If you thought Audi's current line-up of cars couldn't get any better, you were wrong. Because Ingolstadt is introducing the top banana version of its flagship model, the A8 L W12 quattro.
We already know the standard A8 is high on luxury and gadgets, but with a W12 making 500bhp, it should have enough poke to bother supercars.
With an overall length of 5,267mm, the A8 L is 130mm longer than the regular version. The width remains the same at 1,949mm but it has grown 2mm in height to 1,462mm. The aluminium space frame body weighs 40 per cent less than a comparable steel one.
Since this is the long wheelbase version, rear passenger comfort seems to be a priority. Getting into the back will be easier thanks to new, bigger doors and two separate power-adjustable rear seats can be ordered. These can be heated, ventilated and adjusted in a variety of ways.
The angle of the seat cushion can also be adjusted and you can opt for a massage, complete with ten air-filled compartments.
A folding table, additional wood and leather trim, a refrigerator and a rear seat entertainment system with two 10.2in screens are just some of the features in this gorgeous mobile lounge. Sounds better than most people's living rooms. The Valonea leather is tanned exclusively with plant extracts that make it exceptionally soft and supple but also hard-wearing.
On the mechanical front, the engineers have thoroughly revised the W12 6.3-litre FSI powerplant, which now delivers its peak torque of 625Nm at 3,250rpm.
This means the leviathan will sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.9 seconds, one-tenth of a second quicker than a Porsche Panamera 4S, and eventually hit a limited top speed of 250kph.
The eight-speed tiptronic gearbox promises smooth and quick shifts and, thanks to its advanced chassis design, the big A8 aims to blend the refined smoothness of a luxury car with the handling of a sports car.
A Bang & Olufsen sound system and 19 speakers complete the package.
The new A8, initially available with a 4.2-litre V8 but only in long wheelbase form, hits dealer forecourts at the end of 2010.
