(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) WHEN IT COMES to luxury executive saloons a few obvious models always spring to mind. We don't need to name them. They're probably swirling around your noggin right now. You've maybe even got your own league table as to which you'd have first if you had the cash. We know we've always had one and, while the car was definitely high up in the rankings, the Audi A8 wasn't taking home gold. That was until we recently took out the latest incarnation on Dubai's back desert routes. Slipping into the slick, sleek and beautiful-to-drive (and be driven in) vehicle was a joy from start to finish. This is why.
It's massive yet understated
Admittedly we had an A8L on the day, but even the standard wheelbase version offers as much comfort and space as you could desire. We actually started off the experience, for once, being chauffeured for a bit and thus got to try out sitting in the lounge-like rear. An early morning start, the legroom and soft embrace of the customary yet grand leather seat was extremely welcome. Later we'd have a play on the groundbreaking technology, but there and then it was all about the smooth ride gently cushioning a weary traveller as they attempted to wake. A passenger who, being taller than average, usually finds the backs of cars a tad tight. Not here. With the A8L measuring in at 5.3 metres long there was space to stretch out. In fact, if there weren't somebody in the front passenger seat we could have even engaged a footrest!
So what was that about the tech?
Oh yes, it's astounding. Wide awake now and taking the opportunity of someone else driving to fiddle with the gadgets, this burgeoning electronics aficionado found them not only great to look at, but genuinely useful. A rear seat entertainment system consisting of two 10.1-inch Audi tablets attached to the front headrests were the first bits to catch our eye. These detachable screens do everything your regular tablet would do, except they're also in tune with what's going on in the car. Not only can you browse the web or look at pictures, you can follow the car's progress by tuning into the onboard navigation. In the central rear armrest divider lay another touch screen device: a remote used to control air conditioning, seating, audio from the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound, and lighting among other functions. Both pieces of kit were intuitive to use and perfectly in-sync with today's technological demands.
It's an Audi, what other futuristic gizmos does it have?
Well, the driver now has two touch screens at their disposal that take all of nine seconds with which to become familiar. From there, much like you'd imagine a car of the future to be, you can control everything. Then there's the virtual cockpit - a display of everything you need to know for a safe and productive drive right in the driver's view. We loved the head-up display which we had showing our speed, the maximum speed allowed on the road and SatNav directions. Gone are the days of looking anywhere except straight ahead.
It sounds like you were driving a computer
In a way, it could be argued, we were. And it's a supremely luxurious, good-looking computer at that. But to think the A8 isn't fun to drive would be a mistake. A three-litre TFSI V6 engine produces 340hp and shoots the car off from 0-100km/h in 5.6 to 5.7 seconds depending on your model. Like everything else on the vehicle, the power is refined and dynamic. It doesn't create a noise or a fuss yet can definitely bring on the fizz if you put your foot down.
SPECS
Engine: 3-litre V6
Power: 340hp
0-100km/h: 5.6 secs
Price: From Dhs380,100
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