New to the United States this model year, the A8 4.2 is known within Audi as the normal wheelbase" car. It has all the power, technology and convenience features of the A8 L 4.2, which was introduced here in June 2003. The difference? The A8 4.2's wheelbase, and overall length, are 5.1 inches shorter than that of the A8 L (L stands for long wheelbase). Inside the car, those 5.1 inches translates entirely into a reduction in rear-seat legroom. Choose the A8 over the A8 L if squeezing into tight parking spots is more important than a vast rear seat, remembering that the standard A8's rear accommodations are still quite expansive by typical sedan standards.

The 2005 A8 4.2 models are powered by a 330-horsepower 4.2-liter four-cam V8 with Audi's five-valve-per-cylinder technology. A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shift control is the only transmission offered, feeding power to Audi's standard quattro fulltime all-wheel-drive system.

The A8 4.2s come loaded with all the luxury features you'd expect at this price point. The air-conditioning system, for example, uses temperature, moisture, and infrared sensors to detect and demist the windows before they can even think about fogging. Similar to that of the BMW 7 Series and Jaguar XJ series, the A8's parking brake is electromechanical, which in other words means a switch.

Option packages for both the A8 and A8 L include a Cold Weather Package ($1,100) with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a ski sack; and a Convenience Package ($2,000) with Advanced Key, electric rear sunshade, manual side sunshades, and power trunk open/close. New standalone options for 2005 include: adaptive cruise control ($2,100); choice of XM or Sirius Satellite Radio ($550 plus installation); and three-spoke multifunction wood steering wheel ($480). Additional options: solar sunroof panel ($650); front and rear Parktronic park-assist ($700); power door-close assist ($450); and front seat massage and ventilation ($1,500). There's a choice of 18-inch five-spoke cast alloy wheels with all-season tires ($1,150) 18-inch nine-spoke cast alloy wheels with all-season tires ($1,700), or 19-inch 12-spoke cast alloy wheels with performance tires ($1,900).

The A8 L 6.0 features Audi's unique, 440-horsepower W12 engine (literally two Vs), and ultra-luxury amenities. These include power sunshades for the rear windows, heated power-adjustable rear seats, and leather upholstery on the door panels, console and dashboard. The 6.0 also comes standard with a full-length rear-seat center console, housing elaborate climate and seat adjustments, and limiting seating capacity to four. (Pricing for the 6.0 model was not known at press time but it's expected to retail for about $115,000 when it goes on sale in January 2005.)

The A8 L 6.0 offers three options: a 20-inch wheel/performance tire package, upgraded from standard 19-inch wheels and not offered by BMW or Mercedes; radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a prescribed distance to traffic ahead; and a rear-seat entertainment package with DVD player and two LCD screens in the back of the front headrests. The rear center console can be deleted in favor of a three-place bench seat."

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