Audi A8 4.0 TDI Quattro

If I bypass the rough technical evaluation of the smallest elements, then among the big (German) three big sedans, the A8 is the one that attracts the most; beautiful on the outside, but sporty, pleasant on the inside, but ergonomic, and inside - a first-class power plant, but (also with a turbodiesel) with already quite sporty capabilities.

TDI! In our first test of this (only the second!) Generation A8, we tested the petrol 4.2. No doubt a wonderful romance, and that's when he took us to him. But now, behind the wheel of the 4.0 TDI, the petrol lover has lost some charm. Well, this is already true, the TDI (almost) lags a little behind it in almost all respects: in acceleration, in vibration, in decibels in the cockpit.

But. . The capabilities of this turbodiesel are such that they are ideally suited to the purpose of the car in any conditions. It's true that you can't race a 911 on an empty highway, but on a normally busy highway, you'll be at the finish line at the same time. An even bigger conclusion, of course, applies to the comparison between the A8 TDI and the A8 4.2, between which the difference in performance is really minimal. Look: according to the factory data, the TDI accelerates from standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in 6 seconds, 7 is ONLY 4.2 seconds faster! So?

The fact that it is equipped with a turbodiesel, you - even if it does not have markings on the rear - will be recognized by the long tradition of this company - by the slightly bent down end of the exhaust pipe. Since this is a V8 engine, there are two exhaust pipes, each on one side, and since this is a 4.0 engine, Mularium calls them "chimneys". Their diameters are really big.

The TDI's attentive (but really attentive, but above all trained) ear will hear it too, and only when it's cold and idling. Well, okay, vibration is also slightly higher (than 4.2), but most small gasoline-powered cars shake more.

The engine of this Audi runs so quietly and continuously that it seems like it is idling over 1000 rpm, but in reality it only spins at 650, maybe 700 rpm. Since it is a diesel, its operating range ends at 4250 when the Tiptronic upshifts.

There are six of them, and we can't blame the gearbox for anything; in the normal program it switches at lower revs, in the sport program at higher revs, both times depending on the position of the accelerator pedal. The difference between the two programs is quite noticeable, but those who are still not satisfied can manually switch to a sequential model with a gear lever or excellent levers on the steering wheel.

Practice shows that manual shifting occurs even with the “hottest” driver, especially on long descents, they say from Vršić. Otherwise, the engine's huge torque (650 Newton meters!) and the excellent nature of the gearbox will also satisfy those who would use such an A8 for driving not intended for other purposes.

I mean "in order". No, not the ones in Vršić, for them (everyone) the A8 is too big, too clumsy, especially on the track in Cerklje - for them the A8 is too respectable. However, you can safely and happily take the fast turns of the motorway, of which there are quite a few, at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour or a little slower, in the direction of Lubel or Jezersko.

Yes, we all agree that the A8 is not designed for this, but the A8 speaks for itself: in terms of (distribution) weight, dynamics and road position, the A8 seems to be the most balanced among the fast Audi. ... Namely, the Quattro maintains a neutral position when the engine is running and only slightly less neutral when braking the engine.

Anyone who knows how to catch up with turbochargers and hydraulic clutches but has previously disabled ESP will quickly find that the A8 rarely drives past the front wheels, preferring to drive a little oversteer. Just that the configuration of the mechanics will show its beautiful sides.

Regardless of the type of road, it is advisable to use the damping setting option. It offers three driving levels: automatic, comfortable and dynamic. In automatic mode, the computer thinks for you and chooses the correct stiffness, and for the other two, the labels already speak for themselves.

It is worth mentioning only that in a dynamic body, it approaches the ground for better contact with the road (in the automatic machine it happens on its own at highway speeds), but the significant difference between them is not so much in the comfort of damping (on better roads). this is less noticeable), as with slight lateral tilts with dynamic adjustment. This is exactly what happens in the already mentioned fast corners.

But the A8, especially the TDI, is primarily focused on the highway. At a speed of 200 kilometers per hour, the engine rotates at about 3000 rpm (i.e. 750 rpm below the maximum power point), and the trip computer shows an average consumption of 13 to 5 liters per 14 km. if you drive at speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour, the consumption in practice (taking into account toll stations and other stops) will be about 160 liters per 12, which is a very good result for the speed, size and weight of the car and passenger comfort.

So it's economical, but only on (sort of fast) routes. It will not be possible to significantly reduce fuel consumption, it did not fall below 10 liters per 100 kilometers during our ride and did not increase noticeably, since during measurements and photographs we recorded only 15 liters per 100 kilometers.

Technique in practice clearly shows that (also or rather, especially) the A8 is a touring sedan. All available equipment (for a reasonable monetary compensation, of course) serves the owner, and with a few exceptions (cricket next to the center screen, inconvenient trip computer control, very high brake pedal) the A8 TDI seems almost perfect. automobile.

Of course, technology has not bypassed comfort and safety either: we have listed 96 switches inside that more or less regulate the comfort (especially of the two front) passengers. Television, navigation, GSM telephone, front seat ventilation - all this is becoming commonplace in cars of this class.

It is a little surprising that the box in front of the co-driver has no lock, that the gear lever is not covered with leather pampered by competitors, and also missed the massage of the front seats and the scenic approach to the obstacle while parking. OK. But trust me: with such an A8, it is much easier and faster to drive kilometers than anyone unfamiliar with such comfort can even imagine.

However, the dilemma has not disappeared: gasoline or diesel? At the moment there is no answer, each has its own advantages; Undoubtedly, the TDI is more flexible due to (compared to the 4.2 about 50 percent) more torque and is much more economical.

No, no, not that the owner of such a car tried to save money (or just when he lets all the piglets in to buy it?), Only emergency gas station stops can be much less frequent. However, despite the merits and demerits, the most common reason for abandoning the turbodiesel is the bias against them. Or too little increase in advantage over price increase.

So the contrast is still obvious; And not only between the history of Audi and the present, but also between their petrol and diesel engines. If you may have already settled on an Audi, and if it's an A8, we can't offer you a completely correct answer regarding engine choice. I can only say: A8 TDI is great! And the charm of contrasts remains relevant.

Vinko Kernc

Photo by Vinko Kernc, Aleš Pavletič

Audi A8 4.0 TDI Quattro

Basic data

Sales:	Porsche Slovenia
Base model price:	87.890,17 €
Test model cost:	109.510,10 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Power:	202kW (275 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	6,7 with
Maximum speed:	250 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	9,6l / 100km

Technical information

engine:	8-cylinder - 4-stroke - V-90° - direct injection diesel - displacement 3936 cm3 - maximum power 202 kW (275 hp) at 3750 rpm - maximum torque 650 Nm at 1800-2500 rpm / min.
Energy transfer:	the engine drives all four wheels - 6-speed automatic transmission - tires 235/50 R 18 H (Dunlop SP WinterSport M2 M + S).
Capacity:	top speed 250 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 6,7 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 13,4 / 7,5 / 9,6 l / 100 km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 1940 kg - permissible gross weight 2540 kg.
External dimensions:	length 5051 mm - width 1894 mm - height 1444 mm - trunk 500 l - fuel tank 90 l.

We praise and reproach

engine

shoulder strap

balance of mass, position on the road

bliss

image, appearance

equipment, comfort

except for the clock invisible to the driver

dew tendency in wet weather

high brake pedal

price (especially accessories)