Reviews and Value of 2011 Audi A8 With 5200 Miles
The Car Connectedness Expert Review
Senior Editor
May 24, 2011
Likes
- Elegant, statesman styling
- Divine interior finishes
- All-day comfortable for four
- Strong and efficient engine
- Excellent, responsive manual
Dislikes
- Surprisingly tight back-seat space
- Artificial, besides-heavy steering feel
- Likewise many confusing means to control audio
Ownership tip
features & specs
4-Door Sedan
4-Door Sedan
Suave styling, an impeccable cabin, innovative cabin tech, and a lean, athletic driving feel earn the 2011 Audi A8 a spot in the summit tier.
With an all-new Jaguar XJ also entering the fray for 2011, the fourth generation of Audi's big, luxurious A8 sedan has tighter competition than ever. The new 2011 Audi A8 gets a new set of aluminum body panels and revised infinite-frame structure, a broad spectrum of drivetrain choices, and a new MMI organisation that goes the iPhone route for fingertip navigation. And with a new version of Audi Drive Select electronics, Audi hopes to bring luxury shoppers who similar to drive enthusiastically, sometimes, the best of both worlds.
Although some might notice the rather conservative exterior...well...quite conservative, the interior is worth gushing over. The Audi A8 has one of the most stylish luxury-vehicle cabins we've tested or seen, ever. Information technology's been upgraded with woods, leather, aluminum and plastic trim, a sueded headliner and rich colors—and trimmed with a hazy, sleeky-matte metallic surface that's used throughout in accents and in the dash's center beltline. Figuring in merely as much as a styling expression every bit a functional chemical element in the A8 are the two tweeters that rise well-nigh silently from the dash upon startup. Even the shift knob for the automatic transmission is significantly different than what'southward used in other Audi models; Audi says it's modeled after the throttle in yachts and powerboats, but we meet golf game putter.
In the tightly competitive grade of big, high-tech luxury sedans, the 2011 Audi A8 is dissimilar in one cardinal attribute that affects, for the meliorate, how it performs: At about 4,400 pounds, it'southward quite likely the lightest of any large luxury sedans—especially those with all-wheel bulldoze. Only as its predecessors, the A8 is congenital on an all-aluminum space frame that helps continue the heft downwardly—which in turns makes the 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 feel a lot peppier than yous'd think when you put your correct foot in information technology. Audi merely nailed the calibration of the 8-speed automatic transmission.
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The previous A8 was no stranger to electronic vehicle controls; this version gets an fifty-fifty better system that controls powertrain, steering, and suspension feel—together or separately. Called Audi Bulldoze Select system, is offers Dynamic, Condolement, Machine, or Individual modes, but nosotros remember most of the time this system does a great job in Machine. Audi likewise tuned the feel of the steering just right for high-speed cruising, and information technology'southward a responsive setup that shines on high-speed sweepers. While the A8 is surprisingly deft at quick changes in direction and can be flung around tight hairpin corners with ease, at that place'due south very little steering experience.
The 2011 Audi A8 comes in standard-length A8 and extended-length A8L models; and without hesitation we'd recommend the A8L to nearly all U.Due south. shoppers. Why? Simply because the 'L' is a lot more comfortable and all-around for those in dorsum. The A8 L is nigh five inches longer in both wheelbase and overall length, with virtually all of that actress stretch going to back-seat legroom. Back doors are also larger, for easier entry and go out. And although price doesn't matter that much to these shoppers, the A8L costs only about vi grand more. The extra length might slightly affect maneuverability a slight scrap, but it'south a positive for ride.
Plus, bachelor on the A8L (and included in all W12 versions) are lavish individual seats in back that might simply exist cause to go someone else to do the driving. Four-zone climate command keeps everyone comfortable, the rear seats are power-adjustable, and the right-side i includes a footrest while the left-side seat includes massage and recline functions. Besides on offer in either model is a two-panel panoramic sunroof that makes the interior considerably brighter without interfering with headroom. In either instance, the A8 has enough of trunk space, and the rather long trunklid allows a wide opening.
