Haute wheels: Audi A8 vs Mercedes S500L vs BMW 750i
Unleashing the beast
The German engineers have in no way compromised on powering these luxosedans. The S-500L comes loaded with a massive 5,461-cc, V8 petrol engine mated with a seven-speed G-TRONIC auto-box that helps deliver 374 PS of peak power and 505 Nm of max torque in the smoothest possible way to achieve zero to 100 km/h in 7.44 seconds. Yes, it is impressive for a car of this size and weight, but appears to be slack when compared to Audi's latest offering.
The A8 is roughly 100 kg lighter than the competition due to its lightweight and rigid aluminium body, which benefits its overall fuel efficiency, performance, handling and braking. Nowadays, when every gram is important, this is a huge difference. The car sports the same 4,163-cc, direct-injection V8 mill that did duty on its forebear, but by using Audi's variable intake-valve-lift system and reducing internal friction and a taller top gear, it adds another 22 steeds to the luxury chariot. While cruising on the highway in top gear, the slick eight-speed triptonic kicks down to third the moment you put your right foot down and the Audi surges ahead effortlessly with authority and a soft V8 howl. The motor can now churn out 377 PS and 445 Nm of torque and manage 0-100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds, that's 3.5 seconds faster than the previous A8.
Finally, the Beemer, the champion of speed propelled by the 4,395-cc twin turbo V8, produces 409 PS and an unbelievable 600 Nm of torque and is mated with the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The spontaneous 750Li takes just 6.65 seconds to reach the 100 km/h mark from standstill, putting a few sport cars to shame!