Audi Q7 Diesel: Posh and Potent

Audi Q7: The Posh Diesel

By The Car Family

If you need a large SUV that carries seven passengers your best bet is going to be one with a diesel engine. There are three reasons for this. First, it gets much better fuel mileage. Secondly, it can tow more. And finally, the resale is higher.

That being said, the Audi Q7 TDI is one of your few choices in this regard. Indeed it is a study in abundance. Everything you look from the huge snowplow bow to the numerous controls for the radio, heating, air conditioning, even the fan speed selection are in excess. It appears that Audi wanted this flagship to carry everything possible into the battles for sales. What they created was an extremely luxurious SUV that weighs nearly three tons and yet sips diesel fuel and provides potent acceleration thanks to a V6 diesel that creates 225 horsepower and an enormous 406 pound-feet of torque. When the turbocharged engine comes online, around 2000 rpm, the big Audi is breathtakingly fast for what it is, especially considering its bulk. You are also going to find yourself going well over the speed limit during highway merging and passing. This Audi hauls. Period, and it gets over 22 mpg to boot. It does need low sulfur fuel but we didn’t have any trouble finding it. Add to this the Audi’s 26 gallon fuel tank and you have an easy 500 mile plus cruising range.

We have tested both the gas version and the diesel option and there simply is no question that the extra dollars for the latter is superior is every way. It is quiet, swift, and starts automatically. Audi labels its diesel the cleanest SUV in the world and it is more efficient than the other German competition from Mercedes and Volkswagen as the Q7 has a ULEV-II or ultra-low emission rating.

Driving the large Audi is a pleasant experience, but there is no question this is a very heavy vehicle. Despite this parking was very easy. When making a U turn you are never going to need to worry about having to stop and put this vehicle in reverse. It is a pleasure to park even in tight mall spots and the rearview camera, a must for such a high vehicle with restricted rearward vision, is second only to Nissan’s in clarity. Exceptional.

The exterior look is massive and intimating. The rear lift over is extremely high making loading heavy objects a chore. The rear hatch has an available motorized open and closing motor and you need to have this if you are of average height or shorter. It is quite difficult to close otherwise.

The interior is very posh in keeping with its plus $50,000 price tag, but the government offers a tax incentive to diesel buyers of $1150. Check http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxLeanBurn.shtml for the latest data on this. The seats have leather surfaces and the dash and headliner are rich looking and feeling as it should be for such an expensive vehicle. The rear seats folds reasonably flat once the second seat headrests have been removed. The front seats are heated with 12-way adjustments, however, they are quite high and the roofline is low so be prepared to duck down if you don’t adjust the seats to a lower position.

Mom’s view: I found the step up difficult when wearing a dress as it is very high. I also found the big Audi felt nearly cumbersome at low speeds. It never feels nimble except, ironically, when parking it. The pure size of it commands a certain amount of respect, especially in white. Driving around town the diesel feels a little choppy, but on the highway it is pure elegance. Once those 5000 pound plus get motivated the V6 delivers enough torque to keep you smiling. Very potent. The main competition is the Mercedes R Bluetec and Volkswagen Touareg 2. Interestingly, the Mercedes interior is austere and stiff, but is roomier more and easier to use. If you live where you need the extra ground clearance go for the Audi. The bottom line for me is that the Q7 never won me over despite its many attributes. I found the fuel mileage exemplary and admired the beautiful interior, but it was too over the top for my daily commute and too difficult to feel comfortable in for long hauls.

Dad’s view: Great engine, no doubt, but the transmission needs to be kept in sports mode to get the most out of the Audi. The steering is excellent, almost too direct at times, and the handling unexpectedly obedient. The brakes are adequate, but this rig is really one for the highway. I didn’t care for the 20-inch wheels as they were noisy and not all that off-road oriented.

The interior has a great many quirks that can be easily overcome, but why weren’t they thought through better. The cruise control is difficult to find and complicated and the console mounted controls require you to take your eyes off of the road to operate. Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) isn’t as difficult as the Mercedes and BMW units, but it still takes time to master its logic.

Because of the small window area of the Q7 those sitting in the backseat feel don’t have the feeling of spaciousness that you get in the competition. The rear seat is very small, and when you use it you must find a place to put the cargo cover. Again, not major problems, but a concern anyway.

