wheels
‘One area where the new A6 stands out is the plethora of the latest technology with which the car can be equipped. It is possible to have Wi-Fi access with a Google Earth navigation interface’
Audi A8 LWB saloon
Audi A8 LWB saloon A great example of how Germany supplies the luxury end of the market is the recently-driven Audi A8 LWB saloon. Measuring 5,267mm long, this is an impressive car. All of its 130mm extra length compared to the stan- dard model is reflected in its wheelbase, lengthened by the same amount, so those who sit in the rear compart- ment benefitmost. Ideal for China, India and other Asian markets, where wealthy businessmen tend to be chauf- feured around. Open the doors of the cabin and one finds Audi quality
at the summit of perfection. Tastefully chosen wood and leather give a very special ambiance to the interior, while, in this particular LWB car, with its very spacious rear compartment set up for here two people, one has flashes of Bentley at its best – and then it dawns that Audi actu- ally owns Bentley, so clearly there has been a fruitful exchange of ideas and talents between Ingolstadt and Crewe. Not only are the rear seats fully adjustable but, as with those in the front, they come with multiple massage functions. Should the chauffeur have been dismissed in these
tough times and you wish to drive yourself, it is very easy to feel at home behind the wheel – itself adjusting elec- trically – though there is a clear case of button overload in certain dashboard places.However, that said, there are some very clever, useful items, too, such as the neat touch-sensitive panel which lets you scribble a name or number into the navigation system. It also has a scroll function, as with an iPhone or iPad. If only one did not have to take one’s eyes off the road to use it! Overall,
72 Irish Director Spring 2011
though, Audi’s MMI interface is more user friendly and less frustrating than BMW’s iDrive. With air suspension and infinitely variable damping,
this car gives a formidable blend of comfort and dynamic abilities. On a motorway, the car sails along as if on a magic carpet. However, it takes on a completely different character once you leave the highway and head for the hills. On a twisty road, the car shakes off its bulk and becomes far more nimble than one has any right to expect. By chance, this car was driven over some of the same Wicklow roads as was the first generation A8 in the mid-Nineties.While that old car wallowed about like a ship in a storm on a bumpy road, the new one behaved in a very satisfying manner, taut suspension and highly reactive dampers giving a level of body control unimagin- able 15 or so years ago. The steering, very light around town, firms up nicely
under such conditions and gives very good feedback to the driver. On a greasy corner, one feels the Quattro four-wheel drive system coming in to stabilise the car’s trajectory, The car’s inherently good balance clearly helps here too and the electronic stability system’s warning light was never observed, despite deliberate provocation on an empty road with clear visibility. As expected, the brakes are very effective. Body roll is always well con- trolled. Dynamically, in sum, this is a very comfortable and relaxing car in its main role as a luxury limousine, yet it is well capable of showing a clean pair of heels to the baddies if necessary! The test model was powered by the fine 3.0-litre V6 TDi engine and, with all its extras, costs €129,995.
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