Stretch out in style

It's your free business class ticket, it's a stroke of genius, and it's your magic carpet fantasy. Tick, tick, tick for the new Audi A8.

Performance
The new A8's performance is effortless. On fast corners, the new A8 feels almost as agile as an A4. It just refuses to dip, bob, or even roll like its rivals. A combination of Audi's third gen aluminium space frame chassis, its quattro four-wheel-drive system, air springs and dampers all round make the A8 remarkably nimble.

Interiors
On the inside, the chromed-over buttons on the centre console look stunning and the levels of fit and finish top Audi's usual high standards. The chrome quality is top notch. The A8 is also loaded with features. There's a touch pad to help you write and dial numbers, Audi's new Multi Media Interface (MMI) system is easy to operate, and the car uniquely combines Google Earth maps with its own navigation system.

Ride
Because of the A8's air springs and big rims, ride comfort isn't what you would want in a limo. While the ride is not coarse, there is almost a constant pitter-patter. Merc's pliant S-class has nothing to fear from the Audi in this area at least. The A8's V8 diesel motor is one of the finest around. It's so silent that even with the air-con blower set on one and audio system on mute, you can barely identify this as a diesel. The gearbox has the perfect ratio for you at all times. However, Audi initially will only have the 3.0 TDI on offer, and that's a shame.

Verdict
Audi has the potential to take on the competition and win with this third generation A8. Improving ride quality for the Indian spec car and a complete features list will let the carmaker strike gold.

Autocar India