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- 2011 Audi A8
- Performance
Note: This performance review was created when the 2011 Audi A8 was new.
Performance: | 8.8/10 |
Although slightly underpowered compared to other V8 super luxury cars, most reviewers think that the 2011 Audi A8 is quick enough, thanks to its lighter weight and excellent eight-speed transmission. That combination also helps the A8 get the best fuel economy available among super luxury cars. Its annual fuel costs match the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid and the V6-powered Porsche Panamera, but in many respects the Audi has a leg up. It has 77 more horsepower than the Mercedes and 72 more than the Porsche, and its Quattro all-wheel drive system makes the A8 a sure-footed choice.
The A8’s handling is generally liked by reviewers, although one says that he would’ve preferred a firmer suspension system. Audi’s flagship comes with an adjustable air suspension that lets the driver chose between comfort, automatic and dynamic modes to adjust the cars handling characteristics. It’s not as posh as competitors like the Lexus LS, and also not as firm as the BMW 7-Series or Porsche Panamera. One reviewer disliked the brakes, saying that the pedal feels mushy on initial contact.
Compared to other V8-powered super luxury cars, the 2011 Audi A8’s 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 is a little short on power. Some reviewers think this is a problem, while others rave that the excellent eight-speed transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive help the A8 accelerate quickly enough to remain competitive. But the biggest complaint is likely the A8’s shifter. The transmission is electronically controlled, and the A8’s shifter requires the driver to carefully nudge the stick towards the desired gear. Push too hard and the A8 might end up in Sport mode instead of drive, or park instead of reverse.
If you’re considering more powerful super luxury cars like the V8-powered BMW 7-Series or Porsche Panamera S, you’ll have to drive the A8 to see if the power deficit is really that noticeable. However, neither of these competitors can match the 2011 A8’s fuel economy. The EPA estimates that both the A8 and the A8 L get 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. These averages give the A8 an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of $2,877 – which is the currently the lowest among super luxury cars. If fuel economy is a top priority, check out the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid and the V6-powered Porsche Panamera, which both match the A8’s annual fuel cost.
Most reviewers are impressed with the 2011 Audi A8’s adjustable air suspension, which allows the driver to choose between Comfort and Dynamic driving modes, or an automatic mode that’s the middle ground between the two. Still, one reviewer said he preferred the firmer suspension of rival cars made by Porsche and BMW, while another thought that the brake pedal felt mushy at first. Audi’s Drive Select system also adjusts steering feel with the suspension – select comfort mode and steering is light, but if you put the car in dynamic mode the steering gets a sportier, and heavier feel.
Reviewers love the standard Quattro all-wheel drive that comes on the 2011 Audi A8. They say that it adds to the A8’s sporty feel and provides an impressive level of traction. The system generally puts 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels and the remaining 40 percent to the front, but can also shift more power in either direction to improve traction. An optional Sport Rear Differential is available and also adds torque vectoring – a system that improves handling by shifting power between the left and right rear wheel when cornering.
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