The 2009 Audi A8 embodies what a flagship luxury sedan should be. The clean lines of the A8 are elegant and stately, while at the same time, modern and stylish. The '09 A8 is one year removed from a minor update that included revised fog lights, taillights, and wheel design.
We drove the Audi A8 L model. The "L" denotes the long wheelbase A8. This added length significantly benefits rear seat passengers, making the A8 L a potential executive car.
A 4.2-liter V8 that puts out 350 horsepower and 325 pound feet of torque is standard on the A8 and A8 L. The A8 L can be ordered with a massive 450 horsepower 6-liter W12 engine that puts out 428 pound-feet of torque.
Power on all A8's is sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission with TipTronic paddle shifters to Audi's proven Quattro all-wheel-drive.
Fuel economy for the A8 ranges from 13 miles per gallon city with the W12, up to 25 miles per gallon highway with the V8.
Audi is world renowned for its interior styling, and the A8 doesn't disappoint. The dash and center stack are mostly clean- the result of the hideaway pop-up navigation screen and the majority of controls residing in the center console.
Our test car came equipped with the Exclusive Level 3 package, which included Valcona (Val-CO-na) leather seats, with black piping, maple copper wood trim, multi-function 4-spoke steering wheel and amaretto alcantara (al-CAHN-ta-ra) headliner.
Standard features on the A8 L include 16-way power adjustable front bucket seats, rear passenger climate controls and rear window sunshades.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, and a full assortment of front and side impact airbags.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Audi A8 is $74,050. An A8 L like the one we drove will start out at $77,900, while a fully loaded 12-cylinder model can cost as much as $140,000. The A8 is backed by a 4-year, 50,000-mile power train warranty.
With its crisp lines, powerful engines and standard all wheel drive, the 2009 Audi A8 makes for a thrilling automobile in which to drive...or be driven.