2019 Audi A8 Is a First-Class Cruiser in a Subtle Package

The A8 is immensely satisfying to drive, with a smooth and responsive powertrain, an almost magic carpet ride, and an interior that's as nice as a five-star hotel (and almost as roomy). 

We were caught off guard by the powerful and potent push from the car's turbocharged V6 engine. Several Consumer Reports staffers couldn't tell that this engine wasn't a V8, partially because it works so well with the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and its new 48-volt mild-hybrid setup, which uses a large battery to reduce the power demands on the engine. We didn't miss the two missing cylinders, and we're pleased that the A8's powertrain doesn't suffer from any turbo lag.

The A8 comes with all-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension that helps deliver a ride so comfortable that it ranks among the best in the segment. The new Audi comes close to the S-Class sedan's benchmark plushness, and it is far superior to the LS. Taking the A8 on a long road trip is a pleasure, and the enormous trunk will be a huge help for any road trip.

The A8's handling is competent. There's no question just how big this car is—especially when it comes to parking—but it tackles corners easily without leaning much, which boosts a driver's confidence that the car will safely hold the road. 

The quiet, sedate interior coddles both riders with top-notch accommodations and a fit and finish that's right at home in an elite car. All of our drivers found the 22-way power-adjusted front seats to be superb, especially with their heating and cooling functions and massaging feature. The optional Cold Weather package that we got adds front and rear heated armrests—a feature most people wouldn't know they were missing out on until they tried them on a chilly morning.

The center console is dominated by two touch screens. The top screen lets the driver control the audio, navigation, and other functions, and the lower one controls heating and ventilation systems. The screens offer haptic feedback—drivers pressing a button on the screen get a soft pulse on their fingertip to mimic the tactile feel of a physical button. This approach gives drivers more certainty when they try to adjust the car's many systems.

Some features can be accessed using steering-wheel controls. The near-dizzying array of controls may seem daunting at first, but we quickly became accustomed to the sound and climate system operations.

The infotainment system comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Our car has the optional LED interior lighting package, which makes the interior look like a high-class nightclub.

Rear-seat passengers are spoiled with their own climate system and heated seats, and the legroom and headroom back there are simply cavernous. 

Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard. Blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist are optional. We were also impressed by the Audi's ability to control its speed and lane positioning when the adaptive cruise control is in use, which can be a stress reducer in traffic.

Despite sales numbers that show thousands of consumers migrating to SUVs, Audi's new A8 is a clear indication that sedans still can have a rich appeal. This car encompasses everything luxury buyers crave, such as a cushy ride, excellent seats, and a tomb-quiet cabin. 

Read the complete Audi A8 road test.