In the rarefied heights of limo land it’s a little tricky being green. Sure you can go for the Lexus LS600h hybrid, but that costs more than £80,000.
Audi thinks it has the answer with the A8, powered by its latest 2.8-litre petrol engine.
Despite being a petrol – and not a diesel, which is more associated with low carbon dioxide output – it emits just 199g/km of CO2. This not only places the car in the 27% benefit-in-kind tax band, but also means it’s a class leader regardless of fuel type – at least until the new BMW 7-series arrives later this year.
The 210PS engine is just about powerful enough to provide that whoosh of a true luxury car. Should your chauffeur attempt it, Audi claims a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds and a 147mph top speed. Both figures are more than adequate.
The 2.8 is smooth and refined, with little engine noise intruding into the cabin. Chauffeurs take note, though: the auto gearbox is best left in the smoother and more responsive ‘sport’ mode. In regular mode there’s an annoying amount of delay in step-off and down changes.
Aside from the engine the A8 is exactly as you’d find across the range: high quality materials, total comfort and lots of luxuries. But unfortunately our car suffered two technical problems: the optional blind spot warning system did not work and the front passenger door wouldn’t open from the inside (no, it wasn’t child-locked).
Aside from these issues, the only downside is a poor RV, according to Carcost Emmox. Despite an attractive P11D value of £49,740, Emmox claims the car will retain just 28% of this after three years and 60,000 miles.
