Audi A8 4.2 TDI SE (2010) CAR review

So what’s the new Audi A8 like to drive?

We drove the 4.2 TDI, a favourite from the last A8 range but now fortified with an extra 111lb ft of torque thanks to a higher 200-bar injection pressure. It’s an incredible unit – massively powerful (345bhp, 590lb ft) and capable of teleporting the A8 to 62mph in a silly 5.5sec, yet it's still 24% more economical than its predecessor.

But even with all of that performance on tap, the A8 just isn’t that exciting to drive. It’s less nose-heavy than before, and better resists understeer, but will almost always wash out front-first, despite the transmission’s rear bias.

Of course most drivers won’t ever notice or care that a 7-series’ rear-drive chassis is more rewarding in extremis – the A8 counters with superb traction and handling that will never punish mistakes. But even they might be disappointed by the steering. It’s either limp and uninspired in normal mode or ludicrously heavy in sport mode when the ordinarily compliant ride becomes crashy and brittle.

But it’s a limo not a supercar. Does it have the requisite luxury feel?

In response to feedback from Asia, the Middle East and the US, the new A8 is 75mm longer, 55mm wider and, despite appearances to the contrary, 16mm taller. But while the extra length benefits rear legroom, the sloping roofline does impinge on hat space and the 500-litre boot is substantially smaller than the equivalent Merc’s.

No complaints about the quality though, for this is a stunning cabin. It doesn’t break new ground in terms of design, and lacks the full TFT displays of the S-class and new Jaguar XJ, but conveys a sporting flavour its rivals’ lack. And no one does interior lighting as well as Audi.

Verdict

The latest A8 impresses with its tech-heavy spec sheet and a fabulous interior, but looks too ordinary and doesn’t drive well enough to best its rivals in this sector. It’s a good limo, but BMW and Mercedes do a better job.