Executive Summary

The 2016 Audi A8 L represents the pinnacle of Audi's sedan lineup, offering exceptional refinement and Quattro all-wheel-drive performance. While its technology interface shows its age compared to newer rivals, the A8 remains a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing understated elegance and sublime ride quality.

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Exterior Design & Presence

The 2016 A8 L maintains Audi's signature design language with subtle evolutionary updates. Key exterior features include:

• Extended wheelbase (122.9 inches) for enhanced rear legroom
• Full LED lighting (headlights and taillights)
• Classic singleframe grille with chrome accents
• Flowing roofline that emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency

Dimensionally, the A8 L compares to rivals as follows:

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While less flashy than the Mercedes S-Class or as aggressively styled as the BMW 7 Series, the A8's timeless design ensures it won't appear dated as quickly as some competitors. The long-wheelbase version (the only A8 available in the U.S. for 2016) adds visual presence without appearing ungainly.

Powertrain & Performance

The 2016 A8 offers three gasoline engine options in the U.S. market:

All engines pair with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The 4.0T V8 tested provides:

• Effortless acceleration: Power delivery is immediate and linear
• Remarkable refinement: Nearly imperceptible gear changes
• Surprising efficiency: EPA-rated 18/29/22 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• The standard adaptive air suspension provides a magic carpet ride, though the Drive Select system allows drivers to firm up responses when desired. Even in its most aggressive setting, the A8 prioritizes comfort over sportiness—those seeking sharper handling should consider the S8 or BMW 7 Series.
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Interior Luxury & Comfort

The A8's cabin represents Audi's mastery of interior design with:

The rear cabin deserves special mention with available:

• Power-adjustable outboard seats with ventilation
• Rear seat entertainment system
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Executive rear seating package (individual seats)
• Material quality surpasses nearly all competitors except perhaps the Mercedes S-Class. Every switchgear and control operates with precise, damped movements that communicate exceptional build quality. The absence of touch-sensitive controls (unlike newer Audi models) actually works in the A8's favor, providing proper tactile feedback.
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Sound insulation is among the best in class, though some tire noise does penetrate the cabin on coarse surfaces. The Bang & Olufsen audio system (optional) provides concert-hall quality sound reproduction.

Technology & Infotainment

The A8's MMI system shows its age but remains functional:

The optional night vision assistant with pedestrian detection represents one area where the A8's tech still impresses. The thermal imaging camera can identify pedestrians and animals up to 300 feet ahead, even in complete darkness.

While the infotainment system works well, Audi's decision to not update the connectivity options for 2016 seems particularly glaring when mainstream vehicles offer more modern solutions.

Driving Dynamics & Comfort

The A8 excels as a serene long-distance cruiser with:

• Pillowy ride quality from adaptive air suspension
• Exceptional high-speed stability
• Confident all-weather traction from Quattro AWD
• Light but precise steering feel

While not as athletic as the BMW 7 Series, the A8 handles competently for its size. The torque-vectoring rear differential (part of the sport differential package) helps rotate the car through corners with minimal body roll.

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Braking performance matches the powertrain's capabilities with:

• Strong, linear pedal feel
• Minimal nose dive during hard stops
• Available carbon-ceramic brakes (for extreme performance)

The A8's greatest dynamic strength lies in its ability to shrink around the driver. Despite its substantial dimensions, the car feels manageable in urban environments and parking lots, aided by standard parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.

Safety Features & Ratings

While not IIHS or NHTSA rated (common for low-volume luxury vehicles), the A8 offers:

• Standard Quattro all-wheel-drive for all-weather security
• Aluminum-intensive space frame construction
• Eight airbags including rear side-impact
• Standard backup camera with top-view display
• Available driver assistance features include:
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• Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
• Lane keeping assist
• Night vision assistant
• Pre sense plus collision mitigation
• Head-up display

The pre sense system can detect impending collisions and automatically tighten seatbelts, close windows/moonroof, and pre-charge the brakes for optimal stopping power. In real-world use, these systems operate unobtrusively while providing an extra layer of security.

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Practical Considerations

The A8 makes some compromises for luxury:

• Trunk space: 14.2 cu ft (smaller than competitors)
• Rear seat folding: Not available with executive seating
• Fuel economy: Premium fuel required
• Maintenance costs: Higher than non-luxury brands

Ownership benefits include:

• 4-year/50,000-mile warranty
• 1-year/10,000-mile complimentary maintenance
• Strong predicted resale value
• 24-hour roadside assistance
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Real-world fuel economy often exceeds EPA estimates on highway drives, with many owners reporting 28-30 mpg in gentle cruising. Around town, expect figures in the high teens.

Competitive Comparison

Positioned against key rivals, the A8 presents a compelling case:

The A8's value proposition becomes clear when considering its lower base price compared to similarly equipped S-Class or 7 Series models. While the Mercedes offers more cutting-edge technology and the BMW provides sportier handling, the Audi delivers 90% of the luxury experience at a significant discount.

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Final Verdict

The 2016 Audi A8 L remains a compelling choice in the full-size luxury segment because of its:

• Superb powertrain refinement and performance
• Understated yet elegant design
• Exceptional interior craftsmanship
• Competitive pricing relative to German rivals

Potential buyers should be aware of its:

• Outdated technology interface
• Smaller trunk than competitors
• Impending redesign (new model expected soon)

For buyers who prioritize driving enjoyment over rear-seat pampering, the BMW 7 Series may be preferable. Those seeking the ultimate in luxury technology might prefer the Mercedes S-Class. But for a balanced combination of performance, comfort and value, the Audi A8 L continues to represent an excellent choice in the full-size luxury segment.

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As Audi's flagship, the A8 embodies the brand's core values of technical excellence and understated luxury. While it may not lead in any single category, its well-rounded character and relative value make it worthy of consideration even as it approaches the end of its model cycle.