2019 Audi A8 L Review: (Almost) King of the Rings

2019 Audi A8 Photo Gallery (Photos: Audi)

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OVERVIEW

Audi just rolled out their fourth-generation Audi A8 L with a wheelbase that’s extended 30 cm – or nearly two feet – over the base model. This latest A8 is all-new for 2019, and it redefines Audi’s design language. It dons a familiar face to the outgoing model, but provides a sumptuously modern interior. There’s also seamless connectivity and state-of-the-art driver assistance features packed into the Audi A8 L, which exhibits an athletic stance and a proportional form.

The exterior leads off with a broader, more upright Singleframe trapezoidal grille. Here, it’s flanked by larger air intakes. In profile, the proportions of the 2019 Audi A8 L highlight the flowing form. It sports well-defined front and rear wheel well arches. The rear view emphasizes the wide stance with the full horizontal length dynamic lighting strip.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Entering the cabin, the first thing you notice is a large, upright dashboard design with high-quality materials. The dash trim wraps artfully and seamlessly into the doors. A theatre-like lighting display appears upon unlocking the vehicle. That’s followed by a personalized ‘welcome’ in the virtual cockpit, while the audio tweeters emerge and the air vents open. An optional Premium Air Quality feature is available to provide ionized air and a selectable aroma.

A wide array of standard fare is available on the 2019 Audi A8 L. That includes heated 18-way power seats and a power tilt and telescoping steering column. Of course, both have memory settings. Audi has also upgraded the dual-screen multimedia system. There, you get two stacked touchscreens with up to seven different passenger profiles. The system also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Available options include a rear passenger relaxation seat, aluminum optic control buttons and adjustable rear matrix LED reading lights. Wireless charging is also available, as is a Bang and Olufsen surround sound audio system. You can even get front and rear heated armrests, dual-pane acoustic glass and front 22-way adjustable seats.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

This 2019 Audi A8 L establishes a new benchmark in driver assistance and convenience systems. In the driver assistance category, the A8 L features the world’s first laser scanner in a production vehicle. Its Adaptive Cruise Assist is a ‘hands-on’ system that assists the driver with acceleration, braking and steering. It works at highway speeds and in traffic jam scenarios, provided the driver keeps their hands on the wheel.

Predictive Active Suspension is another first. The system is able to detect a potential side collision and raise the chassis by 3.1 inches within half a second, helping to channel the impact toward the vehicle’s strongest structural element, while preparing the cabin to better protect passengers. Check out a video of how that works below:

The Audi A8’s 360-degree camera system provides a virtual image of the car’s surroundings. That allows the driver to spin and zoom the image for a better view while parking. Vehicle Exit Assist delays the opening of the door through the electronic latch system if a vehicle is approaching from the rear.

PERFORMANCE

The source of power in the 2019 Audi A8 L is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The new powerplant puts out 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The mild hybrid’s motive force is distributed to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. While the V6 is the only option available at launch, a V8 version will be available in 2019. So on the performance front, this model would be top dog, if not for the larger engine on the horizon.

On the whole, the 2019 Audi A8 carries itself with modest grace. Even so, it is extremely capable in its performance attributes. Acceleration is brisk and responsive with no turbo lag. The ride quality is firm, but extremely smooth when equipped with Audi’s Predictive Active Suspension.

The car’s handling characteristics lean to the sporty side, thanks to the firmer ride, but it’s not uncomfortable. The 2019 Audi A8’s dynamic all-wheel steering enhances maneuverability and low speeds, and provides more precise steering at higher speeds.

TFLCAR’S TAKE

The 2019 Audi A8 L is clearly a strong contender in the luxury segment – even in its base V6 configuration. In fact, there are so many technological features on offer, it truly makes you wonder where luxury cars will head from this point.

Yes, it’s expensive. But if you’re seeking the last word in luxury, comfort and technology, it’s worth every penny. The V8 version, when it emerges next year, should prove to be even more desirable. Audi will cover both models by way of a 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Audi A8 L V6

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