A lot of real estate—maybe too much—is notwithstanding devoted to knobs and buttons, though many drivers volition exist happy for the level of redundancy. Directly in forepart of the commuter, in the gauge cluster, is an abbreviated screen based display that's easy to scroll through with the steering-wheel controls, then more than extensive screens are on offer through the main multi-media interface (MMI) screen, which even so takes a little while to go used to, just information technology'south been completely redesigned and reconceived here compared to the previous model. The eight-inch touch monitor is cute and easy to read from a wide range of angles, and a new Google Maps–based navigation system uses its own information connexion to get live-updated mapping and routing data.
Although a Bose audio system is standard on the A8, both true audiophiles along with everyone else who simply wants to accept the best will go for the Ring & Olufsen Avant-garde audio system, which has 19 speakers, including small tweeters at the front end of the cabin that sally at startup, along with more than 1400 watts of power. Too on offer in back is a rear-seat entertainment system with its ain xx-gig difficult bulldoze and ii 10.2-inch screens, or—for the classic executive car need—a folding tabular array.
Late in the model year a new straight-injected, 6.3-liter version of the visitor's 'W12' engine volition be available in the A8, now making 500-horsepower and capable of getting the A8L to lx mph in less than five seconds.
The 2011 Audi A8 has, hands down, one of the warmest, virtually welcoming, and finest-detailed interiors ever in a German sedan; but its exterior proportions exit information technology short of perfection.
Judging only by the interior, the Audi A8 is one of the most stylish luxury-vehicle interiors we've tested or seen, always. The instrument panel is trimmed with finishes that y'all don't typically see in other luxury vehicles, with a hazy, glossy-matte metal surface that's used throughout in accents and in the dash'southward center beltline. And the instrument panel angles gracefully into the wide middle console, reserving sound and climate controls for a section that'southward nicely angled upward toward the driver. Inside, the cabin's been upgraded with forest, leather, aluminum and plastic trim, a sueded headliner and rich colors.
While many of today'south new cars—fifty-fifty beyond brands—share some of the same switchgear and detailing, you lot'd exist challenged to detect bear witness of such cross-pollination in this cabin. But glancing around the A8 reveals endless little details that are reserved for this and only this interior. Figuring in just equally much equally a styling expression as a functional element in the A8 are the ii tweeters that ascent well-nigh silently from the dash upon startup. Fifty-fifty the shift knob for the automatic manual is significantly different than what's used in other Audi models; Audi says it'southward modeled subsequently the throttle in yachts and powerboats, but nosotros encounter golf putter.
From the outside, we're unable to gush in the same style. From most angles, the new A8 looks only like an extension of the outgoing pattern—albeit with some awesome detailing this time effectually, equally you lot could get lost for minutes in the fine detail in and around the LED headlights and taillights. Just in an apparent attempt to make the A8 wait a piddling more long-hooded and broad-shouldered (more similar a traditional rear-wheel-drive sport sedan), the automaker has almost lost its proportions. While the A8 looks neat from the side, or straight on from the rear, hardcore Audi fans might be disappointed that the proportions don't pop, especially from front end angles, the mode they used to. Audi's eggcrate grille and front end airdam, which used to await brash and different at present feels more ordinary. Aerodynamics of the design are very impressive, with the coefficient of drag, at 0.26, about the same every bit that of the Toyota Prius.
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Cheers to its lightweight aluminum underpinnings, the 2011 Audi A8 feels more athletic and responsive than other big luxury sport sedans.
In the tightly competitive class of large, high-tech luxury sedans, the 2011 Audi A8 is different in one cardinal attribute that affects, for the improve, how it performs: At well-nigh 4,400 pounds, information technology's quite likely the lightest of any large luxury sedans—particularly those with all-wheel bulldoze. Merely as its predecessors, the A8 is congenital on an all-aluminum space frame that helps go on the heft down—which in turns makes the 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter Five-eight experience a lot peppier than you'd call up when y'all put your right foot in it.
The other cardinal to making that small-scale V-viii move the A8 in truly quick fashion is the excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi simply nailed the calibration here, and it's one of the best-calibrated automatic transmissions at any price. While you can flick through the gears manually, y'all nigh likely won't even feel the inclination to do then; if you're in its Condolement or Motorcar modes, the transmission doesn't mess effectually and shifts early—only short of lugging the engine, likely one of the reasons for this big sedan's splendid fuel economic system—while if you clasp the accelerator, say, halfway, the transmission very speedily downshifts a gear or two. Flooring it and it's just equally quick, just you end up going from, say eighth to third, in a dramatic and quick rush of passing ability.
