, just the car exactly follows the trajectory that you imagine before the start of the maneuver. And at the same time, the driver has the opportunity to very subtly and in detail evaluate the road both visually and through shocks transmitted through the steering wheel.
What else I want to add. A comprehensive interface (aka MMI) makes it possible to really feel the result of a particular operation. In this regard, it is a very well planned system. It allows you to adjust the rigidity of the suspension or road clearance, and all this is done smoothly. In addition, what the effect of the presence creates an acoustic system of deep immersion in the sound developed by Bose!
 
What else is needed?
Indeed, what points in the A8 brand car can become a topic for further improvement? Firstly, the tires of 19 inches are paid attention to. I only tested the car for 18- inch wheels, and I can judge the behavior of 19-inch tires only by the reviews of my colleague. So, in his opinion, these tires have a very firm return, as if they were pumped. I don’t know whether to believe it or not to believe it, but if you take care of more comfort, if you strive for a more measured ride, then I would recommend a car with18-inch tires. Wheels in the size of 19 inches are, nevertheless, for those who enjoy the drive itself.
There is another important circumstance. These are the dimensions of the car that are perceived very large when driving around the city. Of course, with such a body size, you can’t get anywhere from this, but, nevertheless, a review in the rear window could be better. This is especially the hassle when driving back. Maybe, in order to avoid difficulties of this kind, it would be appropriate to think about installing the rear view monitor?
Well, in conclusion, I’ll list again: the exact, high controllability and discouraging stability, the body control system, which allows you to keep it in a stable position, the high operational qualities of the engine, which I already informed you, the high level of sound insulation of the cabin, and a quality interior. As you can see, all the basic properties of the car allow us to conclude that the A8 model is a really wonderful creation.
At the same time, I am firmly convinced that this car should be bought not only in order to always sit in the back seat. No, it was created in order to manage it. If you evaluate the A8 car only from the point of view of a personal passenger, it will not even be revealed half. Maybe someone will seem superfluous to someone, but during this trial trip I met several times with the same brand new A8 cars. I looked at them, as it were, from the side and caught myself thinking that although solidity was felt in them, it does not be comprehensive. Still, the nature of this machine, as it seemed, is determined by the refined grace with a certain degree of elegance.
 
 

 

Source: CarView.co.jp

Video test drives Audi A8 D4 since 2010