2015 Audi A8
New for 2015
While there are no sweeping changes for the 2015 A8, the full-size luxury sedan does get a revised front and rear design with LED lights now standard, as well as more power for the 4.0T model. A lane-keeping assist and head-up display (HUD) are also available.
In Pursuit of Perfection
Being top among a contingent of impressive vehicles is never an easy task, but that’s exactly what Audi’s flagship A8 sedan was built to do. With rivals like the S-Class and 7 Series nipping at its heels, the 2015 A8’s task of staying one step ahead of the competition continues to test the brilliance of Audi’s engineers.
Thankfully, Audi know a thing or two about luxury cars, and the 2015 A8 was designed from the ground up not just to perform, but to amaze and awe drivers with its sleek design, potent powertrains, and copious amounts of luxury features.
Powertrains and Performance
The palatial 2015 Audi A8 is available with two powertrains, both of which put plenty of pedal to the metal. Also worth noting is Audi’s patented quattro® all-wheel drive which is standard across the entire lineup, adding extra comfort and peace of mind regardless of road conditions.
The A8 3.0T features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 333 horsepower and 325 pound feet of torque. Mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, it can sprint to 60 mph in a lightning-quick 5.3-second burst. Despite its size and penchant for thrills, the V6 returns an impressive EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined (19 city/29 highway).*
Of course, if it’s fuel efficiency you’re after then look no further than the diesel-powered A8 TDI. As its name suggests, the TDI utilizes a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that generates 240 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to the same seven-speed automatic and returns 28 mpg combined (24 city/36 highway),* making it the fuel-sipping champ of the A8 family.
But perhaps you’re willing to compromise on fuel efficiency for more power and excitement? If that’s the case then you will be instantly pleased with the A8 4.0T. It sports a 4.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out 435 horsepower and 444 pound-feet of torque. Once again power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy suffers ever so slightly, returning 22 mpg combined (18 city/30 highway).*
If all out performance is what you crave then Audi has a model just for you. The range-topping A8 W12 churns out 500 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque from a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated (no turbocharging here) W12 engine. A mad dash to 60 mph from a standstill is achieved in just 4.4 seconds, while fuel economy drops to 17 mpg combined (14 city/22 highway).* But at this point does it really even matter?
Features and Trims
The 2015 Audi A8 is versatile model that comes in normal and long-wheelbase versions for the six- and eight-cylinder gasoline-powered models. Diesel-powered TDI models and the monstrous W12 are available only as long-wheelbase models. Pricing starts at $77,400.**
This being an Audi even the base A8 3.0T is well-appointed. It includes much-desired features such as 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors.
Audi has earned a reputation for pushing the limits of in-vehicle technology, and the 2015 A8 is a perfect example of when engineering and cutting-edge technology combine to deliver something more than the sum of their parts. In addition to in-car Wi-Fi, “base” models feature an eight-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth®, and Audi’s MMI infotainment interface, complete with navigation, voice controls, and a rearview camera.
Stepping up to the eight-cylinder 4.0T includes many of the above features but adds active noise cancellation.
Outfitting your Audi with even more luxury and refinement is as easy as checking off any number of available packages. These range from a Warm Weather package to an Extended Leather package, which adds leather-upholstered door armrests, center console, and airbag cover.
Naturally, stepping up to W12 adds more of everything. Those 19-inch wheels become 20-inch versions, while other comfort, cosmetic, and performance features, like premium leather, a head-up (HUD) display, and variable-ratio steering, are adding to the mix.
Exterior/Interior
Like so many Audi’s before it, the exterior styling of the 2015 A8 is understated yet full of passion and excitement. It’s taught and angular lines exude a more subdued confidence; one that doesn’t resort to excessive curves or superfluous flourishes to get its point across.
Of course underneath that freshly-pressed metal suit lays a desire to thrill, which is highlighted by the imposing trapezoidal front grille and signature LED strips underneath the headlights. There is also a fair bit of sculpting on the hood, but overall the A8’s approach to design is appealing even if it appears outwardly restrained.
The interior is equally appealing. The driver is greeted by a four-spoke steering wheel, and held in place by heavily-bolstered seats. The sweeping center console with its dual flat vents is nicely done, and the slope makes controls easy to reach.
Models equipped with navigation also come with a dashboard-topping display screen and Audi’s intuitive controller, which combines a sleek touchpad for climate, audio, and navigation functions. The cabin’s attention to detail borders on obsessive, with rich leather and wood trim adorning almost every inch of the interior.
Safety
The 2015 A8 is available with a litany of standard safety features that include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, a comprehensive array of airbags (front and rear side, front knee, and full-length curtain), a rearview camera, and Audi Pre-Sense, which automatically readies the cabin and occupants for an imminent collision by closing windows and sunroof, as well as tightening seatbelts.
Even more safety features are available for drivers seeking even more peace of mind. Audi’s available safety technologies are impressive and range from Pre-Sense Plus, which alerts the driver to imminent frontal collisions and intervenes with maximum braking, to Pre-Sense Rear, which reacts to imminent rear-end collisions by tensioning seatbelts, closing windows, and adjusting seats for maximum protection.
Other standard and optional equipment depending on trim level include a surround-view camera system, a night-vision system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Audi A8 is truly a remarkable full-size luxury sedan. Its potent blend of power, poise, and luxury position it as the top choice for drivers searching for the very best that German engineering has to offer. The A8 is the type of vehicle that requires little in the way of compromises. And we believe that’s the way it should be.
Contact or visit us at Audi Silver Spring today to schedule a test drive of this or any other remarkable Audi vehicle.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
** Price listed is the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Audi (European model shown)