In regular driving, the A8's quattro all-wheel drive arrangement sends virtually 60 percentage of power to the rear wheels, while up to 60 percent tin can be sent to the forepart wheels when needed. For enthusiasts, at that place's likewise an available sport differential organisation that brings an agile torque dissever from left to right equally well.
Audi also tuned the experience of the steering just correct for loftier-speed cruising, and it's a responsive setup that shines on high-speed sweepers. While the A8 is surprisingly deft at quick changes in direction and can exist flung around tight hairpin corners with ease, there's very little steering feel. Just on center, the steering feels secure and settled, almost with the sort of lightened heft of older Mercedes-Benz models; even so yank the steering just a fleck away from center and the ratio's a lot quicker than it lets on.
But like any skillful German language-engineered product, the A8 gives you an at-times overwhelming array of possibilities if you lot wish—highlighted in an Audi Bulldoze Select system, with Individual settings and the opportunity to separately select attitudes for the powertrain, suspension, and steering. Dynamic way gives you much more heft, just no more road feedback—at least on the coarse, somewhat undulating roads where we pushed the A8 a piffling harder. The steering in Dynamic style, especially in lower-speed hairpins, is just curt of too much; it'll give your shoulders a workout.
If this is all a footling overwhelming—as information technology was for us on an admittedly short bulldoze—you can but leave the A8 in its default Intelligent way and for normal driving, information technology does just fine with respect to
We like the dainty, linear throttle; fifty-fifty in Sport mode it avoids the touchy feeling altogether. And thank you to the suspension, there's nearly no elevator under hard acceleration or nosedive under hard braking—adding to the sophisticated, uber-equanimous yet athletic feel of the A8.
Belatedly in the model year a new direct-injected, six.3-liter version of the company's 'W12' engine will be available in the A8, at present making 500-horsepower and capable of getting the A8L to threescore mph in less than v seconds.
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With a tight, placidity cabin and some of the best long-distance seating comfort of whatever super-sedan, the 2011 A8 won't disappoint—provided you get the extended Audi A8 L.
The 2011 Audi A8 comes in standard-length A8 and extended-length A8L models; and without hesitation nosotros'd recommend the A8L to nigh all U.S. shoppers. Why? Simply considering the 'L' is a lot more comfortable and accommodating for those in back. The A8 50 is about five inches longer in both wheelbase and overall length, with nearly all of that extra stretch going to dorsum-seat legroom. Dorsum doors are also larger, for easier entry and exit. And although cost doesn't thing that much to these shoppers, the A8L costs only about vi g more than. The actress length might slightly touch maneuverability a slight fleck, but it's a positive for ride.
In all A8 models, the forepart seats are ample and supportive, combining cushiony softness at first with an underlying compactness that should make them all-day comfortable. They take great mid-back support, combined with headrests that are supportive without forcing your neck forrad. In back, while the standard backseat setup has long cushions good for lankier passengers, there'south just non enough legroom back there in the normal-length A8; then do go the A8 L unless you're tight on parking space.
Plus, bachelor on the A8L (and included in all W12 versions) are lavish individual seats in back that might just be cause to go someone else to do the driving. Four-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable, the rear seats are power-adjustable, and the right-side one includes a footrest while the left-side seat includes massage and recline functions. Also on offering in either model is a two-console panoramic sunroof that makes the interior considerably brighter without interfering with headroom. In either case, the A8 has plenty of trunk infinite, and the rather long trunklid allows a broad opening.
The A8's cabin is a very placidity, refined place, and while yous won't hear much wind or road noise, yous volition hear the engine somewhat during dispatch. The air suspension system too recalibrates itself to Comfort, Dynamic or Car modes, though it rides reasonably well in all three with not a lot of discernible departure on nearly roads (though we did notice a slight scrap more road dissonance in Dynamic than the others on one specially coarse Interstate stretch).
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In that location aren't any U.Southward. crash-test results for the 2011 Audi A8, but it has some very impressive safety credentials.
The 2011 Audi A8 hasn't nevertheless been crash-tested, and because of its rather low-volume status, it likely won't be by either of the major safe organizations in the U.S. But based on its impressive roster of features, the A8 impresses for safety.
