New D4 A8 4.2 tdi SE Exec

Well as expected it was sublime!

its an A8 SE Exec 4.2 Tdi Quattro - 346 BHP with 8 speed tiptronic. the gearbox has 3 modes - drive, sport and manual - I was frankly wondering about the 8 speed box and the point of that many gears but you really don't notice the changes and the revs would only be at something like 1500 rpm in 8th gear if you were doing 90 on the autobahn etc (ahem). 0-60 is 5.5 secs which is properly quick for such a big car but the torque is massive at 800 Nm vs 445 for the 4.2 fsi engine and maximum torque is at between 1750 and 2750 rpm!

The 4.2 Tdi also gets the sport differential as standard and this car has 19" 10 spoke Y design wheels, adaptive headlights, advanced key and parking, Bose, Ambient lighting, mobile prep high with online services bluetooth and cordless car phone in centre armrest and Electric side and rear window blinds plus rear climate and heated seats, homelink garage door opener, power boot lid, 6 disc dvd changer in glovebox etc etc

I suppose my biggest impression has been the sheer size of the car - when not next to anything it looks fairly innocuous and bland but when you see it next to other cars its wide, quite high and just HUGE lol

From a driving point of view the turbo lag occasionally catches the gearbox out which then can lurch slightly when it does cut in but its more about getting used to driving in a style that suits a diesel etc

I'm also impressed by the fact that it doesn't feel huge to drive and that its such a nice place to be behind the wheel.

Pics for all you picture lovers at A8 D4 Pics

Enjoy!!

It is a gorgeous car to drive.

This iteration of the A8 has seriously given me some of the feeling I had when I first saw & drove the D2. It's recaptured some of the sheer enjoyment I felt when I first drove the A8.

And I have to agree, if you're not looking at a passenger in the rear seat, it doesn't feel as big as it is.