Car Review: 2013 Audi A8 L

THE 2013 AUDI A8 L REVIEW

Summary Review by Tess: World-Class Performance at a Premium Price

The 2013 Audi A8 L series comprises two exceptional engines that correspond to the trim levels available on this elite luxury sedan. The Audi A8 L seats five in its comfortable and spacious interior and provides outstanding performance for drivers, making this a solid choice for commuters and as upscale family transportation. Fuel economy for the Audi A8 L is better than expected in this automotive class; even the 6.3-liter W12 engine manages 14 miles to the gallon in city driving, much better than most engines of this size and power.

Under the hood
The 2013 Audi A8 L sedan features a powerful 3.0-liter V6 that is capable of 333 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque, and a 0 to 60 time of 5.7 seconds. The optional W12 takes up 6.3 liters of space and can send 500 horsepower to all four wheels through the all-wheel drive eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Fuel economy for both engines is above average; the V6 can go for 18 miles on one gallon of gas in city driving and ups that figure to 28 on the highway. The W12 engine is also competitive with 21 miles per gallon on the highway. Safety features include driver and front passenger air bags, electronic stability control, and antilock braking.

Inside the cabin
The Audi A8 L is nicely equipped and includes power mirrors, locks and windows, automatic climate control with four-zone heating and cooling capability, cruise control, and adjustable front seats. A premium CD sound system is standard on the Audi A8 L. For even more entertainment choices on the road, buyers can opt for a deluxe Bang & Olufsen stereo. Kids will appreciate the distraction provided by the optional rear-seat DVD entertainment center, especially during longer trips. (See a full list of standard and optional features).

Over the base A8 model, the Audi A8 L truly has been optimized for rear seat passengers. Consumers can opt for power rear seats with memory functions and lumbar support as well as four-zone climate control to keep rear passengers comfortable. Ten inch LCD screens with DVD player also sweeten the pot. With the Executive Rear Seat Package, rear passengers will enjoy integrated power foot rests and a refrigerator with a capacity of 10.4 liters to store the champagne.

(See 80+ images of the 2013 Audi A8 L).

On the road
The W12 is clearly the engine choice for performance-minded drivers and can go from 0 to 60 in a breathtakingly fast 4.4 seconds. That power comes at a pretty significant jump in price, however; for most drivers, the V6 engine is a more practical and cost-effective choice for everyday driving and family transport.

Conclusions
The elite W12 engine of the 2013 Audi A8 L will find its fair share of buyers willing to pay a hefty premium for more power. Most drivers will find the V6 engine adequate for their driving and performance needs.

Details:
Engine: 3.0-liter DOHC V6
Horsepower & Torque: 333 hp/325 lb-ft
Transmission: AWD eight-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Economy: 17/28
0 to 60: 5.7 seconds
Base MSRP: $78,500

Engine: 6.3-liter DOHC W12
Horsepower & Torque: 500 hp/463 lb-ft
Transmission: AWD eight-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Economy: 14/21
0 to 60: 4.4 seconds

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