If full-size luxury sedans are from Mars and fuel-sipping diesels are from Venus, the best-of-both-worlds 2014 Audi A8 L TDI claims dual planetary citizenship. Cars.com reviewer Joe Bruzek says the A8 TDI looks identical to last year’s gasoline model, but couldn’t be more alien with its fuel economy of 24/36 mpg city/highway and 850-mile range. That’s more astounding when you consider that those four-cylinder midsize-sedan figures are for a powerful, 4,500-pound behemoth priced for buyers who needn’t worry about fuel costs but for whom extravagant comfort is of utmost concern.
Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.