Audi A8 sedan is already quite popular in its segment but Audi has decided to shake up the A8’s powertrain lineup. The entry level 4.2 liter engine was replaced with the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 and then the designers at Audi decided to put a twin turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 engine between its six and top of the range W12 engine. The new six-cylinder engine is quite fun to ride. We have already witnessed the fuel economy data for the new six-cylinder engine, but the new twin-turbo data is still to arrive. The new twin-turbo engine is rated at an impressive 17 mpg for the city and 28 mpg for the highway for the short wheelbase A8.the long wheelbase A8L the 4.0T engine produces still respectable 16 mpg for city and 26 mpg for the highway. However, it is interesting to note that the shorter wheelbase Audi A8 resembles the highway figures with six cylinder A8’s.
Compared to its contenders, the new 4.0T exonerates itself quite well. With any of the wheelbase, the V8’s fuel economy is better than both the eight- cylinders, all wheel drives versions of the BMW 7 Series (which is rated at 16 for city and 24 for the highway for both long and short wheelbase models). The figures are also quite better than the Mercedes-Benz S Class that offers about 15 mpg for city and about 24 mpg for the highway. Although Audi matches the figures for the short wheelbase rear drive V8 7 Series in the city and topples over the mileage of any other 7 Series model and rear drive S550.