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2009 Audi A8 Safety Review

March 23, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

state-of-the-art digital modeling has allowed Audi to build one of the safest cars in its class
J.D. Power

[turn off the lane assist] except when going cross-country on too little sleep
Motor Trend

Editors at TheCarConnection.com note that the 2009 Audi A8/A8L has not received crash-test ratings from either major agency—but there are plenty of airbags and other safety features.

J.D. Power contends that "state-of-the-art digital modeling has allowed Audi to build one of the safest cars in its class." Even with this distinction, Audi still piles safety features into the 2009 Audi A8/A8L. These include separate front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, front knee airbags, front active head restraints, and electronic stability control—all standard, according to Cars.com. J.D. Power explains that "side-mounted air bag supplemental restraints and Sideguard head-protection air bags are designed to offer additional protection for both front and rear outboard occupants."

ForbesAutos reports that the 2009 Audi A8 features adaptive headlights as well. The headlights actually turn with the wheels, providing better illumination around curved roads at night. In addition, the windshield wipers are rain-sensing, the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system provides excellent control in a variety of road conditions, and the brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution ensure maximum stopping power. J.D. Power likes that "Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children (LATCH) is standard, as is a tire-pressure-monitoring system."

Another interesting piece of safety equipment that comes standard on this year's A8 is Audi's lane assist. The device causes the steering wheel to vibrate when the vehicle begins to wander; however, Motor Trend recommends that this feature be turned off "except when going cross-country on too little sleep...it's amusing at first, then more annoying than helpful."

 

Conclusion

The 2009 Audi A8 and A8L have not yet been crash-tested. They do, however, offer an impressive range of safety equipment.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:state-of-the-art digital modeling has allowed Audi to build one of the safest cars in its classJ.D. Power[turn off the lane assist] except when going cross-country on too little sleepMotor Trend Editors at TheCarConnection.com note that the 2009 Audi A8/A8L has not received crash-test ratings from either major agency—but there are plenty of airbags and other safety features. J.D. Power contends that "state-of-the-art digital modeling has allowed Audi to build one of the safest cars in its class." Even with this distinction, Audi still piles safety features into the 2009 Audi A8/A8L. These include separate front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, front knee airbags, front active head restraints, and electronic stability control—all standard, according to Cars.com. J.D. Power explains that "side-mounted air bag supplemental restraints and Sideguard head-protection air bags are designed to offer additional protection for both front and rear outboard occupants." ForbesAutos reports that the 2009 Audi A8 features adaptive headlights as well. The headlights actually turn with the wheels, providing better illumination around curved roads at night. In addition, the windshield wipers are rain-sensing, the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system provides excellent control in a variety of road conditions, and the brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution ensure maximum stopping power. J.D. Power likes that "Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children (LATCH) is standard, as is a tire-pressure-monitoring system." Another interesting piece of safety equipment that comes standard on this year's A8 is Audi's lane assist. The device causes the steering wheel to vibrate when the vehicle begins to wander; however, Motor Trend recommends that this feature be turned off "except when going cross-country on too little sleep...it's amusing at first, then more annoying than helpful."   ConclusionThe 2009 Audi A8 and A8L have not yet been crash-tested. They do, however, offer an impressive range of safety equipment. 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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