2011 Audi A8 L

The new A8 is a huge step ahead of the previous model

Published on May 01, 2011 07:00:00 AM

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At first glance, the A8’s interiors look like a cross between the insides of a luxury yacht and a business jet. Polished wood and brushed aluminium inserts lend a touch of class, white lighting, chrome, wood and leather give it a sense of occasion, and the styling is more avant garde than traditional.

What makes the insides of the A8 so special is the manner in which technology and tradition have been blended so seamlessly. What’s also very impressive is that everything in the cabin works with a high degree of precision. You can see it in the way the screen dives under the central console, in the manner the glovebox drops open and the way the front passenger seat flips forward to give the rear passenger more legroom.

Audi’s MMI system controls many functions but a proliferation of buttons and dials can be used to control most features as well. However, this sometimes tends to become a bit bewildering, until you take a closer look that is. Entertainment, information and communication and even seats can be adjusted from the MMI. You can alter settings for the engine, gearbox, suspension, steering, headlights and, would you believe, even the seatbelts!

Reading the owner’s manual, also on the MMI, sure does help. You also get nifty features like a night vision camera, massaging seats, cruise control and an optional Rs 6.5 lakh Bang & Olufsen stereo. Attention to detail is fantastic and clever bits like the touchpad and the two-pin power socket for the rear passenger add to this car’s feel-good factor.

The driving position can be fine- tuned to perfection and all-round visibility is better than you expect, given the thick pillars that usually come with aluminium-bodied cars. The yacht-inspired gear selector looks terrific too but it is difficult to use. It’s not as precise as it should be and that’s especially true when you are going from drive to reverse and back. You often find the lever in the wrong slot.

Despite a relatively small wheelbase, rear legroom is superb. But what takes comfort and luxury to a different level is the optional Rear Executive seating package. It does limit seating at the back to two and costs Rs 4.4 lakh, but the upshot is first class comfort.

Push a button and the front passenger’s seat (sans passenger) slides all the way forward and a footrest pops out for the passenger sitting at the rear. The rear seats can be reclined further and there’s a separate massage function built in as well. The message from Audi is simple – fly first class everyday.