Audi A8 3.0 TDI SE Executive quattro

2014 revisions to this third-generation model bring about even more power and greater fuel efficiency from its range of petrol and diesel engines. These improvements mean the 3.0-litre diesel Quattro model (tested here) now achieves CO2 emissions of 155g/km, resulting in a drop of two company car bands and just as importantly, coming under the 160g/km Capital Allowances barrier. Six other engines make up the line-up, all using an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission.

The A8 has always been a discrete looking luxury car, blending into the rest of the Audi range, rather than standing apart from it. Therefore visual changes to this revised model are equally understated. Subtle resculpting of the bonnet, single frame grille, bumper and the lower edge of the new MatrixBeam LED headlight units (which adapt their intensity to road conditions) have sharpened the frontal view, while at the rear, the design of the LED tail lamps has been revised and the bumper in all models bar the high performance S8 version.

Once inside the cabin, you’re in no mistake of the car’s premium credentials, from the beautifully crafted dashboard, instruments and switchgear to the sumptuous leather upholstery and fine grain wood veneer.

Standard equipment on this mid-range SE Executive spec includes 18-inch alloy wheels in a new design, electromechanical power steering, electric seats, MMI Infotainment system and all-LED headlights with a high-beam assist function. Like all German cars, the options list is extensive, some of which includes: Power door closure (£460), Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with Stop&Go function (£1,330), BOSE® surround-sound system (£1,175) and Head-up display (£1,340) – an especially worthwhile option, allowing the driver to keep an eye on their speed, without taking their eyes off the road,

A8 is a big car, so there’s plenty of head and legroom, but if you’re looking for limo levels of space in the rear, then you’ll need the long-wheelbase version. The 510-litre boot is large, but certainly not enormous and the lack of rear folding seats limits the A8’s load lugging ability.

Audi’s well-proven 254bhp 3.0-litre TDI engine provides effortless performance, hustling this A8 from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and on to a 155 mph top speed, yet returning a claimed 47.9mpg. The smooth diesel motor is quiet and refined, staying in the background until provoked, where it makes itself herd with a polite growl. On the road, the A8 has a fluidity and response that belies its considerable bulk – quattro full-time all-wheel drive providing huge amounts of traction and grip, even in wet conditions.

Ride comfort is very good, if not class leading - the car’s air suspension ironing out road bumps and affording this luxury saloon with a mostly settled and pliant ride, combined with good body control. These parameters and that of the throttle, gearbox response and steering, can be adjusted by the Audi drive select system, changing the car’s characteristic to empahsise either comfort or increased driving dynamics. However, in all modes, the car’s electromechanical steering doesn’t offer the driver a huge amount of feedback.

Of course, in a luxury car such as this, you’re looking for high levels of refinement and comfort, and mostly you won’t be disappointed with the A8, although tyre noise is an area that could see some improvement.

Verdict:

Recent revisions to Audi’s flagship A8 saloon make it a more competitive and convincing rival to the mighty Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 series and Jaguar XJ.

Tech spec:

Audi - A8 3.0 TDI SE Executive quattro
Price: £60,585
Car as tested: £ 70,940.00
Specification 3.0 TDI
Engine size 3.0-litre diesel
Power 254bhp
Torque 428lb ft
0-62mph 5.9 seconds
Top speed 155mph
Fuel economy 47.9mpg
CO2 155g/km