Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A8

When it comes to finding cars which have big, torquey engines, Audi's A8 range is hard to beat. But now the firm has reached new heights. With a massive 650Nm, its 4.2 TDI model's twin-turbocharged V8 diesel has the same pulling power as a Lamborghini Murci�lago.

With sensational performance, excellent fuel economy and superb refinement, the new 4.2-litre TDI is a truly great engine. This is not only the best A8 in Audi's range, but one of the finest diesel cars in the world.

When it comes to finding cars which have big, torquey engines, Audi's A8 range is hard to beat. But now the firm has reached new heights. With a massive 650Nm, its 4.2 TDI model's twin-turbocharged V8 diesel has the same pulling power as a Lamborghini Murci�lago.

The huge peak is produced very low in the rev range and for longer than its 4.0-litre predecessor - from 1,600rpm up to 3,500rpm. This makes the amazing acceleration even more accessible.

Combined with extra power - up from 275bhp to 321bhp - a weight drop of 15kg and a new six-speed automatic gearbox, the results are sensational. The 0-60mph time is cut from 6.7 to 5.9 seconds, but it's the deep-chested thrust available at any speed and in any gear that impresses most.

Refinement is also superb, with little more than a smooth V8 rumble to be heard. The 29.4mpg combined economy figure is an improvement on that offered by the outgoing diesel, and gives the car the potential to travel in excess of 600 miles on a single tank. Carbon dioxide emissions are down 7g/km, although at 258g/km the new A8 is still in the top 35 per cent company tax band.

Downsides? The gearbox is jerky, and most buyers will be more than happy with the 3.0 TDI, which costs £48,365 as opposed to £58,605 for the 4.2-litre. Still, that's the same as Audi charged for the old 4.0 TDI, a car the newcomer betters in every area.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A8

Audi A8

RRP £83,910Avg. savings £11,480 off RRP*Used from £51,900
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,675 off RRP*
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,290
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025
Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025