Audi A8 L facelift India review, test drive

In fact, that sound is one of many things that tell you that the A8 is seriously moving. Push down on the throttle and you'll feel the nose rise slightly and you get gently pushed into your seats as the engine's strong, creamy mid-range kicks in. The eight-speed torque converter automatic smoothly snaps up ratios and, given the space, the feeling of surfing a never ending wave of energy only starts fading when you're near 200kph. The A8, weighing in at 1935kg, will hit 100kph in 6.6sec which is a tad slower than the old car. We put this down to the fact that the old A8 was slightly lighter, at 1890kg. 

 

 

What's immediately apparent on the move is how good this car's low speed ride is, thanks to Audi tweaking the suspension. Set in 'Comfort' mode, small imperfections are smothered somewhere between the pillows that seem to exist between the wheels and the seats and it's only expansion joints and bigger potholes that get relayed into the cabin with a thud. This, despite our car's 18-inch wheels and high profile tyres that help the air-suspension take the edge off our roads. Also, at low speeds, there's a hint of wallow but that said, the A8 simply doesn't ride with the same authority that the S-class does over our roads. Where it also disappoints somewhat is when you're driving on concrete surfaces -- there's a bit of unexpected road and tyre noise entering the cabin but this is a minor chink in the A8's armour. 

 

 

Still, the way this car goes around fast corners is breathtaking – it'll hang on unbelievably with just a hint of tyre squeal as you approach the limits. This car feels safe and secure at high speeds and it is definitely sportier and more youthful than an S-class. The electro-mechanical steering is also quite direct but it trades in real feel for artificially induced weight, which is okay. Not too many owners will be looking for steering feel, much less spend time behind the wheel.