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2009 Audi A8 Performance Review

March 23, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgrades
Cars.com

unsettling wallow when at softer settings
ConsumerGuide

steering is great, with perfect feel and weight
Motor Trend

Editors at TheCarConnection.com are pleased to note that performance in the 2009 Audi A8/A8L is extremely strong—much improved over earlier versions of the vehicle.

The 2009 Audi A8 is powered by a 350-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 on the standard A8 and extended-length A8 L. The top-of-the-range A8 L W12 boasts a 450-hp 12-cylinder engine. (The high-performance S8, with its V-10 engine and more aggressive equipment, is covered in a separate review.)

Audi claims the 2009 Audi A8 will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just over 6 seconds with the standard V-8 engine; the top speed is limited to 155 mph. The longer-wheelbase, 12-cylinder version isn't necessarily faster: Motor Trend says the direct-injection V-8 engine "gives up little to the V-12" and squeezes out up to 18 mpg on the highway.

Both versions of the 2009 Audi A8 use a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Cars.com reports that "considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgrades. Fortunately, those downshifts are smooth and prompt." ForbesAutos explains that the transmission can be "taken through the gears like a manual." Furthermore, "you get an abundant rush of energy when the pedal is pushed," Cars.com allows.

The 2009 Audi A8's variable-ratio, variable-assist steering system is recalibrated to yield more road feel, and the air suspension is retuned. The adjustable suspension can "induce unsettling wallow when at softer settings," according to ConsumerGuide, though the A8 Audi rides on 19-inch wheels. However, even before the recent changes to the steering, MyRide.com declares, “On our twisty road loop in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Audi A8 felt smaller than actual size.”

Motor Trend notes that the Audi A8's new steering is "great, with perfect feel and weight, but...we didn't know the old steering ratio needed replacing." Cars.com approves of its drivability: "On narrow two-lane roads, this full-size sedan whips from one curve to the next with ease. It stays beautifully flat while cornering and responds immediately to driver inputs," they report.

Conclusion

The 2009 Audi A8/A8L does a good job of blending sophistication with high-performance muscle.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgradesCars.comunsettling wallow when at softer settingsConsumerGuidesteering is great, with perfect feel and weightMotor Trend Editors at TheCarConnection.com are pleased to note that performance in the 2009 Audi A8/A8L is extremely strong—much improved over earlier versions of the vehicle. The 2009 Audi A8 is powered by a 350-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 on the standard A8 and extended-length A8 L. The top-of-the-range A8 L W12 boasts a 450-hp 12-cylinder engine. (The high-performance S8, with its V-10 engine and more aggressive equipment, is covered in a separate review.) Audi claims the 2009 Audi A8 will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just over 6 seconds with the standard V-8 engine; the top speed is limited to 155 mph. The longer-wheelbase, 12-cylinder version isn't necessarily faster: Motor Trend says the direct-injection V-8 engine "gives up little to the V-12" and squeezes out up to 18 mpg on the highway. Both versions of the 2009 Audi A8 use a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Cars.com reports that "considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgrades. Fortunately, those downshifts are smooth and prompt." ForbesAutos explains that the transmission can be "taken through the gears like a manual." Furthermore, "you get an abundant rush of energy when the pedal is pushed," Cars.com allows. The 2009 Audi A8's variable-ratio, variable-assist steering system is recalibrated to yield more road feel, and the air suspension is retuned. The adjustable suspension can "induce unsettling wallow when at softer settings," according to ConsumerGuide, though the A8 Audi rides on 19-inch wheels. However, even before the recent changes to the steering, MyRide.com declares, “On our twisty road loop in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Audi A8 felt smaller than actual size.” Motor Trend notes that the Audi A8's new steering is "great, with perfect feel and weight, but...we didn't know the old steering ratio needed replacing." Cars.com approves of its drivability: "On narrow two-lane roads, this full-size sedan whips from one curve to the next with ease. It stays beautifully flat while cornering and responds immediately to driver inputs," they report. ConclusionThe 2009 Audi A8/A8L does a good job of blending sophistication with high-performance muscle. 2009 AUDI A8/A8 L STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "handsome and spacious" Car and Driver: "changes for the 2009 Audi A8 are minimal" TheCarConnection.com finds that the 2009 Audi A8 carries over many existing design decisions. Other options may offer bolder styling. On the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The A8 feels substantially lighter than its big-sedan rivals—likely because of its aluminum construction—and can be hustled along a tight, curvy road at higher speeds than you might think; although competing models might have more horsepower, the 2009 Audi A8 has impressive passing ability. The interior in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class looks more modern and sophisticated than that of the Audi A8, while the BMW 7-Series and Lexus LS 460 also stand out for offering high-tech features. Both the 7-Series and S-Class have available night-vision systems and seats, and seating comfort in both of those vehicles is about as good as in the A8. The Lexus LS 460 has an especially conservative look and feel, along with one of the most refined and isolated interiors, for those so inclined, while the Jaguar XJ has classy, uniquely British styling and surprisingly brisk performance.

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See the Audi A8 in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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