So what does the new Audi A8 look like in the metal?
Well I heard several of the 750 hacks that crammed into the ‘Audi Pavillion’ on Miami Beach say that it just looks like a big A4. Yes, they have a point - but it’s far more impressive and imposing than that, and not just because it’s bigger.
The new A8 has a far more pronounced shoulder line and looks a lot more graceful than the A4, and the car it replaces. It also looks more chiselled and swooping too - if not quite the four door coupe look that Audi design boss Stefan Sielaff is claiming for it.
Sielaff can take a lot of credit for the way it looks inside though. We’ve got used to great Audi interiors and Sielaff himself was in charge of the cabin of the last A8. But this one moves the game on even further. Yes all the functionality is there, including a really impressive touch screen operating system. But the real joy is the craftsmanship inside. Textures, tones and materials really are more becoming of a Bentley than a Teutonic saloon. The back is an especially good place to sit too - even more so if the reclining chairs are fitted.
But the Audi’s got a difficult job. Despite the obvious appeal of the last two generations it’s never quite matched up to either an S-class or a 7-series in the eyes of luxury car buyers. Add the impressive looking new Jaguar XJ into the mix and it looks especially tricky.
But the new car looks a classy enough act to cope.

Join the debate
Add your comment
re: First hand impressions of the new Audi A8
Oh Audi, how could you??? You took the stunning previous generation A8 and melted it...
re: First hand impressions of the new Audi A8
The Audi A8 is a four-door four/five-seat large luxury car built by the German automaker Audi, to replace the Audi V8 as its flagship model. A8 have featured Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard. Two generations of the A8 have been produced, in both short and long wheelbase form, and are built on successions of the Volkswagen Group D platform series.
http://www.usedtrucksforsaleusa.com/usedtrucksforsale.php
re: First hand impressions of the new Audi A8
I have always believed that AUDI is very very serious about safety, I used to own a AUDI A3 in the past and I can tell you that, this car makes you feel extremely safe when driving it !!
Now,I would love to drive the nice new Audi A8.
http://www.rentalsrv.com/