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Previewed in numerous concepts over the past several years, the A8 6.0 is the first production model to wear the new face of Audi.
Other than the new face up front, the rest of the A8 6.0 is nearly identical to its eight-cylinder stablemates.
Displacing nearly two liters more than the standard V8, this W12 produces 443 horsepower and 419 pound-feet of torque.
Already one of the most luxurious cabins in the business, the A8 6.0 gets few upgrades.
Gorgeous multispoke wheels finish off the A8's graceful design.
With more than enough room to stretch out, the rear seats in the A8 are almost as comfortable as those up front.
Distinctive without being over the top, Audi's new corporate look seems fitting for a luxury brand.

2005 Audi A8L 6.0

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What Is It?

2005 Audi A8L 6.0

What's Special About It?

This new flagship of the Audi lineup not only boasts an incredibly powerful 12-cylinder engine, it also wears a distinctive face. Previewed on several concepts over the past several years, the new grille design makes for a unique front fascia that's sure to cause a stir in this typically sedate segment of the market. Accompanying the revised front end are new headlights that incorporate LED daytime driving lights — the first such system ever offered on a production vehicle.

Lurking behind the chrome-ringed grille is a 6.0-liter W12 engine rated to produce 443 horsepower and 419 pound-feet of torque. Audi claims that 95 percent of peak torque is available between 2,300 and 5,300 rpm. Acceleration is expectedly swift, with Audi claiming a 0-to-60-mph time of just 5.2 seconds on the way up to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Like the standard model, a six-speed automatic transmits the power to the ground through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. An adaptive air suspension is also standard along with the majority of the equipment that's optional on V8-equipped models.

What's Edmunds' Take?

Already a winner in our book, the A8 finally gets the 12-cylinder power necessary to compete with the top-of-the-line offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The new look may polarize some, but for a car that's often panned for its lack of character, this face-lift might be just what it needs to stand out from its competitors. — Ed Hellwig