Segment: Upper Premium
Production years: 2003, 2004, 2005
Audi unveiled the second generation of its flagship model, the A8, in 2002 and introduced it to the market later that year.
The car went through a long and costly development process due to its aluminum bodywork. The car's design was ready in 2000, and the prototype was shown in 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the "Avantissimo" concept car. But, when it came on the market, it was the lightest car in its segment.
Miklós Kovács and Imre Hasanic were the main contributing designers for the car's exterior. They chose one of four full-size prototype models. The rounded shapes and clear-cut headlights design resembled those installed on the A4 but wider. Its main grille was complemented by an additional one placed on the lower side of the bumper, under the license plate area. A set of slim and wide scoops flanked it and sported the fog lights. With a long and curved greenhouse, the A8 featured a low drag coefficient, thanks also to the sloped rear window that ended on the flat, horizontal trunk lid. Like its predecessor, the A8 featured a third window behind the rear doors.
Inside, there were four design models made before one was chosen to represent the company's flagship. Despite being an executive vehicle, the carmaker focused on the driver's area and installed all the controls close to the driver's seat. In the back, the A8 offered a choice for a profiled for two or two individual seats, depending on the options. One of the most important features of the car was the MMI (Multi Media Interface), which matched the BMW iDrive system from the 7-Series. It was also the first Audi with DVD-based maps.
Under the hood, the carmaker installed a wide engine range which started with a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter turbo-diesel and went up to the fierce 6.0-liter W12 gasoline engine.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L V6 CVT (220 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2976 cm3 |
Power: | 162 KW @ 5300 RPM 220 HP @ 5300 RPM 217 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 221 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 300 Nm @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 150 mph (241 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | CVT Multitronic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 204 in (5182 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 57.3 in (1455 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3682 lbs (1670 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5004 lbs (2270 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 17.2 mpg US (13.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 230 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L V6 quattro 6AT (220 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2976 cm3 |
Power: | 162 KW @ 5300 RPM 220 HP @ 5300 RPM 217 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 221 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 300 Nm @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 150 mph (241 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 204 in (5182 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 57.3 in (1455 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4277 lbs (1940 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5599.8 lbs (2540 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.2L FSI CVT (260 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3123 cm3 |
Power: | 191.2 KW @ 6500 RPM 260 HP @ 6500 RPM 256 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 243 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM 330 Nm @ 3250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | CVT Multitronic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 204 in (5182 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 57.3 in (1455 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3726 lbs (1690 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5049 lbs (2290 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 16.1 mpg US (14.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 235 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.2L FSI quattro 6AT (260 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3123 cm3 |
Power: | 191.2 KW @ 6500 RPM 260 HP @ 6500 RPM 256 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 243 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM 330 Nm @ 3250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 204 in (5182 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 57.3 in (1455 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3935 lbs (1785 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5258 lbs (2385 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 14.4 mpg US (16.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 29.8 mpg US (7.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 21.4 mpg US (11 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 264 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.7L V8 quattro 6AT (280 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3697 cm3 |
Power: | 206 KW @ 6000 RPM 280 HP @ 6000 RPM 276 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 266 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 360 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.3 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 99Y |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 198.9 in (5052 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 56.9 in (1445 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 115.9 in (2944 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3902.8 lbs (1770 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5225.9 lbs (2370 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.8 mpg US (17 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 27.4 mpg US (8.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.1 mpg US (11.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 281 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 4.2L V8 quattro 6AT (335 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4172 cm3 |
Power: | 246 KW @ 6500 RPM 335 HP @ 6500 RPM 330 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 317 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 430 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.3 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 99Y |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 198.9 in (5052 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 56.9 in (1445 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 115.9 in (2944 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3969 lbs (1800 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5292 lbs (2400 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 13.4 mpg US (17.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 27 mpg US (8.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 286 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 4.2L V8 quattro 6AT (350 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4172 cm3 |
Power: | 257.4 KW @ 6800 RPM 350 HP @ 6800 RPM 345 BHP @ 6800 RPM |
Torque: | 325 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 440 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 99Y |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 198.9 in (5052 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 56.9 in (1445 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 115.9 in (2944 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3968 lbs (1800 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5291 lbs (2400 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15 mpg US (15.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 28.7 mpg US (8.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 21.6 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 259 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 6.0L W12 quattro 6AT (450 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | W12 |
Displacement: | 5998 cm3 |
Power: | 331 KW @ 6200 RPM 450 HP @ 6200 RPM 444 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 428 lb-ft @ 4000-4700 RPM 580 Nm @ 4000-4700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 255/40 R19 99Y |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 204 in (5182 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 57.3 in (1455 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4321.8 lbs (1960 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5534.6 lbs (2510 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 11 mpg US (21.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 16 mpg US (14.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 353 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L TDI quattro 6AT (233 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2967 cm3 |
Power: | 171 KW @ 4000 RPM 232 HP @ 4000 RPM 229 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 332 lb-ft @ 1400-3250 RPM 450 Nm @ 1400-3250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 151 mph (243 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/60 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 198.9 in (5052 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 56.9 in (1445 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 115.9 in (2944 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4035.2 lbs (1830 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5358.2 lbs (2430 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 19.6 mpg US (12 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 36.8 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 226 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 4.0L TDI quattro 6AT (275 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 3936 cm3 |
Power: | 202 KW @ 3750 RPM 275 HP @ 3750 RPM 271 BHP @ 3750 RPM |
Torque: | 479 lb-ft @ 1800 RPM 650 Nm @ 1800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 204 in (5182 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 57.3 in (1455 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4277 lbs (1940 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5599.8 lbs (2540 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 17.6 mpg US (13.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.4 mpg US (7.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 259 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 4.2L TDI quattro 6AT (326 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4134 cm3 |
Power: | 240 KW @ 3750 RPM 326 HP @ 3750 RPM 322 BHP @ 3750 RPM |
Torque: | 479 lb-ft @ 1600-3500 RPM 650 Nm @ 1600-3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 23.8 gallons (90.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic) |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 235/55 R17 99Y |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 204 in (5182 mm) |
Width: | 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
Height: | 57.3 in (1455 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 64.1/63.6 in (1,628/1,615 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 121 in (3073 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 17.7 cuFT (501 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4288 lbs (1945 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5610.7 lbs (2545 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 17.7 mpg US (13.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 253 g/km |