Audi has years of experience in racing diesel engines and its shows. It the 3.0 liter engine is eager to please. Interestingly, I believe this is the same engine as in the Volkswagen Touareg 2, which costs thousands less, but isn’t nearly as luxurious. The Q7 also does not offer the convenience of the more station wagon like Mercedes R in terms of loading and unloading.

Young working male’s view: This Audi diesel does not smoke, is almost perfectly quiet, and runs clean enough to qualify as a environmentally friendly people mover. Mercedes uses a the water-based urea injection to remove clean air damaging elements. Audi has decided to make the “burn” more efficient and thus better fuel injectors were designed. The Audi’s computers also monitor the quality of the diesel fuel being burned. We have owned a diesel for 30 years and know important this is having fueled up with bad diesel numerous times. Those who live in the colder climates should note that the glowplugs that light off the Audi fire almost instantly even in cold weather. For me the result was a very user friendly diesel engine that provides that famous diesel torque and fuel mileage as well as unexpected frisky acceleration.

Our test car had the optional panoramic sunroof, but it has an opaque covering that lets in some heat. On the other hand, without it the interior would be rather dark. We didn’t get a chance to test Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system, but there is no doubt that it should handle anything people spending $50,000 or more would take their vehicle. The test vehicle had the 3.0 TDI and it felt very potent at all speeds, but especially in the mid-range. The night lighting is fantastic. When you hit the remote key fob you get puddle lights, a great interior light, and even red flowing dash lights. As I work for http://www.eracks.com making open software servers and computers I can expertly say that the Multi Media Interface took even my some time to master.

When on the highway you get excellent visibility to the front, but the high rear tailgate and large C pillars create some blindspots. The Audi does offer a system that flashes a orange light it you signal for a turn and there is a vehicle in that position. I loved that option. For me the Audi was too much vehicle for my needs. However, it has a great feel and the interior is first class.

Young working woman’s view: The Audi is impressive and comes with a pleasant cabin, albeit very uncomfortable controls even with the auxiliary steering wheel mounted ones available. The exterior is a love it or hate it visual, but no one is going to argue that it does make its presence known. The Audi was too large for me to feel comfortable in daily driving. I much prefer the Audi A5 anyway, and with the possibility of a smaller Audi SUV having the diesel engine option I think waiting would be my choice. But I dearly love that diesel.

Family conference: An expensive luxury SUV with an abundance of features, the decision to buy the Q7 comes down to wanting to enjoy the numerous benefits of its diesel powerplant. You get a lot for the money, but it costs a lot of money and so we would look for three things before deciding. First, do you travel or tow enough to make the diesel viable? Secondly, do you need the all wheel drive system? Finally, do you like its bold look? If you answer yes to these there is really one the Audi. Add to this the excellent crash scores and you have a proper SUV. Make sure you order the Side Assist which indicates when a vehicle is in your blind spot, and also the rearview camera. Big car, big personality.

For vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

Diesel comparison

Audi R Class Mercedes Volkswagen Touareg 2

Price $50,900 $49,150 $42,800

Horsepower 225 hp 210 hp 225 hp

Torque 406 ft-lbs. 398 ft-lbs. 407 ft-lbs.

Cargo 73 cu. ft. 85 cu. ft. 71 cu. ft.

Towing 6600 lbs. 3500 lbs. 7716 lbs.

Mileage 17/25mpg. 18/24 mpg. 17/25 mpg.

 

Ski Sedans: Practical and Safer

Ski Sedans

By The Car Family

For more reviews go to http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/home/most-reliable-vehicles/

(General Motors does not allow us to test its vehicles and thus they could not be evaluated for this article.)

Ski season is finally here and with it the challenges of driving through snow covered roads where having a vehicle with good traction is a must. But does such a trip require a SUV? Hardly, unless you are traveling in remote areas where snowplows don’t tend to the side roads and need the additional ground clearance. Nope, just your family sedan well do, if properly equipped.

Ski lodge parking lots are filling with all wheel drive family sedans that provide the extra safety features that SUVs don’t offer, such as a low center of gravity, and superior fuel economy.

