The first-generation executive sedan Audi A8 with the in-plant designation "D2" was officially presented to the public in March 1994 at the Geneva Bridal Show, and in June it entered mass production. In 1999, the Ingolstadt-based company undertook a planned update of its flagship model, making minor adjustments to the exterior and interior, after which it released it until 2002.
In total, over 105 thousand vehicles rolled off the assembly line during this time.
The "first" Audi A8 is a premium F-class sedan according to the European classification, which was offered with a standard or extended wheelbase. Depending on the modification, the length of the car is 5034-5164 mm, the distance between the axles varies from 2882 to 3010 mm, and the width and height, respectively, do not exceed 1880 mm and 1438 mm. In the stowed state, the minimum weight of the "German" is 1460-1950 kg.
Specifications. The first generation Audi A8 featured a wide variety of powertrains.
- The gasoline section consisted of 2.8-4.2-liter six- and eight-cylinder V-engines, generating 163 to 310 horsepower and 250 to 410 Nm of torque.
- For the long-wheelbase version, in addition, a 6.0-liter W12 engine was offered, the output of which reaches 420 "horses" and 550 Nm of torque.
- The line of turbocharged diesel units was less extensive - these are 2.5-liter engines, developing from 150 to 180 horsepower and from 310 to 370 Nm of torque.
Together with the units combined 5- or 6-speed "mechanics", 4- or 5-speed "automatic".
There were two types of drive - front or full with an interaxle limited slip differential, dividing the moment in a ratio of 40:60 in favor of the rear.
The Volkswagen Group D2 platform served as the basis for the "first" Audi A8, and aluminum alloys were actively used in the body structure. The German sedan is equipped with independent spring suspension on both axles - a multi-link design made of "winged metal" both front and rear. In all versions, the car was equipped with a hydraulic power steering and disc brakes on all wheels (on the front with ventilation), supplemented by electronic assistants (ABS and ESP).
In 2018, in the secondary market of the Russian Federation, the first generation of this sedan can be purchased at a price of 200 ~ 400 thousand rubles (depending on the condition and equipment of a particular instance).
Among the advantages of the first generation G8 are a high level of comfort and safety, a roomy interior, rich equipment, excellent dynamic performance, confident behavior on the road and high-quality sound insulation.
The "German" also has disadvantages - expensive maintenance, high fuel consumption in urban conditions and low ground clearance.
