In 2013, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend with the Audi A8 L 4.2, exploring the scenic routes towards Maryhill, Washington. Ever since, the allure of experiencing an Audi powered by the potent twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 lingered. While the chances of getting behind the wheel of an S or RS model seemed slim, an opportunity arose unexpectedly. Learning that Audi Wilsonville had an A8 L 4.0T in their service loaner fleet, I knew I had to find a way to experience this engine in the lap of luxury.
After a few weeks of anticipation, the confirmation arrived: the A8 L 4.0T would be mine for the weekend of June 28th. With the car secured, the next step was planning a suitable adventure. Seeking a destination unexplored, I decided on a day trip to Port Townsend, Washington, embracing the spirit of “PT Cruisin’.”
“PT Cruisin’,” a term coined by the “Too Beautiful to Live” podcast community, signifies leisurely exploration and enjoyment of Port Townsend and its surroundings. As a podcast enthusiast, I was eager to immerse myself in this experience, anticipating the scenic drive and the town’s charm.
Friday afternoon, I arrived at Audi Wilsonville to collect the keys to the A8 L. After transferring my belongings from my S5 and engaging in car talk with the dealership staff, peak traffic was subsiding. Opting for the most efficient route, I headed directly home.
The moment I navigated onto the freeway, the enhanced power of the 4.0T engine compared to the previous 4.2-liter V8 was immediately apparent. (The 4.2 V8 has since been superseded by the widely adopted supercharged 3.0-liter V6). Spirited acceleration from a standstill was not an abrupt surge, but a confident and rapid propulsion of the A8 L’s substantial weight. The 4.0T’s power delivery felt like a refined blend of the smooth 4.2 V8 and the torque-rich nature of the 3.0TDI. Thanks to the twin turbochargers, the 4.0T exhibited effortless power across the rev range, surpassing the naturally aspirated 4.2 V8’s limitations at higher speeds.
Saturday morning, the A8 L’s cavernous trunk effortlessly swallowed luggage, camera gear, and a cooler. Before embarking on the journey, I filled the substantial 23.8-gallon fuel tank. The chosen route to Port Townsend was a common one: I-5 north, US Hwy 101 north, and finally Washington SR 20 north.
The approximately 210-mile journey, typically around 4 hours, felt significantly shorter and more relaxed in the A8 L. With the air suspension and Audi Drive Select set to Comfort mode, road imperfections were absorbed seamlessly. The only minor drawback was the steering, which felt somewhat detached, making spirited cornering slightly unnerving.
The Audi Drive Select settings became a central element of the driving experience. On highways, “Auto” mode, combined with paddle shifters or engaging “Sport” mode, provided ample responsiveness for overtaking. On the more winding US 101, switching to “Dynamic” and utilizing the paddle shifters for downshifts enhanced control and engagement.
Navigating the A8 L’s considerable size required constant awareness, especially on narrow bridges and tight parking spaces. Finding parking near Port Townsend’s Saturday Farmers Market proved challenging. Thankfully, a less formal gravel parking area nearby offered sufficient space.
After exploring the Farmers Market and enjoying local focaccia, “PT Cruisin'” continued with a scenic drive around town, admiring waterfront views and historic architecture. A visit to Fort Worden State Park included the Marine Science Center and the Point Wilson Light.
Conquering my fear of heights, I decided to ascend the Point Wilson Lighthouse. The narrow spiral staircase and steep ladder to the top proved challenging, triggering my claustrophobia and fear of heights. Reaching the top offered panoramic views, though partially obscured by approaching rain clouds. The descent was even more anxiety-inducing, but ultimately successful.
Before departing Fort Worden, the Marine Science Center provided an engaging experience, witnessing the octopus feeding and exploring the natural history museum, featuring an orca whale skeleton.
A detour to Port Angeles for snacks preceded the return journey to Portland. Heavier traffic on the way back highlighted the A8 L 4.0 TFSI’s overtaking prowess. The twin-turbo V8’s readily available power made passing slower vehicles effortless.
A caffeine stop in Olympia and Chehalis helped sustain the drive. Cruise control was utilized extensively, except in construction zones. Arriving back in Portland late in the evening, the trip computer indicated over 520 miles covered and an impressive 26.5 MPG average fuel economy. This figure was particularly noteworthy considering spirited driving and consistent use of the ventilated seats, which proved significantly more effective than in a previous Audi A7 experience, likely due to more breathable clothing.
Sunday involved routine errands. Parking lot maneuverability was aided by the Comfort setting in Drive Select, though the A8 L’s rear overhang occasionally protruded from parking spaces. Shorter trips reduced fuel economy to a more typical 18 MPG. Another fuel stop prepared the car for its Monday morning return.
Monday’s commute to Audi Wilsonville in stop-and-go traffic reinforced the appreciation for the A8 L’s automatic transmission, a stark contrast to the manual in my S5, which provided a leg workout on the return trip to work.
Overall, the Audi A8 L 4.0 TFSI proved to be an exceptional vehicle, equally adept as a long-distance cruiser and a luxurious suburban daily driver. The opulent Alcantara headliner and numerous comfort features enhanced the sense of occasion and road presence. However, the A8 L’s size might be a limiting factor for daily usability for some. Choosing between the 4.0T and the 3.0 TDI would be a difficult decision, with the TDI offering superior fuel efficiency for extended journeys, while the 4.0T balances highway economy with exhilarating performance.
Ultimately, budget considerations would likely lead me to consider a slightly smaller Audi A6 or A7 TDI, or an S6 or S7, which offer a more manageable size while retaining many of the A8 L’s desirable features or performance characteristics.
Gratitude to Audi Wilsonville for the weekend loan of the A8 L 4.0T, with apologies for any lingering beach sand.
