The Flagship Audi A8 adds Hybrid Power for 2013

The Audi A8 Hybrid is a new flagship model for the company’s A8 luxury car range. It mixes a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, giving a combined output of 242bhp, while helping it average almost 45mpg and emit just 147g/km of CO2. It all runs through a revised version of Audi's eight-speed Tiptronic auto transmission, with three driving modes: EV gives priority to the electric motor, D works the two power sources in tandem and S is the sporty option.     From the outside, the Hybrid is differentiated from other A8s by its turbine-style 19-inch alloy wheels, hybrid badges and the unique paintwork, while it has a list of standard equipment over and above the existing SE. Three-zone climate control, LED headlights and a Bose stereo with a DAB radio are all standard, along with sat-nav, adaptive air suspension and Noise Cancellation technology that improves the car’ refinement. As far as the driver is concerned, the most obvious difference between the hybrid and other A8s is the Powermeter on the dashboard, which shows how the hybrid system is operating. Otherwise, the A8 hybrid is identical to any other A8 inside, with a cabin that's beautifully built, stylish and full of kit. There's lots of space for four six-footers, too, and all the seats are comfortable and supportive. As ever, Audi’s MMI control system takes some getting used to, but once you’ve cracked it, it’s relatively easy. The only real compromise you have to make for the hybrid system is that the battery eats up quite a large part of the boot space.