SPORTY HANDLING, LIMO RIDE, BUT S-CLASS RIDES BETTER
Relaxed in the spacious rear, the motor inaudible from way back and the adaptive air suspension set to comfort, the A8 plays the perfect limo. Road noise is totally blocked out, the suspension puts a layer of cloud between you and the road, and the total lack of pitching is impressive too.
Sharp bumps, normally a problem with air suspension systems, are swallowed easily as well, but the Audi's body shifts around a tad more over large bumps than the S-class, bringing the condition of the road to the attention of the passengers. The A8 can be kept in Comfort mode for as long as you like, the softer settings improving ride. Useful for Indian conditions — particularly due to the long wheelbase — the ‘lift’ mode allows for 145mm of ground clearance. This mode is however automatically cancelled once the car has exceeded 120kph, meaning sprints between speed-breakers must include resetting of the car's ride height from the MMI dial. But the biggest shock is how well the A8L drives.
The Quattro four-wheel-drive system is made by US-based Torsen Traction (ex-Robert Bosch but now part of the Toyota group). A purely mechanical device that has no electronic clutches or fluids, this differential senses a difference in torque output to the wheels and transfers torque to the wheel that still has a good reserve of grip.
Start to pile into a corner and the Audi changes character totally. The speed-sensitive variable-ratio and variable-assist steering firms up and puts you directly in contact with the front wheels, the car lowers itself into dynamic mode, the damping becomes sports car-like and the A8L shrinks around you. Drive in ‘S’ mode and the gearbox collects data from the ESP sensor, detects that the car is in a corner and prevents an up-shift from taking place until instructed. Turn-in is very positive, the A8 rolls very little and the front end sticks to almost any line you choose.
With all four wheels transmitting power, handling is neutral and friendly at the limit. Drive hard into a corner and you'll come out with a big smile on your face. The S isn’t half as much fun.