Insurance Group: 47
MPG: 38.2
CO2: 195
0-62 Mph: 5.5 secs
BHP: 345 BHP
Range: 756 miles
PROS: With higher performance than its main rivals it is impressive that the Audi A8 4.2 Quattro SE Executive 4dr will suprise many with its impressive eco-credentials as this is a remarkably efficient and clean running car. A great deal of effort has also been put into making sure that you feel like you are driving in luxury too, with some beautilful finishing touches on the interior, like the wooden panels that have been hand-sanded and varnished.
CONS: It is a shame that the same effort which was put into the interior styling wasn't also put into the exterior. Sure, it looks nice enough, but for this price just enough really isn't good enough, and there is nothing particularly special or memorable about the appearance of the Audi A8 4.2 Quattro SE Executive 4dr.
Accelerating from 0-62mph in an impressive 5.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 155mph, this V8, 32 valve, 4134cc diesel engine has plenty of pulling power, delivering 345bhp when revved to 4000rpm, and 590lb-ft torque at 1750-2750rpm. That power goes to all four wheels through an 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.
Of course this is a pretty large luxury car, but the handling it still very responsive and is as agile as many much smaller cars.
It is a shame for the Audi A8 4.2 Quattro SE Executive 4dr that first impression is always said to count for so much. Because that is where this car falls down, as it is hard to escape the feeling that it is very expensive for a car that blends into the crowd.
But if you take the time to get past those disappointing first impressions you will find that you really do get a lot for your money.
With this SE Executive version of the A8 you don't just get rear parking sensors, you get a rear camera. You also get an excellent and easy to use touch screen controlled SatNav system, a stereo system by Bang and Olufsen which produces great sound quality, and plenty of other gadgetry and equipment including cruise control, climate control and stability control as standard. Power steering, an immobiliser, alloy wheels and a full suite of airbags also come as standard.
The fuel efficiency and cleanliness of this car are really very impressive when you consider its size and performance - just 199g/km of CO2 emissions and managing to squeeze out 37.2mpg.
The long-wheelbase gives you plenty of legroom and there are 510-litres of storage space in the boot.
The insurance group which the Audi A8 4.2 Quattro SE Executive comes under is 47 and the car comes in VED tax band J. While the car is by no means cheap to run, it is very respectable for a car of its size and power.
Although at £68,470 the Audi A8 4.2 Quattro SE Executive is not cheap to buy, and will depreciate steeply, you will not find this kind of performance with this level of fuel efficiency in any other luxury car. The Audi really is terrific value for money.
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