Is the A8 a car for Audi's core fans?

The new Audi A8was unveiled in its home market in 2010 as a flagship model. Its construction, featuring a lightweight chassis primarily of aluminum combined with the Quattro full-time four-wheel-drive system, follows the lineage of previous A8 models. Furthermore, the technology has been refined, with increased chassis rigidity and improved driving dynamics, leading to an overall enhancement in sophistication. Here, we delve into the value of the A8 through a dialogue.

—Large saloons remain a market with demand, even in an era where fuel economy is paramount. In Japan, the segment equivalent toLexus LSis dominated by German manufacturers.Mercedes-Benz S-ClassandBMW7 Series, along with the Audi A8. However, among these three, Audi, despite adopting the most ambitious mechanisms, has historically struggled in terms of sales.

The A8 entered its third generation in 2010. While the previous two generations were indeed ambitious, they seemed somewhat untamed in terms of ride comfort and handling. I couldn't quite warm up to them.

—Indeed, the impression of a stiff ride was strong. With its elaborate construction, such as the Audi Space Frame that extensively used expensive extruded aluminum, it was, in a sense, a symbol of Audi's technically oriented identity. However, in reality, it felt more like a car for Audi's core fans.

However, the new A8 has improved dramatically. I was surprised.

Progress Through the Adoption of a 3-Liter Engine

—What kind of progress?

There are two meanings. First, how well it responds to societal demands, such as the realization of a low-carbon society. Second, as a pure automobile, how well it embodies what is required in its segment. The new A8 presents a model that demonstrates a commitment to doing everything possible for a large car exceeding five meters in length. This is evident in the adoption of the 3-liter engine, which is the first point to note.

—The power plant, which was talked about as surprisingly small in displacement. Downsizing is the concept of increasing engine efficiency, meaning reducing displacement while increasing power through turbocharging or supercharging, thereby balancing fuel economy and performance. The adoption of the 3-liter engine is precisely this, isn't it?

Reducing displacement can be done by any manufacturer, but what's noteworthy is how well it actually drives. This is thanks to the supercharger, which engages from low RPMs, generating a formidable 420 Nm of torque from 2,500 rpm.

However, it wasn't just the power that impressed me with the new A8. The handling is excellent. Without feeling the weight of the front end, it responds keenly to steering input, and the body, integrated with the chassis, changes direction instantaneously. I believe this natural feel is something unprecedented.

Achieving 9.2 L/km with the 3-Liter Model Through Increased Efficiency

—German manufacturers, while adopting hybrid technology, still primarily focus on conventional engines. This is due to differences in traffic conditions, where for frequent high-speed driving, adding large electric motors and high-capacity batteries for hybrid systems can be disadvantageous in terms of weight and handling. Germany and Europe, in particular, clearly distinguish between city and highway driving more than Japan.

Within this context, they are implementing modern technologies, such as disengaging the engine from the transmission during high-speed cruising to enter an idling state for improved fuel economy, and preventing the engine from becoming too cold, which can reduce efficiency. I was also impressed that the 3-liter model achieved an actual fuel economy of 9.2 km/L in mixed city and highway driving.

High-Level Ride Comfort and Quietness

—Has the level of a luxury car improved?

It has. Firstly, the ride comfort has become even better. Previously,Audihad two drawbacks. One was pitching, caused by the engine being mounted ahead of the front axle. Especially with larger engines, it could be felt as the front end oscillating at high speeds. The other was that the suspension was made too stiff, partly to prevent this. In other words, the suspension setting was hard, which contributed to handling but could also lead to unpleasant jolts from the road for occupants. However, the new A8 is remarkably flat. The level of refinement is such that I want to exclaim, 'This is wonderful!' I was impressed by how far it has come.

—It seems that the ride comfort of Audis introduced recently has generally improved.

Indeed, theA7 Sportback,which shares part of its platform, also offers a good ride. I felt the new A8 was even better. The benefits of the new chassis, which combines aluminum with ultra-high-strength steel to achieve both weight reduction and rigidity, are also significant. Furthermore, what impressed me was the high level of quietness. Even with the standard wheelbase of 2,990 mm, the murmurs of rear-seat passengers can be clearly heard in the front. The quietness was not compromised even at higher speeds. Whether it's the 3-liter or the 4.2-liter, the cabin at speed is as quiet as one might expect from a diesel engine.

A Car That Instills Confidence in the Driver

—Between the A8 3.0 TFSI quattro (9.56 million yen) and the A8 4.2 FSI quattro (11.71 million yen), which did you prefer?

Both have their own character, which is part of the new A8's appeal. Personally, I felt the former was sufficient. Normally, larger engines make the nose heavier and compromise agility, but this is surprisingly not the case with the new A8. In other words, even with the 4.2-liter V8, the maneuverability is truly pleasant. To be critical, the V8 has a momentary dip in power just before 3,000 rpm, a so-called torque 'valley.' However, this doesn't detract from the experience. The immense power that emerges from very low RPMs offers a different world compared to the supercharged 3-liter V6.

—Has the new A8 achieved a level of appeal comparable to the S-Class or 7 Series?

It has. While the reduced fatigue during high-speed driving is a Mercedes hallmark, the A8, with its four-wheel drive and arrow-like straight-line stability, excels in its ability to maintain a stable ride, even against crosswinds. Driving from Tokyo to Nagoya and back in a day results in no fatigue. While sporty handling is aBMWtrait, Audiseems to have moved beyond merely chasing BMW, successfully creating a different appeal by developing its own unique character. While it may not offer the extreme sportiness of controlling the car to the millimeter, it provides the driver with a sense of unity with the car and, at the same time, a sense of stability that increases trust in the vehicle. This aligns perfectly with the car's nature. In that sense, I would like to bestow the compliment 'most complete' upon this new A8.

Audi A8 3.0 TFSI quattro | Audi A8 3.0 TFSI quattro
Body Size | Length 5,145 x Width 1,950 x Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,990 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,930 kg
Engine | 3-liter V6 DOHC with Supercharger
Max Output | 213 kW (290 ps) / 4,850-6,500 rpm
Max Torque | 420 Nm (42.8 kgm) / 2,500-4,850 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed electronically controlled AT
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy | 9.2 km/L
CO2 Emissions | 252 g/km
Drivetrain | 4WD
Price | 9.45 million yen

Audi A8 4.2 FSI quattro | Audi A8 4.2 FSI quattro
Body Size | Length 5,145 x Width 1,950 x Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,990 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,940 kg
Engine | 4.2-liter V8 DOHC
Max Output | 273 kW (372 ps) / 6,800 rpm
Max Torque | 445 Nm (45.4 kgm) / 3,500 rpm
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy | 8.3 km/L
CO2 Emissions | 280 g/km
Drivetrain | 4WD
Price | 11.6 million yen