So which are the better all wheel drive for cold weather fun? Well, there are nearly 75 different sedans available with all wheel drive from the cute $15,000 Suzuki SX4 to OPEC’s best friend, the Veyron from Bugatti for $1.3 million plus. However, the vast majority of all wheel drive sedans are priced in the $30,000 range with the all wheel drive option typically adding $1500 to the cost.

Before buying one of these practical ski mobiles the potential consumer must make some important decisions.First, is there room in the interior for skis? Most sedans now have fold down rear seats that open into the trunk or a ski pass through that can accommodate at least two pairs of skis. It is wise to take your ski’s length measurement to see if they fit. Otherwise you must opt for the roof rack mount, which is time consuming, reduces fuel mileage, and is not as theft-proof.

Small sedans can have large ski carrying areas

Next, consider headlight washers, traction control, and seat warmers for your option list. For driving at night on winter roads the xenon headlights do a better job, especially in areas that are remote and have little roadside lighting. You should note if the vehicle has a place to plug in your cell phone and other electronics for recharging. This should be located in or near the center console.

The heating and front and rear glass defrosters must work promptly. If there is an optional side mirror defroster so much the better. Some sedans even have a heated steering wheel, which is sometimes overlooked as an option by Valley residents.

The turning radius of the vehicle is frequently ovelooked as a safety feature. When you are on an unplowed two-lane road and have to turn around it is much safer to make a U turn in a sedan that can make a three point turn without leaving the plowed surface. Volvos have an excellent turning radius.

Finally, see how much legroom is back seat and trunk for suitcases, boots, and additional clothing. Most sedans have plenty of room for four adults and their luggage, with the Ford Taurus being absolutely cavernous.

After extensive testing by price category five all wheel drive sedans emerged as the most interesting. First, the large and surprising efficient Ford Taurus. We took this big sedan into the Colorado mountain resorts and found it was not only comfortable, but we averaged nearly 24 mpg on the highway. And the pricing was $27,000 pleasingly loaded.

Ford’s all wheel drive Taurus sedan is a winner

Next was the Dodge Charger, priced close to the Taurus, but far zestier in appearance and with more poke under its bonnet. The Suzuki SX4 Sport is a compact sedan that is a bundle of fun to drive, costs about $16,000, and delivers over 28 mpg. It is not as large as the other sedans, nevertheless, this is an practical car for parking in tight mall spots or trips to the snow. Plus Suzuki offers a 100,000-mile/7 year limited warranty.

Lexus, Lincoln, Infiniti, Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Volvo, and Audi all offer all wheel drive options on their vehicles too. There is an interesting feature on the Acura RL and TL and that is what Honda calls a super handling all-wheel drive system that is very impressive. It continuously varies power among all four wheels to aid in poor traction conditions.

Before you consider driving one of these more expensive vehicles into the snow make sure that there is enough room between the tire and fender for chains to be mounted. Remember that wide tires that are designed to enhance handling on dry roads don’t always perform well on slick surfaces.

Of course, the Subaru is a perhaps the people’s choice for winter driving and the much larger Impreza is clearly the best of all worlds. It has a good ground clearance, can get nearly 28 mpg on the highway, comes with a proven all wheel drive system, and you can get one nicely optioned for under $20,000.

Safety tips

When driving in winter always carry chains, extra clothing, food and water, and a charged cell phone. Another rule to remember when driving an all wheel drive vehicle is that its superior traction does not mean shorter braking. In fact, the added weight of the all wheel drive system may require a longer distance to stop. Secondly, check your windshield washer fluid level before you go. The bright sun shinning on slush-covered windshield makes visibility haphazard at best and the fluid and a good set of wiper blades can make it safer to drive.

For a list of all websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

 

Audi RS4 Review: Super Sedan

Audi RS 4: A Tour de Fast

By The Car Family

http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/home/best-cars-under-15k/

Audi has emerged as the most improved European car manufacture in the 21^st Century thanks to its desire to please both the speed freaks and comfy craving buyers. At the top of that list is the RS4, which is simply the best Audi sports sedan ever. The problem is that unless you are a car buff you aren’t going to notice this escapee from the land of high-speed fantasy on your local roads. Its looks are nearly identical to the 200 horsepower Audi 4, which at $29,000 price tag is fully $40,000 less than the RS4. In other words buying a $70,000 RS4 isn’t for those seeking attention, but by those who want to own one of the world’s truly great high speed touring sedans.

There are a few other notable world-class sporty sedans such as the BMW M3, Mercedes C-Class AMG, perhaps the Cadillac CTS-V, and the Lexus FS. However, truth be told, the Audi RS 4 is a better vehicle. The reason isn’t just the horsepower, but the luxurious interior treatments, all wheel drive stability, and relaxed V8 engine that can get deliver 26 mpg on the road if you can hold it to legal speeds. Its only drawback is a manual transmission shifter that does not like to be rushed.

Since there are only a handful of these playful sedans being built by Audi the potential buyer might be forced to make a quick decision without considering all the facts. After all, it is nice to have a family oriented hot car that can terrorize BMW drivers or chug along at “rush” hour with equal ease, but do you really need a V8 engine that can be whipped to unleash 420 horsepower?

The base Audi A4 with CVT yields fantastic fuel mileage, provides 200 turbocharged horsepower, and is comfortable to drive. It costs $29,000. Rather have a V8, well the S4 costs $50,000 and has a similar sized 4.2-liter V8 engine that makes 340 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 302 pound-feet of torque at 3,500. What do you get for the extra $20,000? Cachet, yes, both more notable is a more dynamic sedan with huge brakes, an engine that revs to 8200 rpm and sounds just like a jet turbine, and a suspension system that is pot hole friendly as well as race track ready. It is amazing, but realistically with just 1000 or so planned for production it might be a moot point. Obviously, most people are going to go for he S version and pocket the difference. Too bad, as they aren’t going have the adventure of driving a racecar to work.

The RS4 is that rare type of car that enjoys terrorizing BMW owners or just chugging along during “rush” hour with equal aplomb. What is does not offer is a lot of what we call “splay” room. That is the space that allows the driver’s leg to rest against the center console while the other is on the dead pedal. The A4 is too tight meaning that your accelerator-controlling limb rests at an odd angle. Other that this is one sweet chariot.

Mom’s view: The clutch has a high take-up point and the transmission linkage can get hung up between gears at high rpms if you don’t practice a lot. Of course, this is the type of practice most people prefer over piano lessons or math tutoring.

Crash scores were good as one can imagine with huge disc brakes that have eight pistons for each front disc brake and four brake pads, an Electronic Brake pressure Distribution feature, have special flow vents to cool them and measure over 14.4 inches in front and 12.8 in the rear as well as side and front airbags most everywhere, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, rear door child safety locks child seat anchors, a remote anti-theft alarm system engine immobilizer, daytime running lights xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, tire pressure monitoring, headlamp washers front, head rests with whiplash protection, and speed sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. These are the only brakes that I have tested that provide more feedback and whoa power than the BMW. They are unbelievable and, as mom always says, wipe your brakes when they are wet and that it what this Audi does automatically.

The interior is a little too sporty for my tastes with red piping stitching together the nice black leather. The seats are fairly comfortable but aren’t in the same category as the Saab, and it is difficult to get your hand between the door and the seat to reach the 8-way power adjustments and lumbar support. There is also heated seats that work well, but not in the same league as the Subaru or Saab. The rear seats are split folding and yield a large and very usable cargo area. The trunk is easy to open with a nice handgrip. The usual power features are here as well as one touch power windows all around and heated outside mirrors. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes and has a nice feel to it. There are also 12-volt outlets in front and back and dual zone climate controls. An active interior air filter, and easy to reach controls abound. You think with all this good stuff Audi would have taken the time to make a gearshift knob that wouldn’t burn your hand when the weather was hot, but they didn’t. The steering wheel and the gearshift are scorching to the touch. Be warned and cover them with a towel. And this is a $71,000 car.

There are carbon fiber trim elements, but the basic interior is understated and has elegance to it with quality materials and workmanship evident. The storage areas are easy to access and the glove compartment is adequate. The red needles in the gauges are a bit overwhelming at night and could be more restrained. Copying the Lexus wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Driving this tart is a study in self-control. Acceleration is seamless rather than awesome. It is much like a jet airplane at take-off. Plenty of thrust, but not Mercedes AMG like where the chassis actually shutters as the engine’s torque twists the frame and the engine bellows its challenge. The RS4 is more refined, but just as fast.

