2019 Audi A8 55 TFSI performance review

You don't tire watching the new 2019 Audi A8 come to life. Thumb the start button and its air vents swivel open, the door mirrors fold out and the finely crafted seat underneath you slides towards a gorgeous steering wheel.

The action injects some much-needed excitement into your first encounter with what is, objectively, a plain-looking limo. Now longer, higher and thinner than before, it’s more slab-sided than the old A8’s powerful lines and menacing stance.

10

An S8, with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, is on the way to fix that. Hopefully. But for now, the hottest ticket in its range is this 55 TFSI that packs a 3.0-litre turbo V6 mated with an eight-speed automatic. Its 250kW and 500Nm can waft it to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

It feels brisk, but burdened. Clearly, with 1900kg-plus, even the short-wheelbase version’s chassis, boasting aluminium, magnesium and carbon-fibre construction, has failed to shave meat off its bones. Granted, it’s packed with a 48-volt powered alternator system, 17 speakers and enough radars to detect spacecraft.

Surprisingly, Audi’s engineers set out to make it handle nothing like it looks. Thinner A-pillars and a nice, adjustable driving position set the mood, as does steering with positive off-centre feel and genuine feedback.

10

Charging through corners reveals surprising enthusiasm and cohesiveness, while optional rear-wheel steering helps drive its nose into apexes, and tighten its turning circle, at the cost of a little precision.
Obviously, without an S badge on its boot, there’s a limit to its ability. While it feels comfortable at seven tenths, you’ll hear the Goodyears squealing for mercy once you crack the windows in its vault-like cabin.

And its ride? Beautiful. It hovers along on 20-inch wheels and smooths out potholes. It’s hard to think how a surface-detecting system to be introduced at a later date could improve things.

Inside, Audi sticks to its guns with a clean, minimalistic design. A slick dual-pane centre console is key to this, even if prodding its touchscreen controls proves tricky on the move. Everything else works with thoughtful functionality. It’s plenty classy, too.

10

The Premium Plus package is a fair chunk, at $11K, but it’s almost worth it for the massage front seats and sweet-smelling air ioniser. They turn the bunker-solid cabin into a rejuvenating retreat from city commutes.

The only thing that might test your Zen is a throttle pedal that’s either extremely sensitive in Dynamic, or numb in Comfort. Otherwise, this limo is Audi’s best yet.

2019 AUDI A8 55 TFSI SPECS
Engine: 2995cc V6, DOHC, 24v, turbo
Power: 250kW @ 5000-6000rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1370-4500rpm
Weight: 1920kg
0-100km/h: 5.6sec (claimed)
Price: $195,000

Like: Decent chassis; solid fit and finish; ergonomics, ride and handling
Dislike: Dull looks; lack of V8 option; woeful throttle tuning; rear-steering feel

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars