Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Audi A8 L TDI

[Autos_Editor]

Opting for TDI power takes nothing away from Audi's flagship sedan driving experience.
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[OliverD]

A friend of mine looked at the A7 and A8 and dismissed the A8 because of its small trunk. I was surprised to hear that and thought maybe he just found it small in comparison to the A7 but it turns out that the A8 really does have a smaller trunk than its competition.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

The oil-burning engine is no slouch, either. Running from 0-60 mph took 5.8 seconds (half a second slower than the 3.0T) and the quarter mile required 14.5 seconds with a trap speed of 92.6 mph (13.8 seconds at 101.3 mph for the 3.0T)

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1307_2014_audi_a8_l_tdi_first_test/#ixzz3RdTcKOui

I like the A8, but depreciation is a killer on them. I'd never bother with the diesel in this class either.

[whaddaiknow]

A friend of mine looked at the A7 and A8 and dismissed the A8 because of its small trunk. I was surprised to hear that and thought maybe he just found it small in comparison to the A7 but it turns out that the A8 really does have a smaller trunk than its competition.

Someone dismissing an uber luxury car for the fact its trunk is a fraction smaller than the competition sounds utterly dubious.
Marginal differences in practicality in the $100k+ class of vehicle? 

[redman]

Outside of the ridiculous option pricing the A8 L TDI seems to hit the mark.

I've driven new diesels and really like them for their feel regardless of fuel economy or not. Something about low end gobs of torque that just feels great.

[OliverD]

A friend of mine looked at the A7 and A8 and dismissed the A8 because of its small trunk. I was surprised to hear that and thought maybe he just found it small in comparison to the A7 but it turns out that the A8 really does have a smaller trunk than its competition.

Someone dismissing an uber luxury car for the fact its trunk is a fraction smaller than the competition sounds utterly dubious.
Marginal differences in practicality in the $100k+ class of vehicle? 

It may not have been the only reason but it was a factor. Apparently the '15 has more trunk space than previously. From AutoBlog:

In the cargo vault, space is gained by the rear seat backs being now nearly five inches further forward due to far fewer system electronics being stuffed into the seatbacks themselves. I was always one of those complaining about the small luggage space in the A8 and I shall now cease.

Some numbers:

'14 A8 L - 13.2 cubic feet
'14 LS460 - 18 cubic feet
'14 7-series - 17.7 cubic feet
'15 A8 L - 18.4 cubic feet

Certainly not what I would call a marginal difference. The A8 had a smaller trunk than an Elantra!

[chignectohead]

Now, this is a well-written review. I do feel I learned something from it.

The only downer is my lack of moolah to pay for the darn thing. But that's life.

[Noto]

My boss paid $5k more for his P85D. Thoughts on the comparison?

I've never seen an A8, but from the #s:
240hp vs 691, 406lb-ft instead of 687. The interior luxury is likely not a contest, though (with the A8 being Crowned).

[mixmanmash]

My boss paid $5k more for his P85D. Thoughts on the comparison?

I've never seen an A8, but from the #s:
240hp vs 691, 406lb-ft instead of 687. The interior luxury is likely not a contest, though (with the A8 being Crowned).

P85D gets my vote.  I want one.

[Fobroader]

If I were to get a A8, it would be the S8. If you can swing such a car, why would you be bothered with a diesel??

[hemusbull]

150 grand for this gas saver? I'm not IDI)T - the fact no politician uses this one as a diesel tells me a lot...Gas saving for 150 grand car? Gimme a break!