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Audi W12
No, but it is descriptive. A8 is the model range name, L means long wheelbase, W12 the number of cylinders and how they are laid out, 6.0 is the engine size in litres — and quattro means it has four-wheel drive.
W12? Why not V12?
Saves space and still gives great smoothness and lots of power and torque — 450 brake horsepower and 580Nm — enough to get this big, aluminium-bodied car to 62mph in 5.2sec and on to its 155mph top speed in about half a minute. Average fuel consumption is 20.5 miles to the gallon. Not a bad set of figures for a luxury limo — and it will pull the family caravan with aplomb.
Are we in mortgage territory to buy this one?
Basic price is £75,775, but that is just for starters. Go right through the options menu and choose everything, including television, back massage and ventilation for front and rear seats, garage door opener, extra leather (£11,500), special seat belts (£1,100), Alcantara roof lining and rear parcel shelf (£3,100), coolbox and bar compartment, plus a few other little treats to make life more comfortable and the bill hits £115,160. That places it in Bentley Continental GT territory.
But haven’t Audi saloons always been understated and a bit “old money”?
Up to a point. But the W12 has been saddled with a whopping great radiator grille to which not everyone will apply the words “good” and “taste”. It looks as if it is an unnecessary afterthought and is at variance with the rest of the A8’s chic lines. From some angles it makes the car appear high, narrow, old-fashioned — and grumpy. On the autobahn, it is saying, “Out of my way, I want to get home!” Most unlike an Audi. But we are assured variations of the grille design will be appearing on many forthcoming Audis.
And the good news?
In just about every other respect, the Audi is a mechanical and aesthetic triumph, particularly inside. It manages to achieve quality levels and design integration to which many other manufacturers can only aspire, combining traditional materials with new technology and lots of space. This is top executive territory.
But will the boss want to drive it at the weekend?
Probably, because it handles and responds with precision and the engine emits a fine growl when working hard. But if weekend driving is a priority, then he or she might opt for the standard wheelbase version (a snip at £71,300). In this form it handles just a little better, all those goodies are available and rear seat room is still adequate.
What are the alternatives?
Very posh offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus, plus a likely long wheelbase Jaguar XJ8, including the very quick four-litre, turbo-diesel, which ranks as one of the world’s best saloons. Other A8s coming soon include a V6 diesel and a three-litre V6 petrol with Audi’s highly effective Multitronic continuously variable transmission.
I still like the sound of the W12.
Market experts at Glass’s Guide believe that it should hold its value well, Audi says. So start agonising over the colour of the (£1,500) customised paint finish and the details of perforated Valcona leather seats. And you might ask if there is a radiator grille cover similar to those fitted to cars on the 1950s. Now that would really be worth having. In leather, of course.