In the 2011 A8, Audi of class has all the fundamentals for a very safe, big sedan, including a strong aluminum infinite-frame structure, an extensive array of airbags (including front knee bags), and an advanced stability command system.
Only thanks to a host of additional, truly advanced features, the A8 has some even more advanced features that are likely to help reduce the severity of a crash, even if you don't manage to avert it. All A8 models include automatic emergency braking, which activates to lessen the bear upon of a standoff it deems unavoidable. There's also a braking baby-sit feature that warns the driver with a chime and jolt of the brakes. And whenever the accelerator is released abruptly, the brake system at present primes itself and cleans the brake discs for best stopping response. Additionally, Audi's Pre Sense arrangement adjusts seats, tenses seatbelts, and adjusts shocks to optimum positions when information technology senses an impending standoff; it also activates the hazard lamps and partially brakes to lessen the severity.
Features similar an innovative new touchpad arrangement, night vision, and high-end Bang & Olufsen audio cement the A8'due south geek appeal as well as its exclusivity.
The 2011 Audi A8 is a certainly a luxury automobile, but applied science seems to rank commencement and foremost on this German super-sedan's list of bragging rights. All A8s volition come up with a leather interior, power everything, navigation, Bose audio, satellite radio, and of course quattro all-wheel drive.
Where information technology starts getting interesting is the interface. A lot of real estate—maybe too much—is devoted to knobs and buttons, though many drivers will be happy for the level of redundancy. Directly in front of the commuter, in the estimate cluster, is an abbreviated screen based brandish that's piece of cake to scroll through with the steering-wheel controls, so more extensive screens are on offer through the main multi-media interface (MMI) screen, which still takes a little while to get used to, only it'south been completely redesigned and reconceived here compared to the previous model. The eight-inch touch on monitor is beautiful and piece of cake to read from a wide range of angles, and a new Google Maps–based navigation arrangement uses its own data connection to go alive-updated mapping and routing information.
The A8 will exist the first Audi to use a new interface that allows drivers to utilise their fingertips to direct the Multi-Media Interface—via a touchpad that's a lot like touch-screen controls for a smartphone. It recognizes alphabets from English to Mandarin to Cyrillic, and rests in a convenient location, abreast the driver'southward genu. We weren't able to primary, let alone become fluent with in such a short time, but the system is said to make destination and phone number entry much easier.
Audi has fabricated an effort to provide redundant controls for the audio system and climate control; if you don't desire to piece of work through the screens, for many primary functions information technology's just a affair of hitting a push button (and unless you're very new to the vehicle, you'll know where information technology is); the automaker has besides included a concrete volume knob.
Available as part of a condom-minded driver help package ($three,000) is adaptive cruise control, which will now bring you to a complete end and restart automatically, plus lane assistance and side aid. Also available is a dark vision system that volition help spot and identify pedestrians.
Although a Bose sound organization is standard on the A8, both true audiophiles forth with anybody else who simply wants to take the best will go for the Band & Olufsen Advanced audio system, which has 19 speakers, including small tweeters at the front of the cabin that emerge at startup, along with more 1400 watts of ability.
While the standard-length version of the A8 is intended more equally personal sport sedan, the A8L plays the chauffeur-worthy part well. Also on offer in back is a rear-seat entertainment system with its own xx-gig hard drive and ii ten.2-inch screens, or—for the classic executive machine need—a folding table.
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For those who care about fuel economy and their carbon footprint only want a large luxury flagship, the 2011 Audi A8 is quite impressive.
Fuel economy ratings for the 2011 Audi A8 are probably a scrap ameliorate than you might remember. Cheers to its light weight, aerodynamics, and efficiency-minded engineering in general, the A8 achieves an EPA-rated 17 mpg city, 27 highway. That'due south really impressive, and really improve overall than the BMW ActiveHybrid 750Li.
From what we—too equally other auto critics—have seen, the A8 returns those kinds of numbers in real-world driving, too. In nearly a hundred miles of by and large lower-speed stop-and-get commute-manner driving in an A8 L, nosotros managed more than 18 mpg.
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The Car Connexion Consumer Review
April 14, 2015
For 2011 Audi A8
Like the car ameliorate after three years than when I bought it
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Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/audi_a8_2011
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