2012 Audi A8

The 2012 Audi A8 sedan’s 4.2 liter V8 engine gives 372 horsepower, the perfect size for a luxury car with the primary purpose of comfort.

For those who want extra power, the A8 W12 model delivers up to 500 horsepower and 463 lbs/ft of torque from its 6.3 liter 12 cylinder engine, with the tradeoff of less gas mileage than the standard engine.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan Base Price: $78,750.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gallons (90L) MPG: 18 city / 28 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 202.2 in. (513.7 cm) Wheel Base: 117.8 in. (299.2 cm)
Height: 57.5 in. (146 cm) Width: 83.1 in. (211.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 4409 lbs (2000 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 13.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 4.2L DOHC V8 FSI® Compression Ratio: 12.5: 1
Horsepower: 372 HP Max RPM: 6800 RPM
Torque: 328 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Auto Tiptronic
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Quattro L MSRP: $84,700; MPG: 18 city / 28 hwy
Option:Quattro L W12 6.3L MSRP: $133,500; MPG: 14 city / 21 hwy

Performance

This Audi has an eight speed automatic transmission and comes with all wheel drive for maximum control. The aluminum body is lightweight enough to allow a good fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

The adjustable air suspension keeps the ride smooth from start to finish with a sportier handling than its predecessors. Reviewers were pleased with the crisp and immediate steering response, which is complemented by highly responsive brakes.

Exterior

The long body has the same style of a limousine, allowing for extra legroom inside the spacious interior. Choose from nine available colors for the body: Quartz Gray Metallic, Phantom Black Pearl Effect, Savana Beige Pearl Effect, Night Blue Pearl Effect, Oolong Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Havanna Black Metallic, Emerald Black Metallic, or Glacier White Metallic.

The color choices all give a slightly luminous effect to the car that makes it shine anywhere.

Interior

Every reviewer of the 2012 Audi A8 has been notably impressed by the exceptional taste and quality of its interior. Even the horizontal shape of the gear shift handle reminds you of the throttle aboard your yacht. Black and coffee-colored leather line the spaciously comfortable cabin, with wood and aluminum accents in the trim and console areas.

The optional premium interior package allows both of the front seats to be not only heated, but also offer a massage function. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is perhaps the best of any luxury car available, and the intuitive multimedia interface is operated with a convenient touchscreen, putting all of the controls you need is one place.

Safety & Reliability

The Audi A8 comes equipped with anti-lock brakes and air bags in a total of four locations for protection in all directions. With the Driver Assistance option you can have added safety features like active blind spot monitoring, pedestrian detection at night, and pre-collision warnings.

The limited warranty from Audi guarantees this vehicle for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, free roadside assistance is included while the car is under warranty. Your first scheduled car maintenance, due at 12 months or 5,000 miles, is also free from Audi.

More

In comparison to its other features, the fuel economy of the 2012 Audi A8 is its weakest point; however, it’s worth mentioning that the fuel economy of the standard 2012 Audi A8 is in fact better overall than similar cars of its class like the BMW Active Hybrid 750 Li.

The only other minor drawback of this Audi is its small trunk. All things considered, this luxury car offers everything one could ever want to drive in style and comfort.

Competition

This class is getting crowded pretty quick. The A8 is joined by the Cadillac CTS-V (MSRP $63,215; 14 city / 19 hwy), the BMW 750i (MSRP $87,300; 17 city / 25 hwy), and the Mercedes Benz S550 (MSRP $97,500; 17 city / 25 hwy).

Overall Rating
86 out of 100

What others say:

“For discerning luxury shoppers interested in getting the best long-distance comfort, the 2012 Audi A8 Lwon’t disappoint.”Car Connection

“The A8 remains surprisingly agile for such a large, heavy sedan, with firm, accurate steering, modest cornering lean, and secure AWD grip. The car feels most athletic in Drive Select’s Dynamic mode, but at the expense of noticeably higher steering effort that some drivers may not like.”Consumer Guide

“Audi’s big flagship scores very high among luxury cars. Its powerful V8 provides smooth and effortless acceleration, yet attains commendable fuel economy even with the standard all-wheel drive.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Audi A8 offers a fine balance between a luxury cruiser and sports car when driven.”KBB

“The 2012 Audi A8 gives nothing away to its rivals in terms of performance, comfort, technological wizardry or build quality. As such, this driver-focused luxury sedan should be on the consideration list of anybody shopping this segment.”Edmunds

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