Audi A8 3.0 TDI V6 SE quattro
What is it?
Audi’s all-new flagship. Latest A8 is a real techno-fest with a lighter aluminium chassis than before, an infra-red night vision camera and a clever Drive Select system that allows the driver to play with steering, throttle and suspension settings. Available with 4.2-litre V8 diesel and petrol units, but tested here in most business-friendly spec – the £54,760 3.0-litre TDI diesel quattro, due in September 2010.
What’s hot?
- Low weight, energy recovery, slippery aerodynamics and stop-start…
- …mean the 3.0-litre TDI does 174g/km of CO2 and 42.8mpg
- It’s no slouch though. New engine has 247bhp and 550Nm of torque…
- …and does 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds!
- Eight-speed auto gearbox is slick and responsive
- Four-wheel drive provides awesome grip
- Drive Select allows you to choose sporty or comfort responses
- Brilliant mile-munching ability, lots of room in the back
- Beautiful cabin
What’s not?
- Doesn’t really look much different to its predecessor
- Lacks the personality that an XJ has in reserve
- Driving experience can leave you a bit cold
What you need to Know?
P11D Value: | 53,950 |
Monthly Rental*: | n/a |
Tax Band when posted: | 25%, 26%, 27% |
Monthly BiK: | n/a |
Engine: | 3.0 V6 turbo diesel |
CO2 Emissions: | 174g/km |
Power/torque: | 250PS/550Nm |
Economy: | 42.8mpg |
Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.
Business Car Manager Road Test Rating
There are some headline-grabbing engines in the range, but this entry-level diesel is by the far the best – and it deserves to be the best seller. It’s fast, quiet and incredibly economical. However, if you can hang on until the end of the year, there’ll be a front-drive model version that promises the pace but with 159g/km of CO2.Further information
Click on the highlighted link for a road test of the Audi A8 4.2 TDI SE Executive quattro model.
To read additional commentary on the Audi A8, visit the Editor’s Blog Audi’s new A8 a techno-fest.