Test drive: Audi A8 L W12
Everyone here who can afford a $130,000 car, raise your hand. Hmmm... not many of you, I see. So let's all imagine -- if you could afford to spend that kind of money on a car, what would be more important to you -- making sure everyone around you knew you just spent $130,000 on a car, or getting maximum toys for the money? I fall into the latter category, and that's why the A8 appeals to me. It's pretty plain looking; in fact my chief complaint about Audi sedans is that they all look alike. But inside the Audi it's a different story. Whether the owner drives or is driven, the Audi A8 L gives you the best of the best -- electric seat massager in the front, dual-screen video and a wine chiller in the back. (And when I say wine chiller, I'm not talking about an air conditioning vent in the center console box. This thing has an actual built-in refrigerator.) Our test drive of the 450 hp A8 W12 comes from Jason Fogelson, and having had some seat time in the A8 (back and front), I can back up what he says -- it really is pretty darn fabulous.
Question: If you were buying in this price range, would you consider springing for the understated A8, or would you prefer the flash of a Mercedes S-class or BMW 7-series? What about the Volkswagen Phaeton, with its A8-L-like room, slightly-less-powerful W12 engine, and slightly-less-expensive-but-still-over-$100k price tag -- would you consider buying one? Click the comments link, I'm curious to hear your answers. -- Aaron Gold
Comments
i certainly would prefer the S class or perhaps a Bentley or better yet 3 Chrysler 300 C.
The A8L has the best interior in the industry, classic looks, 450hp and 25 years of AWD experience behind it. It is the best car in its class at any price.
My list of former Audis includes an 84 5000 (eh..), 87 coupe GT (loved), an 86 5000 CS (loved). Have driven many others since but always find a better car for the same money. A4 3.0 VS Lexus IS… Driving the IS with no regrets. I love audis. I am even eyeballing an 83 quattro on ebay right now. Would I buy the A8… No. If I had that kind of Jack I would buy the audi RS4 and take the rest to restore an old Alfa or Jeep scrambler. It is just not a drivers car. Atlanta is littered with Mercs and BMWs, so you would at least have the ability to have an origional thought instead of driving what everyone else does if you show up in and A8. SO how much does it cost to replace a head gasket on a W12? I guess if you can spend 130K on a car you don’t have to ask. I do.. because it will happen and it will be costly.