The brakes are unbeatable, the handling so reassuring that you start to believe it is really you and not the car that makes corners melt, and the looks of the car are so non-threatening that you don’t attract unwanted attention. That being said, this is the best looking super sedan although the front spoiler is too low for practical users. The 19-inch wheels need flared fender wells and the integrated rear spoiler don’t shout boy racer as much as subtle.

I love this car. You can lug it down to 1500 rpm in sixth gear and it doesn’t kick. Take it to the grocery store and it is hospitably. Park it at work and your boss wouldn’t look twice. And, after work, you can relieve the tension right about when you hit third gear. A hoot to drive.

Dad’s view: A little tight for me, but oh that engine. With 420 horsepower this V-8 can stay on task until you reach 8250 rpm or achieve lift-off. And, the push you into your seat torque comes to play at just over 2000 rpm and stays with you until 7600 rpm. This is not your uncle’s Audi A4S. In fact, it is an entirely different engine. You can get to 60 mph in under five seconds, but the real fun isn’t its acceleration, but in the completeness of the package. Yes, it is fast and yes, it stops well, but it does all of this while treating the passenger and drive with respect. Need you forget, the all wheel drive system and the suspension are the hidden jewels as they perform miracles in getting a 4000 pound sedan to act like its at 2000 sports car.

The suspension and the Quattro all wheel drive system has been extensively modified. The rear wheel bias has been dialed in with a 60:40 setting as standard and the ability to transfer all the power where it is needed and there is a built in stability control unit, too. The front four-link and rear double wishbone set-up have been augmented by a hydraulically controlled value system that sets the suspension for the type of terrain the RS4 is passing over. If can soften or tighten the shock absorbers and the result is a much better ride than the competition over a variety of surfaces that Audi calls it Dynamic Ride Control. In other words under braking doesn’t upset this Audi and pitch and roll are negated. All of this in a car where its large V8 engine is essentially placed ahead of the front axle which results in an unbelievable 58/42 weight distribution. In another car this would be a recipe of understeering disasters. Not in the RS4. In fact, Audi offers a two-step ESP unit where the first phase kills traction control and the second the entire stability control program. Don’t even think about it. You need all the electronic help you can as this car is much more hefty than it feels.

My biggest surprise with the RS4 was the engine. Although displacing as much as that in the S4 it is more sophisticated and the extra 90 horsepower over its stall mate is more refined. The 32-value powerplant has 12.5:1 compression rating and even with its amazing 7800-rpm power peak is still tractable on the street. Whereas previous Audi hotrods have used turbos and thus had a lot of midrange punch and not much after 5500 rpm, the RS4 just keeps on giving. At idle the sound is just a touch blurby, but once up to operating speed it sings. Of course, if you hit the S button on the dash it open a value in the side of the exhaust pipe and the result can be felt as well as heard. It is best not to touch the S button anywhere near law enforcement.

Despite moving the battery to the trunk and other weight saving strategies such as using the extensive use of aluminum, the Audi is over 500 pounds heavier than a BMW M3. You notice that extra weight when cornering, but not in the real world. The Lamborghini sourced brakes, large tires, and altered Torsen differential make the Audi feel far more connected to the road. However, the Audi ride can wear thin over poorly maintained roads.

Overall, this is a very compelling sedan. Certainly there is no doubt the model shall be sold out, but for me the seats weren’t all that comfortable, I didn’t have enough room to spread out when driving, and the high clutch pick-up made it easy for smooth starts, but difficult to judge when aggressively driven. And, why else would you buy this model?

Unemployed woman’s view: I liked the look of the dark rims and the two large tailpipes were quite dramatic, but what stole my heart was how obedient this sedan was. Once you master the clutch it doesn’t seem to care what gear you are in it is ready to romp or just roll along. A sweetheart of a disposition. The RS4 sits a bit lower than the A4 and this is great for stability, but makes steep driveways a concern. I loved the idea of the RS4, but for the money I would buy the S4 and save the $20,000 and my friends would never know.

