Audi A8; a flagship sedan for every occasion
Attractive and hi-tech, Audi’s luxurious sedan equipped with a plug-in hybrid engine, is designed to improve the quality of long motorway journeys and short urban movements, via levels of comforts comparable to those of the motoring aristocracy. Not surprisingly, the A8 lends a comprehensive set of structural and technical solutions to the Bentley Flying Spur and among the various models of A8, the 60 TFSIe Quattro Tiptronic version used in this tour, ensures a highly advanced and enjoyable driving experience by blending silence, power and dynamic refinement, with first class flight interiors.
Contemporary luxury
Plush leather, shimmering black lacquer, soft velvets, automatically closing doors and top-end materials define the A8 marvelous cabin. The same goes for the exterior where digital matrix headlights remind of precious stones, space-frame body is built by 58% aluminum while the chiseled hexagonal front grill exudes presence and style. The length is 5.19 meters, wheelbase is 3 and the trunk - decorated with equal care of the passenger compartment - exceeds 500 liters. The rear seats cab be reclined and from the armrest, digital inputs govern air conditioning, personal OLED screen, curtains and massage programs with exotic Spa’s names..
Next gen power-unit
With 60km of rechargeable electric range, perfect soundproofing and impeccable assemblies assisted by adaptive suspension, travelling on the A8 insures a memorable "cloud effect". Power reaches 462hp and the proverbial Audi 3.0 V6 assisted by a zero-emission power-unit, guarantees inexhaustible power reserves. When the electric range is finished, the hybrid system continues to provide support and in terms of overall performances, the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro tiptronic numbers are: 700nm of torque, 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and a to speed of 250km/h.
Techy and classy
The Audi MMI operating system encompasses hundreds of functions via touch gestures. Dashboard has two touch screens (10.1" and 8.6"), head-up display and Audi virtual cockpit. Music from the sound system is clear and orchestral. During night trips, A8 headlights adjust the light beam up to 5,000 times per second while predictive systems make consumption more efficient. While on the move, occupants revel amidst black surfaces, brushed aluminum and soft upholstery. The S-Line trim of the A8, presents diamond textures and electric blue stitching on anthracite gray leather. Night lighting of the cabin, is simply spectacular
Traveling in central Italy
Our journey aboard the Audi A8, has drawn a fascinating itinerary in central Italy from Palazzo Fiuggi to Rome’s historic heart, and all the way towards the always enchanting Tuscan countryside. Regardless of route quality encountered along the way, the A8 has always "copied" or followed the asphalt while annihilating every form of vibration in the passenger compartment. With absolute comfort as constant to every mile covered, Ingolstadt flagship luxury sedan has proved that any eventuality is under control. Similarly, its appreciable visual presence amidst monuments and palaces, further underlines the aesthetic value of this stunning German model.
Electric tour of the Eternal City
Moving in full-electric mode on Rome’s congested streets (or in any other urban area for that matter) is an added value for driver, passengers and pedestrians alike. The A8 can be easily recharged from a domestic socket and with a zero emission range of 60km, electric reach is aligned with the average daily distance required in urban routes. Audi’s flagship has also passed with praise the test of the infamous Roman cobblestones (sampietrini) test. The same goes for every other uneven and rough surface, where the A8 almost seems to glide above the asphalt so much so that when passing over potholes or bumps, the body doesn’t feel what the eyes have just seen.
Safety and dynamism
In addition to stunning interiors complete with every conceivable function, the Audi A8 offers more than 40 driver support systems which together with predictive suspension, make the pace even smoother and more balanced in multiple contexts. The Dynamic mapping gladdens sporty behavior and in meandering roads, the A8 boasts a remarkable savoire-faire in dealing with changes of direction, while remaining substantially flat. At highway speeds, where the engine runs below 2,000rpm, torque reserves ensure monumental performances on demand, adding adrenalin boosts to silent and sophisticated experience.
A flagship for all occasions
Attraente, confortevole e poliedrica nella propulsione, l’Audi A8 è davvero un’ammiraglia per tutte le occasioni che al pari di altre creazioni visivamente armoniche, risulta esteticamente piacevole al cospetto di qualunque sfondo naturistico ed architettonico. Simile versatilità- seppur su canoni diversi legati – trova riscontro nei molteplici ruoli che l’Audi A8 può ricoprire spaziando con elegante disinvoltura da vettura istituzionale, ad altolocata berlina da grandi viaggi. I prezzi dell’Audi A8 partono da 101.893 euro e da 117.650 euro per la vettura del test. Il costo giornaliero d’affitto, si aggira sui 500 euro.
Matteo Morichini
My childhood memories are of arts, literature and visits of far away lands and now, I love writing about tourism, travel&motoring experiences as well as gastronomic cultures. Following the Degree in History & Politics and the Masters in International Relations at London School of Economics, I start my journalist career in 2004. Since then, I made it a point to visit all of the seven continents, while daily enhancing my passion and curiosity towards cuisine, charming hospitality and millenial traditions from the beautiful Italian territory
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