MotorMouths

Like the latest 7-series, the new Audi A8 drives smaller than its length (202.2 inches) suggests. The A8’s interior is fantastic, with not one texture or material taking a tactile wrong turn.

From a touch-based interface that allows drivers to enter queries by simply drawing characters to an all-new eight-speed transmission and some of the highest-quality interior materials we’ve seen, the car is a monumental achievement for Audi.

The 2011 A8 is plenty powerful for enthusiasts, and when it becomes available this fall at about $80,000, it’ll definitely get your attention.

With the new A8, Audi has performed a sort of automotive alchemy. From the sum of basic elements such as wood, leather, steel, and aluminum, Audi has created the whole of a luxury sedan that is as pleasing to the senses as it is to the intellect.

Audi has packed more — in some cases much more — strength, safety, quality into the all-new 2011 Audi A8 quattro. But it’s managed to shave about 15 pounds off the total weight from the outgoing car.

The 2011 Audi A8 offers best-in-class technology and competitive performance. All-wheel drive is also standard, a welcome feature if you live in more inclement climates. If you are a 7 Series or S-Class customer, the A8 deserves your attention.

Having spent hours behind the wheel and taken the time to enjoy the adjustable seats and other amenities in the rear passenger compartment, the 2011 Audi A8 will be a force to be reckoned with for other luxury flagships.

The new A8 is the sweetest, most sophisticated executive sedan Audi has ever produced.It’s hard to equate two-ton curb weights with sporty—but that’s one of the many pleasant surprises about this thoroughly cultivated conveyance.

Audi prides itself on its engineering prowess and forward thinking. As flagships go, the new A8, from its elegant good looks to its sporty drive and bevy of electronic goodies, waves the Audi banner like none before.

If you’re still wondering why you wouldn’t go for the equivalent BMW 7-Series, trust us when we say the A8 is more car in every aspect, minus the engine. But with the 8-speed transmission, even the naturally aspirated V8 is more than enough.

Big and comfortable, Audi has taken the top spot over the Mercedes S-Class and the BMW 7-series. It’s just a shame it doesn’t look as good as it is to live with.

Once you make the sharp-looking 2011 Audi A8 lose its confounded German cool, then you can appreciate just how good it is. It’s a very big leap ahead versus its predecessor. As an all-around effort, it is at least the equal to its competition from BMW and Mercedes.