Vehicle Tested
2013 Audi A8 L 3.0T Sedan (3.0L 6-cyl. Supercharged AWD 8-speed Automatic)
Driven On
6/5/2012
Ratings Summary
Residing on only the second rung of the five-step A8 ladder, the impressively equipped Audi A8 L 3.0T provides all the performance most buyers will ever require, all the comfort, and nearly all of the luxury and sophistication they expect of a flagship sedan. If you want more, add options or climb the ladder.
A
Performance
With a masterful blend of V8-equivelent acceleration, sports car braking, compact sedan handling, yet easy driveability, the long-wheelbased all-wheel drive A8 L 3.0T is at the top of its class. And there are two more powerful versions.
| Acceleration |
A
|
A supercharged 333 hp V6 supplies impressive acceleration. The 8-speed automatic transmission deserves some credit for the 5-sec dash to 60 mph. Silky smooth acceleration. |
| Braking |
A
|
A thoroughbred sports car would brag about brakes like these. The A8 L stops in just 104 feet from 60 mph yet the pedal retains an intuitive feel around town. Benchmark performance. |
| Steering |
A
|
The driver-selectable variable-effort steering is responsive and precise regardless of mode. The electric-assist lacks some tactile feel, but is one of the best in its class. |
| Handling |
A
|
We tested with all-season and summer tires and both versions supplied astounding grip, poise, and predictable (but very high) limits. The car feels half its size. |
| Driveability |
A
|
Don't assume the A8 L would feel like driving a limousine. Sure, it's composed and quiet, but with a connectedness and capability most competitors lack. There's only one better. |
A
Comfort
Only the Princess and the Pea could find fault in the A8 L's ability to supply limousine-levels of comfort.
| Seating Comfort |
A
|
Heated 12-way adjustable front seats. Rear seat options include heat, recline and massage. |
| Ride Comfort |
A
|
Standard multi-mode suspension is ably equipped to deal with all manner of road conditions and never feels floaty or harsh. |
| Quietness |
A
|
One of the quietest cars we've ever tested and that's without the optional dual-pane acoustic windows. |
A
Interior
Passenger room and accommodations are nearly peerless, and ambitious ergonomics are handled deftly. The A8 L's limited trunk capacity brings this otherwise-benchmark interior score down slightly.
| Ergonomics |
A
|
Like nearly all similarly complex systems, Audi's infotainment controller and button-rich dash require some study. Voice commands and finger-tip 'drawing' pad are very good. |
| Ingress/Egress |
A
|
Generously sized doors offer easy access. Long rear doors of this long-wheelbased version of the A8 sometimes affect this in tight side-by-side parking stalls. |
| Space/Room |
A
|
As one might suspect, the A8 L's additional 5 inches of wheelbase is noticeable inside. There's more rear legroom than front legroom and truly enough room for 5 adults. |
| Visibility |
A
|
Standard adaptive Xenon headlamps, reverse camera, and parking sensors can be augmented with more cameras, night vision, and blindspot monitoring. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
Putting such a premium on passenger room costs the A8 L in terms of luggage capacity. At 13.2 cubic feet the trunk size is below that of its competitors. Interior storage options are numerous. |
B
Value
Widely held as a benchmark in terms of quality materials and craftsmanship, but if Audi provided better warranties and scheduled maintenance terms, its overall value would rise.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
A
|
As Audi's flagship sedan, the A8 goes beyond satisfying expectations of high quality and sets the benchmark for others to emulate. This is widely known in the industry. |
| Features(vs. $) |
A
|
This L 3.0T is only the second step among the five A8 trim levels and it is generously equipped before adding any options. Check the impressive standard equipment ledger. |
| Cost |
A
|
With an MSRP of just under $80K, the A8 L 3.0T is an outright steal for a flagship sedan. One could easily spend far more and get far less. |
| MPG |
B
|
Expect to earn about 20 mpg in mixed driving as the EPA estimates are 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. These are good considering the AWD and performance. |
| Warranty |
B
|
Basic and Powertrain warranties stand at 4 years/50,000 miles. These are average terms, but not outstanding. |
| Ownership |
C
|
Roadside assistance is covered for 4 years/unlimited miles and only the first scheduled maintenance visit is free. You may purchase additional maintenance terms. |
A
Fun To Drive
The A8 L 3.0T is a shockingly capable sport sedan, an opulent luxury sedan, and a trend-setting techno feast. All this adds up to a tremendously satisfying experience from any seat in the house.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
Whether it's from the driver's seat or one of the opulent passenger seats, traveling in the sophisticated A8 L 3.0T is just about as satisfying as it gets in an automobile. |
| Personality |
A
|
Aside from its stealthy, somewhat anonymous exterior styling, the A8 L 3.0T's sophistication, functionality, and class-leading competence is undeniable. Very few better. |