Recently graduated male’s view: The sound system is a disappointment. The AM/FM in-dash stereo holds six CDs with MP3 Playback. The ten speakers just don’t provide a quality sound and the radio reception is sub par. The volume is speed sensitive and there is also a Sirius satellite radio. The controls are not that easy to operate at speed and the readouts are difficult to see in bright sunlight. If everyone could copy the one in the Hyundai Santa Fe the world would be a better place. The look of the RS4 is special, but unless you truly want to be different than really isn’t a good reason outside of a race track to consider this Audi. Personally, I like the A4 just fine and with the price of gas rising it would suit me better as my college loans are just waiting to come due. A great driving car, no doubt, but one that appeals more to the seat of the pants than the pocketbook.

Family conference: For $71,000 we expected a more furious vehicle that would unleash the horsepower dogs of war with more shock and awe. We also expected a better sound system, standard GPS, and not to have to worry about burning your hand on the gearshift. The air-conditioning was also hard pressed when the temperature went over 100 degrees. That being said, this is an elegant, if sedate, super sedan that may be related to the A4 and A4S but barely. It is a high-speed racecar and family-touring vehicle in one. If you can justify the cost and living with a 16.6 gallon gas tank that limits you to 250 miles between fill-ups on premium fuel more power to you; literally and figuratively.

For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

 

Audi W 12: A Lot of Money a Lot of Car.

Audi W12: A Lot of Money a Lot of Car

By The Car  Family

 http://www.motorists.org/carfamily/

Besides a 12-cylinder engine Audi’s flagship is stuffed with features, but at a price over $120,000 that is what you would expect. What is a surprise is that this hunkered down purposeful appearing beauty just doesn’t handle or perform much better than its less powerful brother, the Audi 8L.  Of course the additional cost of the big brother does bring some significant upgrades when fully loaded.  You get what you pay for as there are massaging, heated and cooled 12-way power leather front seats, four different climate zones, remote start, DVD player with remote control for those in backseats, adaptive cruise control, satellite radio, a terrific audio system, a steering wheel that warms to the touch on cold days and a solar powered fan that cools the interior on hot days, and, yes, a small refrigerator in the rear arm rest area. The air suspension allows the driver to select ride comfort levels as well as height and there are also a rearview camera, parking sensors, and fabulous adaptive headlights that should be an industry standard.

To this mix add rear bucket seats, all wheel drive, and a 12-cylinder engine that produces 450 smooth horsepower. Unfortunately, that engine also gets tagged with a

$1700 gas guzzler tax as the 121-inch wheelbase all wheel drive sedan needs plenty of juice to get the DOCH 6.0 liter engine to push the Quattro power through the six speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

All these features are difficult to ignore, but the reality was that even though this is the ultimate Audi sedan, the lesser equipped A8 L sells for tens of thousands less and is nearly as good.  It gets better fuel mileage, and is about as quick, and its exterior is extremely similar to its more luxury-laden big brother. Audi knows there is a limited market for this German cruiser and is not making many W12 units, but if you can afford one they are well worth a test drive. Overall the uber Audi is fashionable, fast, and understated. This is a unique car with few equals if you live where inclement weather and uniqueness are prized.

 

Mom’s view: I adored the 12 cylinder Bentley, but the Audi just didn’t leave me with the same feeling. No doubt it will appeal to those who like to blend in and still enjoy the opulence of the Audi’s interior and electronic features. I love to drive and the 12-cylinder engine didn’t give me the push in the back of other cars in this price segment. It certainly has a nice ride and you can’t fault the massive feel or handing of the big Audi. However, the gas mileage was nearly the same as the far faster Bentley at 17 mpg and the transmission wasn’t nearly as smooth under pressure. Personally, I would get the A8 and be quite happy, if a bit slower. If I desired more legroom for my rear passengers the A8L, which is over five feet longer than the standard A8, would be the answer. With the W12 you can order rear bucket seats, which is nice, but we couldn’t even take a friend to dinner in this abundance of aluminum and leather conveyance because it only holds four people with this seating option. Overall, a splendid looking sedan with a stunning interior and thoughtful features such as make-up mirrors with two settings and a superior sound system.

Dad’s view: This is an elegant vehicle that does not pretend to be sporty even with all wheel drive and a 450 horsepower engine. It is a grand touring vehicle with a 23-gallon tank and enough gadgets to keep you occupied on the longest of journeys. There are some shortcomings; nevertheless, such as brakes with little feel, a transmission that needs to be poked too hard to kick down, and a needlessly complicated control system. On the other hand the xenon headlights are fabulous and offer great vision to the front and side. The seats are heated and cooled and comfortable and adjustable and leather and they even give you a massage. I would not order the bucket seats in back as it limits the use of the Audi, but I did find the optional refrigerator in the rear armrest cool.

