2007 Audi A8

Admiral of the Fleet

The Audi A8, the brand's largest sedan, continues to impress with ample performance and comfort, and a top 12-cylinder version in an unusual W12 configuration.

The Audi A8 flagship sedan blends superior comfort and performance with quiet elegance and a stately overall design. It comes in both standard- and long-wheelbase A8L versions, with an extra five inches between the wheels. The long-wheelbase variant has an optional W12 engine.

Both engines in the Audi A8 come mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that can be taken through the gears like a manual. This gearbox includes Audi’s DSP Dynamic Shift Program, which automatically adjusts to a motorist’s driving style according to more than 200 pre-programmed shift patterns.

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A light yet strong aluminum chassis combines with Servotronic speed-dependent power steering and an adaptive air suspension to give the Audi A8 both capable handling characteristics and a smooth ride. The latter regulates the vehicle’s ride height and suspension dynamics according to four operating modes: automatic, dynamic, comfort and lift.

The Audi A8 comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive. The system distributes power from front to rear and side to side, to afford both excellent dry-road handling abilities as well as added traction and control when the weather turns ugly.

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Standard features in the Audi A8 include adaptive headlamps that can help illuminate the road at night through curves; rain-sensing windshield wipers; and a Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface that includes voice recognition. Voice recognition can also be used to operate the stereo system and navigation. Safety and driver-control features include Audi’s Anti Slip Regulation and Electronic Stability Program, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Audi A8 Vehicle Summary

Inside, the Audi A8 is richly trimmed in aluminum, leather and wood, and it affords ample comfort for both the front and rear seats.

In long-wheelbase A8L models, those in the back enjoy limo-like legroom. A color Multi-Media Interface display incorporates navigation, audio, climate control and other functions, operated by a joystick-like knob and dashboard-mounted video display. While it’s easier to use than BMW’s i-Drive system, it’s still more distracting than traditional knobs and buttons. Backseat passengers in the W12 A8L are treated to a dual-screen video entertainment system with a six-disc DVD changer.

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For those who find the A8 too sedate for their tastes, a sportier S8 alternative comes powered by a V10 engine and rides on a sport suspension for crisper handling.