The
2011 Audi A8 is a luxury sedan with an all-aluminum body, which makes it lighter while balanced with its body size. For 2011, improvements have been made to the A8's 4.2 L V-8 engine with 372 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque, with the integration of direct fuel injection. The engine is mated to Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A W-12 engine with 500 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque is also available. The A-8 L and the sports model have a long wheelbase, ensuring enough space in the back seat area and lots of leg room.
In 2011, the Audi A8 has a minimally styled exterior. However, the car's interior is full of advanced technology and luxury elements, including a touch pad located on the center console that controls the infotainment system. As would be expected, the Audi A8 has the full Monty of safety equipment and features. As a large sedan, it doesn't excel at fuel economy, but stays in 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway range; however the new direct fuel injection does help reduce gas consumption.
New for 2011
All-new for 2011, Audi A8 boasts a revised 4.2L V-8 engine that produces 372 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque, featuring direct injection. Despite all of the new high-technology features, the new A8 is roughly 15 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The new impressive man-machine interface (MMI) infotainment system features a touch pad for data entry and a navigation system that interfaces with the transmission. Adaptive cruise control to maximizes efficiency based on upcoming changes in the road.
Essentials
Engines: 4.2L V-8, 6.3L W-12
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: Normal Wheel Base, Long Wheel Base, S8
On the Outside
The 2011 Audi A8's styling remains conservative, subtle, and understated. It's wrapped in curvaceous sheet metal with Audi's signature LED lights in full display.
From the Inside
Standard on the Audi A8 are premium leather and soft touch materials, navigation with a pop-out screen, and the new MMI Touch system. A power driver's seat is also standard, as is air conditioning, cruise control, and an AM/FM/Satellite radio with CD player and MP3 connectivity. Optional is a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system. The trunk is spacious with a capacity of 15.1 cubic feet.
Driving Performance
The 2011 Audi A8 launched with a single engine option, an updated version of Audi's 4.2L V-8 engine that now produces 372 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque and is also more fuel efficient, thanks in part to direct fuel injection. Then Audi added an updated W-12 engine with 500 horsepower and 460 pound-feet. Either way, power is transmitted through a new 8-speed automatic transmission and Audi's superb quattro all-wheel drive system.
Safety Equipment
Standard are driver and passenger front airbags, front passenger side impact thorax bags front and rear head curtain bags, traction control, and stability control.
Gas Mileage
A8, A8 L: 17 mpg city/27 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Superb handling
- High-performance engines
- Tops in technology
- Luxurious ride
- Plush interior
Minuses
- Ho-hum steering
- Big, bigger, biggest
- Conservative lines
Rating
Reached for the stars and got them
People Who Like the 2011 Audi A8 Also Like
- BMW 7 Series
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Lexus LS
- Hyundai Equus