2009 Audi A8 Features And Prices | quattro L W12 Models

The 2009 version of the Audi A8 again offers an impressive blend of luxurious accommodations, enviable driving dynamics and excellent craftsmanship. And all-wheel drive is standard in all models.

There are three 2009 A8 trims available: base, L and L W12, with the "L" referring to the "long" wheelbase (providing increased rear-passenger legroom).

Standard Features:

Standard features on the base and L models include Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, navigation, sunroof, xenon headlights, a leather interior, 16-way front power seats, heated front seats, heated rear seats, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a parking system with a rearview camera, power door closers, power trunk opener, 18 inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with satellite radio, iPod connectivity and a CD changer.

The L W12 adds ventilated and massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, four-way lumbar adjustment for all passengers, an Alcantara headliner, a wood steering wheel, and 19 inch alloy wheels. (Most of these features are available on the other trims as options.)

Options:

Available optional features include upgraded leather, a solar-powered venting sunroof, a 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, and 20 inch wheels. There's also a Technology Package featuring adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, and a lane departure warning system.

And for those with advanced munchies, the L W12 can be equipped with a refrigerator.

Engines And Gas Mileage:

Powering both the base and L models is a 4.2 liter V8 engine that produces 350 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The powerful L W12 is outfitted with a 6.0 liter 12 cylinder that delivers 450 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. Both of these engines are coupled with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission driving all four wheels (Audi's Quattro AWD system).

And whatever engine you opt for, this is a fast luxury sedan. The base A8 can go from 0 to 60 mph in a fleet 6.3 seconds and do a quarter-mile in just 14.2 seconds. And the L W12 shaves about a half second off those times.

The EPA gas mileage rating for the base and L models is 16 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. Gas mileage for the A8 L W12 drops to 13 mpg city and 19 highway.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all 2009 A8s include antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front and rear-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and active front headrests.

Interior:

The interior of the A8 is luxurious, roomy and comfortable. The L model actually provides 42 inches of rear legroom so passengers can stretchout in near limousine style. Material quality and workmanship are excellent and there's ample amounts of wood, Alcantara and aluminum accents that enhance the upscale luxury look and feel.

Drive:

The drive of the A8 is marked by brisk acceleration and accomplished road performance. The A8's adaptive air suspension confidently and capably handles either freeway cruising or twisty back roads. And while the standard all-wheel drive A8 performs impressively in automatic mode, driving in the "Dynamic" setting makes the experience closer to a sport sedan than a large luxury car.

Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Audi A8 Prices:

Car sales have been weak for over a year now due to the poor economy, including Audi's. There was a small bounce during the "Cash For Clunkers" program, but the market quickly returned to its overall slow sales environment.

And once again, the combination of fierce competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.

How To Buy A New A8 At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Audi A8, here's step-by-step instructions on how to get the best price, especially given the current slow car market.

Price:

2009 Audi A8:
quattro: listed retail price: $74,050, invoice price: $68,867
L quattro: listed retail price: $77,900, invoice price: $72,448
L W12 quattro: listed retail price: $120,100, invoice price: $111,693

Other Resources

New 2009 Audi A8 Features And Prices