Audi: Eight is (more than) enough

The Audi A8 is capable of matching its driver's style - or mood. Photo / Supplied

Audi NZ doesn't sell many A8s. In the two generations since its 1994 debut, just 232 have rolled off dealer floors. But it's a flagship for the brand - and introduces cutting-edge tech that'll filter down to more affordable cars, so it has to make an impact.

What's new
The last A8 arrived in 2002 and Audi has spent €2 billion ($3.5 billion) on R&D since then. So this car is virtually all new, with an aluminium space frame chassis that's 25 per cent stiffer underpinning a bigger body with an extended wheelbase and broader track.

A new, longitudinal powertrain layout is sold here with the redeveloped 4.2-litre V8 diesel. Torque jumps 23 per cent to 800Nm - combined with 800km-to-a-tank thirst - and is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF auto transmission.

A8's a veritable geek's delight. Stuff like a TV and comfort seats are par for the luxury course.

But the adaptive cruise will follow the car in front at any speed, using cameras plus a radar to keep an eye in front, behind and to either side.

The touch-pad lets you outline numbers and letters with a fingertip to dial the phone or ask for satnav directions. Drive select adjusts throttle, steering suspension, seatbelt tension, gearbox shift points, sport diff and cornering lights from comfort to auto, dynamic and individual, so you can tune each characteristic separately.

Options include dynamic steer ($3700); night vision that'll recognise a human figure 300m away in the dark ($5700); a solar sunroof to keep fans running when you lock the car on a hot day ($1500); seat massagers with five functions and five intensities ($2500 front, $6500 front and rear); and adaptive lights that progressively dip for oncoming cars.

We could continue, but consider this; it takes 230mb of software to control this car, 3km of wiring and 50kg of electrical systems.

The company line
Audi general manager Dane Fisher calls A8 "the dawn of a new era for Audi", and it's a busy one. The $185,000 RS5 arrives in August; the $355,000 R8 V10 Spyder in September. A1 arrives in November from $40,000; and the sporty A7 will unveil a new face in February 2011, followed by three of the 333 $400,000 R8 GT cars to be built globally.

What we say
The A8's almost self-consciously techie - though the cabin oozes class. The flight deck doesn't look intimidating, but there's a heck of a lot beneath the simple array of buttons and dials and it's not all intuitive.

I love the drive select's ability to tailor the car to your driving style. Our demanding Hawke's Bay test route suggested auto suspenders, sharp steering, transmission and engine response.

On the road
Given the level of dynamic adjustment available, A8's an upper-class Jack of all trades that's capable of matching the driver's style - or mood.

So A8 can be serene or remarkably supple when required; either way there's plentiful shove and refined delivery. It's easy to forget this car's a big limo and has its limits - fortunately the electronic nannies are efficient.

But it's a shame the 20-inch wheel-and-tyre combo fitted at launch is so noisy, yet few buyers will choose the standard (and probably quieter) 19s.

Why you'll buy one
You're happy to top the $240,000 standard price for an options list as OTT as this.

Why you won't
You'll get the 20GB/3000-track Jukebox in an easier-to-manage and much more affordable car when A1 arrives in November.