Peak of Power
The RS6 would have been my first choice for the Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (KL) jaunt, but Audi Singapore tipped the scales towards the A8L with an irresistible offer: it comes with a driver.
For this writer, the prospect of 'test riding' the A8L, besides test driving it, proved too compelling to pass up, so the A8L it was.
From the outside, the white A8L looks like any other regular long wheelbase A8 sedan with its 5,265mm length. The current model, launched in 2009 and facelifted in 2013, looks like it has not aged a single day, largely due to the distinctive and timeless Audi front grille design.
On the road trip, I could fully stretch out my legs on the 'boss seat' using a footrest perched from the back of the front passenger seat, with the seat pushed all the way forward. Two Audi MMI screens provided digital TV feeds and kept me glued to breaking news on TV, while a European two-pin power socket kept my MacBook powered up as I did some writing.
The car's built-in Wi-Fi using the 4G mobile data network linked my MacBook to the Internet, but the network dipped to a dismal 2G connection at most of the long stretches of the North-South Highway.
The network only improved as we approached Putrajaya, the seat of political power in Malaysia. This leaves no doubt where power lies. And when we punched in 'Putrajaya' into the sat-nav, we were directed to the Malaysia Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One wonders.
The four-seater A8L is fitting for a President, Prime Minister or a Fortune 500 company Chief Executive, essentially anyone at the peak of power. And for a brief ride from Singapore to KL, it gave this motoring writer delusions of power that exceeded beyond the overrated power of the pen.
Before leaving the 'boss seat', I wanted to set the seat position in case I get to occupy it again. I found only one memory setting. It became crystal clear - there is only one memory setting because there can only be one boss.
Power on Tap
It was the first of many surprises driving the A8L.
Although long wheelbase cars are not typically drivers' cars, the Audi changed my mind somewhat. While it does not have the agility of a hatchback, the steering inputs retain enough feedback and feel for drivers who want to be involved in driving.
The abundance of torque at the mid range made driving the long stretches of the North-South Highway effortless. A gentle prod of the throttle sends the car into law breaking speeds.
At lower cruising speeds of under 100km/h, four of the eight cylinders shut down to conserve fuel. And when more power is needed, accelerating the car fires up the sleeping cylinders in an unobtrusive manner, giving the driver the full disposal of the 4.0-litre turbocharged engine.
Its 82-litre fuel tank provided just enough fuel for the over 800km journey from Singapore to KL, KL to Malacca and back to Singapore, or about 10km/L of petrol. This is respectable for a car of its mass and engine capacity.
A slight grouse is the longish brake pedal travel. Depressing the brake pedal a little does not slow the car down, which was disconcerting when I took over driving initially. It took some getting used to.
The test car has the bells and whistles that a car of its stature ought to have - head-up display, customisable driving modes and ventilated seats are on its long list of frills. But it does not have adaptive cruise control, which is a useful option for bosses and their drivers who make frequent trips north of Singapore.
Overall, while driving the car is not as comfortable as riding in the 'boss seat', it is not altogether boring either. For drivers who like driving, the A8L provides just enough involvement to keep them engaged and comfortable.
