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2017 Audi A8 L 3.0T Quattro Tiptronic

This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!

Published on Sun, Jun 11, 2017

By: The LACar Editorial Staff

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2017 Audi A8 L (Harvey Schwartz)

Story and pictures by Harvey Schwartz For the 2017 model year, Audi has chosen to export only the L (long wheelbase) version of the A8 to its U.S. showrooms. This full-size luxury sport sedan has it all: Excellent comfort, the highest quality workmanship, a strong, light aluminum design, and a broad range of high-end technologies that make the A8 the flagship of the Audi model range. We tested a fully loaded A8 L with the 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged, all-alloy, DOHC, Direct Injected engine that generates 333hp and 325 pounds of torque—good enough to launch the car to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.7 seconds. The styling is sporty, flowing and very expressive with just the right amount of chrome exterior pieces. The L is 5.1 inches longer than the standard version in both wheelbase and overall length. The headlights are innovative Matrix LED technology with each headlight unit having 25 small individual LEDs, which generate the high-beam light; they can be individually switched on or off and can be dimmed as necessary. Down below are round LED fog lamps and a splitter.

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2017 Audi A8 L (Harvey Schwartz)

The front fascia also features the giant chrome grille, lower air-intake and open side vents. The rear is full of LED lights for quickness and long life as well as a lip spoiler and large, chrome oval dual exhaust outlets. From the side you see a flat roof, chrome pull-out door handles with self-closing soft doors, deep lower extensions and aero-styled power-folding/heated/self-dimming side view mirrors. This car has a dual personality. By that I mean with the Rear Seat Comfort Package, you can sit back, do your work and let your driver get you to your destination (more about the rear seat later). When alone, the car is a real road racer, easily slicing through curving roads, comfortable and stabile at high speed, with plenty of security and connectivity to keep you satisfied. The car sits on big 9X20 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with sticky, smooth riding, low-profile Pirelli 255/45ZR20 P Zero Nero tires. The A8 L’s lightweight aluminum space frame with all aluminum body panels is a joy to drive. With 333 turbocharged horsepower, the TFSI engine enables quick launches and easy triple-digit speeds on the back roads. The ZF Tiptronic eight-speed transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive and steering wheel paddle shifters are matched perfectly for attacking steep curving roads. The ZF electric power assisted rack and pinion steering is perfect giving me more confidence with its quick reaction to my inputs and feel for the road.

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2017 Audi A8 L (Harvey Schwartz)

The fully independent suspension features five-links, upper/lower wishbones, air-springs, active shocks and a tubular anti-roll bar up front, and a trapezoidal link with air-springs and active shocks in the rear to give a smooth ride over broken roads and for holding the road as you glide through challenging curves. The A8 L also lets you ‘tune’ the car-how you want it to react to your inputs for the mood you are in. Just click Dynamic Settings on the big center console color screen to bring the steering, gearing, engine management, and suspension into and out of Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings. At speeds above 65mph, the air springs lower the car about ½ inches. Slowing the big A8 L down from speed are big, power-assisted, all vented steel disc brakes. Up front are 15- inch discs with 6-piston calipers and 14 inch discs with large single-piston calipers in the rear. Standard ESC, ABS, BA and EBD keep in out of trouble when nearing the limits at speed or when driving through inclement weather. The feel was very linear and smooth giving me the confidence when driving around slow city traffic and out on the highway. Our test A8 L came with these options: Executive Package-9X20 inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, Audi Side Assist, Audi Pre-Sense Rear, Top View Camera System, Head Up Display, 22-way power front seats with heat-ventilation-massaging functions, rear seat pass through, heated rear outboard seats. The Comfort Package: Comfort Valcona Sport Seats, and Alcantara Headliner with LED Dual Map Lights. The Rear Seat Comfort Package: Front Passenger Seat Adjustment From the Rear Seat, Separate Power Outboard Seat Adjustment with Power Lumbar, Ventilation and Massage Functions For the Outboard seats. The Driver Assistance Package: High-Beam Assistant, Audi Active Lane Assist and Audi Adaptive Cruise Control. The back seat has plenty of legroom and headroom. It is so comfortable and connected for all your computer and telephone needs while in the rear seat.

Dashboard

Inside the 2017 Audi A8 L (Harvey Schwartz)

The new 2017 Audi A8 L has a dual personality and a low profile, drive it by yourself and experience the sheer joy of the ride or have your chauffer drive the car to take care of your business and not worry about parking. Want to see more photos? Got something to say? See more photos and add your Facebook comment regarding this article here. For more information about Audi products, go to audiusa.com. SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2017 Audi A8 L 3.0T Quattro Tiptronic Price: $82,500.00 base $92,500.00 as tested, including destination EPA fuel economy rating: 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway Engine: 3.0 liter Supercharged, aluminum alloy, DOHC, Direct Injection

Engine

Powering the 2017 Audi A8 L (Harvey Schwartz)

Horsepower: 333 at 5,300 rpm Torque: 325 pound-feet at 2,900 rpm Transmission: ZF 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with paddle shifters and Quattro AWD Steering: Electromechanical rack and pinion power steering Suspension Front independent five-link, upper/lower wishbones, air-springs, active shocks, tubular anti-roll bar. Rear trapezoidal link, air-springs, active shocks Brakes Front 15 inch vented discs/6-piston calipers. Rear 14 inch vented discs with single-piston calipers, ABS, BA, and EBD Wheels and tires: 9X20 inch cast alloy, 255/45ZR20 inch Pirelli P Zero Nero Dimensions Length: 207.4 inches Width: 83.1 inches Height: 57.9 inches Curb weight: 4464 pounds EPA size classification*: Large car

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2017 Audi A8 L (Harvey Schwartz)

* Passenger car classes are designated by the EPA based on interior volume index or seating capacity, except the ones classified as special vehicle. A two-seater is classified as a car with no more than two designated seating positions.

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