Audi calls this a W12 to describe the engine’s appearance, and it works as the 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine provides 450 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. Excellent numbers, but most of the V12 competition does better. Despite all these numbers the 4700 pound sedan feels underpowered until you are underway. Anyway you cut it the A8 L Audi is almost as good.  The  W12 is one understated ride that reveals in the treatment of its passengers and is eager to please.

Safety wise you can get front and rear side airbags, front knee airbags, and curtain side airbags, ABS, traction and antiskid control, a navigation system, an excellent rearview camera, front and rear obstacle detection, keyless entry/starting, and adaptive cruise control.

Audi has built a terrific vehicle, no doubt, but do you really need a V12? That was our only qualm about this extensively aluminum bodied luxury sedan. After all, even though you get 450 horsepower is it worth the extra cost and fuel over the V8 that comes in the standard A8? Well, since you get so much more with the V12 it is impossible to measure what that extra $50,000 buys outside of more power. Terrific rear seats, a stereo systems that is virtually unmatched, vibrating seats, a touch close rear hatch, and much more are difficult to justify and explain to those who own more pedestrian products. We constantly head, “I could buy a house for that.” However, those who can afford such a vehicle probably have a couple of houses anyway and an art collection to boot. They want the best and this Audi is prepared to answer their request.
 
Rating this Audi against the rest of the German super sedans places it second to the Mercedes and well ahead of the BMW V 12 when it comes to interior, comforts, and amenities.  The Mercedes is a hammer with the ability to crush distances. The BMW lives for the corners, but neither offer the hospitality of the Audi.

Working woman’s view: I found the transmission reluctant to downshift, even when using the manual shifter, and I also didn’t like the electronic doodads that control most everything. On the other hand, the interior is stunning and the ride road flattening. You press a button and the truck lid closes by itself, you click another button and a screen covers the rear window and tones down bright headlights and the sun’s rays.  The
 6,250-rpm redline takes a while to reach, but the power is consistent, if not overwhelming probably due to its significant weight. Getting to 60 mph in under six seconds shouldn’t be difficult, but your gas mileage is going to suffer significantly as I recorded some 12 mpg figures at times. The Audi’s 23.8-gallon tank is needed for long distance traveling. Figure 400 miles between fill-ups.

I was rather surprised that the A8 L W12 does not come fully loaded. Such special features as the adaptive cruise control and solar sunroof are options. You can add to that
$1500 for the refrigerator for $1,500 another $2,000 for the 20-inch rims and tires. Regardless, this is a stunning interior. Everywhere you look there is something to be proud to show-off and that is what this car is all about.

College going male’s view: The air suspension provides a soft, yet sporty feel and the wealthy people who can afford this sedan aren’t going to find much to complain about in terms of performance. I felt the brakes were too soft and needed too much pressure to yield a quick stop probably due to the long pedal travel or the weight (4800 pounds) of the vehicle.  It is not a quick vehicle, but the flow of propulsion is well above reproach. It is grand touring car, not a sports touring one despite the space frame style construction and use of vast quantities of aluminum. To get the maximum out of the large engine you need to keep the rpms in the 4000 range and that is best done with the shift paddles mounted in back of the steering wheel.

Inside, the rear view camera is remarkably clear and the comfortable ventilated seats even have a massage feature. However, it is not nearly as good as the one in the Bentley. The fact that this review is comparing the massage feature shows you the direction comforting drivers of luxury vehicles is heading. The Bang & Olufsen audio system sound system with 5-channel surround sound, subwoofer, and a center fill speaker is superb as well as fairly easy to operate. However, the navigation system isn’t as good as that on a Honda or Infiniti even though it has a neat retractable screen. Perhaps best of all are the headrest mounted monitors so that those in the backseats can enjoy their DVDs without having a screen dangling from the ceiling liner . This Audi is impressive, but not overwhelming even with the best night lighting and exceptional use of LEDs.

