Normally I don’t have an A8.
It’s such a sweet ride that you’re rarely tempted to put it into Sport mode, especially parked on the 401.
However on Day 6, we began with a drive through Prince Edward County before going the final leg back to Audi. This island juts into Lake Ontario, south of Belleville and has become the new Niagara because of its wine and cheese industries – plus tourism sparked by the world-renowned (if obviously named) Sandbanks Provincial Park. The roads are long straights, suddenly interrupted by big, friendly bends with signs everywhere demanding you drive half of what feels right. Luckily it was a weekday, so the roads were empty; the area’s teeming at this time of year, but not at 8 am.
The A8 loved it in Sport mode. For such a significant sedan, the steering is laser keen. And the turns? Poetry in extremely quick motion. It did the entire length of the island, a 90-minute drive, much quicker than planned.
Back on the 401, I milked the cruise control. This is where the A8 seemed happiest on the fuel: luxuriating on long stretches and saving its surprises for tight spots, rather than flaunting its dexterity and power.
Overall it was a great getaway made more memorable by this beautiful power sedan. The distance of our total trip was slightly under 1,600 km. This last leg was 183.7 km and logged in at a consistent 6.5 L/100 km.
Our next car will be a diesel. If we win the lottery, chances are it would be an A8 TDI. Our next home may be Quebec.
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Pricing:
Base 2014 Audi A8 3.0 TDI: $93,900
Options: Top-view camera – $700, LED headlights w High beam assist $2,000
Packages: Sport – $3,300, Driver Assistant –$2,500, Comfort Seat – $3,500
Freight & PDI: $1,995
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $107,995
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
BMW Active Hybrid 7
Lexus 600h L
