2017 Audi A8

Audi's full-size flagship A8 is unchanged for 2017. It comes with just about everything, and what isn't standard is likely available. This is a large car but it has good visibility and a big greenhouse which make it easy to put it where you want to, on the road or in a parking lot. The A8 is all-aluminium to save weight and make this a big car that's not too heavy, and a car that can move. The big Audi has a composed ride and can handle like a car much smaller than it is, but push the comfort mode button and it will cruise serenely on the highway all day long. The A8 is more affordable than the Mercedes S-class and BMW 7-series, but the interior hasn't been redesigned since 2011, and it can't match the other two Germans. Especially conspicuous is the absence of USB ports. It may not be the sportiest executive hauler, and it may not be the most high tech, but it is certainly still luxurious, elegant, and a great drive.

The A8 has two engine choices for 2017, with the 12-cylinder disappearing from the choice list. The starting engine is a 3.0L six-cylinder supercharged engine making 333 hp. Step up to the V8 and get a twin turbo 4.0L with 450 hp. Both come mated to an eight-speed automatic, and air suspension is also standard.

Standard on A8 are 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights with LED accents, sunroof, kick-to-open power trunk, power assisted doors, four-zone climate control, Valletta leather seats with 14-way adjustment, power rear sunshades, navigation, and a Bose 14-speaker stereo. Active safety tech includes front and rear park-assist, top view camera, lane departure and blind spot warnings. Step up to the V8 and get rear-collision alert, along with ventilated and massaging front seats.

Option packages include a driver assistant pack includes adaptive cruise, active lane assist (will turn the wheel to keep you in-lane), pre sense plus collision detection, and heads-up display. Front seat comfort pack adds 18-way power front seats, and V6 models get massage and ventilation function. A Luxury pack adds Valcona leather seats, an alcantara headliner, dual pane glass, and sport seat. 4.0T versions have the option of a dynamic sport pack which adds sport suspension, quattro sport differential, 20-inch wheels, and dynamic steering. Stand alone options on both models include velvet interior inlays, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, night vision, rear seat entertainment system, and LED headlights.

The A8 is rated for 12.6 L/100 km city, 8.0 highway with the V6, and 12.9/8.0 with the V8.