The A8 L initially will be offered with the same 372-horsepower V-8 engine that powers the regular A8, but come next spring a 500-hp 12-cylinder engine that’s capable of accelerating the sedan from zero to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds will be offered. All A8s have standard all-wheel drive; a differential that can vary torque distribution between the rear wheels to reduce understeer is optional.
In addition to being longer, the A8 L is minutely taller. The long-wheelbase version hides its size well, though, retaining the eye-pleasing proportions established by the regular-length sedan.
Available features designed to make the trip less taxing for rear passengers include heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats, a center console with a refrigerator and a folding table, a passenger-side massaging seat with a footrest and a backseat entertainment system with two 10.2-inch screens. Now that sounds like the good life to us.
More photos below.