The 2015 Audi A8, a masterpiece by the world-renowned German automaker Audi, stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, excellence, and sophisticated design. The A8, first launched in 1994, has consistently set the bar in the full-size luxury sedan class, and the 2015 iteration is no exception. With an array of unique features and technical specifications, including a choice of powerful engines, a lightweight aluminum body, and an adaptive air suspension, the 2015 Audi A8 offers a driving experience that expertly balances power, efficiency, and comfort.
Safety and technology are also where the 2015 A8 shines, with a suite of advanced safety features and a cutting-edge MMI infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with Google Earth for superior navigation. The car also boasts Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a top-tier Bang & Olufsen audio system. Furthermore, the 2015 A8 comes in four distinct trim levels: the base 3.0T, the efficient TDI, the powerful 4.0T, and the high-performance S8. Each trim level offers a unique balance of luxury and performance, ensuring there's an A8 to suit every driving preference.
Here are the pros and cons of the 2015 Audi A8:
Learn more about the 2015 Audi A8 in the following paragraphs to see if it's the right vehicle for you.
The 2015 Audi A8's interior is a masterclass in luxury, comfort, and innovative technology. The meticulously designed dashboard places every control within easy reach, with a high-gloss wood trim and aluminum-accented center console housing the gear selector and touch-sensitive MMI controller. The adjustable steering wheel features mounted controls for audio, cruise control, and voice command systems, while a digital instrument cluster behind the wheel provides essential driving information.
The A8 has a luxurious interior with high-quality materials such as premium leather upholstery on power-adjustable front seats that offer heating, cooling, and massage functions. The tactile and visual appeal is further enhanced by plush carpets, soft-touch plastics, genuine wood inlays, and brushed aluminum accents. Technologically, the A8 features a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers. The optional Rear Seat Comfort package offers power-adjustable, heated steering wheel, ventilated, and massaging seats for rear-seat passengers, and an optional entertainment package includes two 10.2-inch screens and a DVD player.
The exterior design of the 2015 Audi A8 is a great blend of elegance and dynamism. Its innovative design characteristics not only distinguish it from other luxury vehicles, but also improve its attractiveness and aerodynamics, making it a class leader. The vehicle's overall profile is defined by its huge proportions. Its length, width, and height are balanced by sleek shapes and lines, giving the car a smart and streamlined image. The side profile of the A8 exposes another distinguishing design feature: a character line that extends from the headlight to the taillight, discreetly emphasizing the car's length and providing a sense of movement even when the car is motionless. Along with the car's low roofline and high shoulder line, this character line produces a balanced and harmonious profile. The A8 also rides on massive alloy wheels, which add to its powerful presence. The wheel designs vary based on the trim level, ranging from 19-inch wheels on the base model to 21-inch wheels on the performance-oriented S8.
The 2015 Audi A8 is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in the base A8 3.0T, which churns out an impressive 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This engine uses direct fuel injection combined with a Roots-type positive displacement intercooler to boost power and efficiency. It can propel the A8 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, and it's electronically limited to a top speed of 130 mph. For those seeking more power, the A8 L 4.0T Sport model offers a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that generates a robust 420 horsepower and 444 pound-feet of torque. This version can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.2 seconds. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that ensures smooth and responsive shifts.
The 2015 A8 also offered a TDI diesel model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine that produces 240 horsepower and an impressive 428 pound-feet of torque. Audi didn't stop at conventional powertrains for the A8. The 2015 lineup also included a plug-in hybrid option, the A8 L e-tron Quattro. It combined a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with an electric motor for a total output of 443 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
The 3.0T delivers an EPA-estimated 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the TDI impresses with 24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Even the high-performance S8, with its robust 520 horsepower tweaked 4.0T engine, manages a respectable 15 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The A8's 8-speed automatic transmission, aerodynamic design, and various driving modes, including a fuel-saving "Efficiency" mode, further enhance its fuel economy. When compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the 2015 Audi A8 holds its own, often surpassing competitors with its superior fuel efficiency.
The 2015 Audi A8 is a paragon of safety, in addition to its luxury and performance. It boasts a plethora of active safety features, including Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a comprehensive set of airbags. To aid in safe maneuvering, the A8 offers a standard rearview camera and rear parking sensors. The vehicle also impresses with advanced safety technologies such as Audi's Pre Sense system, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, night vision assistant, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality. When it comes to safety ratings, the 2015 Audi A8 stands out. Although it was not crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the A8 its highest rating of "Good" in all categories of testing it conducted. The A8's optional Driver Assistance package, including high-beam assistant, Audi active lane assist, and a pre sense plus system with collision mitigation and automatic braking, further enhances its safety credentials.
There you have it! The 2015 Audi A8 is a stunning combination of luxury, performance, and safety. The cabin of the car envelops you in a world of richness, and its performance on the road is similarly impressive, giving smooth acceleration, accurate handling, and surprising fuel efficiency. The A8 doesn't skimp on safety either. Extensive features such as the Pre Sense system, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring make every ride reassuringly safe. Not to mention its eye-catching exterior appearance.
So, would we recommend the 2015 Audi A8? Absolutely. This car offers an unrivaled driving experience, making every journey feel like a luxurious escape. Whether you're behind the wheel or relaxing in the passenger seat, the A8 promises a ride that's more than just transportation - it's a taste of the high life. So, if you're in the market for a car that delivers on all fronts, you can't go wrong with the 2015 Audi A8.