No doubt that the exterior of the Audi is going to draw interest. With that grill shell hanging conspicuously out in front and the way large SUV drivers park by feel there is no doubt that there is going to be money in replacement grills as long as they make Hummer H2s, Cadillac Escalades, and Lincoln Navigators.

I would have to say that this “who’s your daddy” Audi is an appealing vehicle for those that appreciate the joy of all wheel drive, the linear power of a 12 cylinder powerplant, and the fun of having enough electronic toys to keep the most attention deficit afflicted inhabitant amused.

Family conference: There is an abundance of fun in this Audi, but the admission to the amusements is high. It is well worth a drive if you can afford the entrance fee, but don’t expect it to be the fastest ride. For a list of all vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html

 

Audi A4: 38 mpg

Audi A4 with CVT: 38 mpg

By The Car Family

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Okay, we didn’t average 38 miles per gallon, but we did average nearly 35 mpg in mixed driving with the air conditioning on full and a family onboard for a 180-mile trek. What can we say but amassing. And, we might add, this is all due to the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Don’t order an Audi without trying this option. It takes the perky, turbocharged 2.0 four-cylinder engine and calms it down, especially in traffic. Of course, it has its quirks as it does not really like to leave a stop under light acceleration, but that just might have been the test car. On the road acceleration is linear being that the transmission does not shift like a convention automatic. Add to that the optional paddle shifts that allow you to control the transmission when the need arises and you have a car for all seasons, albeit without all wheel drive. You can also order the six cylinder 3.2 engine with the CVT, too, but there was more than enough poke from the smaller motor for us with 200 horsepower continually on tap.

Mom’s view: We had the S handling package and it was okay for smooth highways, but too stiff for roughened roads. If you want to go around corners fast it might be fine, but you are going to pay the price in daily driving. The seats were above average in comfort and the interior was quite nice and the night lighting exceptional inside and out.

In the past I have been critical of Audis with the turbocharged four cylinder and automatic transmission as they were jerky in bumper to bumper traffic as the boost would come on suddenly and at the same time the car would downshift resulting in way too much go for moving slowly. The CVT makes this a mute case. Indeed, I wouldn’t buy an Audi without this transmission unless I wanted all wheel drive. As for the 3.2 liter V6 optional engine with its 255 horsepower, it simply provides more torque with little extra acceleration in real time driving situations. 

Cargo wise the Audi is a bit on the thin side, but provides useful room for four and adequate luggage room. There are ample storage areas, but the cupholders need to be deeper for a car so dedicated to sporty driving. Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver seat, and a six-CD changer. 

Safety wise this Audi has Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, BrakeAssist and stability control, front airbags and side curtain airbags. Crash scores are above average. 

Dad’s view: Priced right, this sedan offers you a little frolic as well as a heavy dose of frugality as it combines sporty aspects and common sense amenities as well as some controversial items such as a dent me front grill. Options extend from the S-line sport suspension to satellite radio to a cold weather package, HID headlights, auto-dimming mirrors and a navigation system.

Driving the Audi requires a little practice as the brakes have a soft feel until you get serious and after that it is all business from the ABS four-wheel discs. The turbo does have a bit of lag, but it really doesn’t make much difference as the CVT transmission smoothes it all over. It feels for all the world like a jet plane taking off, as the acceleration is linear and consistent for such a long period of time.  A good vehicle for family travel and commuting. Easily better than any BMW for mileage and ride quality.

College going male’s view: There are lots of little things to like about the Audi, which I seriously believe is going to replace the BMW as the car of choice for drivers. Although the Audi needed premium fuel the gas mileage was superior. The dash gauges were very easy to read and stylish. I didn’t like the position of the handbrake near the center armrest. It makes getting to it difficult with gloves on and if you are wearing a large ring. The climate control is overly complex and there isn’t a turbo boost gauge, which is strange. The cup holder placement needs a rethink, too. This Audi is the best Audi. It isn’t too small or too large, is easy to park, gets positive attention, and is less demanding than the competition. The price may be a little too dear for some and resale is not in the same category as BMW, but I expect that to change.

Family conference: The A4 comes as a sedan, convertible, and wagon and can even be ordered with hotted-up options.  It is not the handler of the BMW, but it is more comfortable and except for the stereo it has a first rate interior. Easy to live with and the best Audi 4 ever once the manufacture figures out why it stumbles at time when starting out.