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The A8 is Audi’s luxury limousine, which has been battling it out with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series since 1994. The current generation A8 has been on the market since 2004, although it has had face-lifts since its initial introduction. The A8 is all about understated luxury. It’s a technology-laden car which does everything right but is getting on in years compared to its rivals. Audi will rectify this situation with the all-new third generation A8, which launches later in 2010. All A8 variants sold in the region are long wheel base versions except for the S8 which adds a sporty edge to the 2,000kg-plus luxury sedan. Four engines, starting with a 210bhp 2.8-litre unit and going up to the 450bhp 6.0-litre engine are available on the A8. The S8 carries a 5.2 litre V10 engine with 450bhp on tap. The two base engine models do not feature quattro all-wheel drive and come with a multitronic continuously variable transmission. Considering the sedan’s bulk it is wiser to opt for the bigger engine models that have more power and come with a tiptronic automatic transmission. The A8’s expansive interior is a very comfortable place to be in and can seat four in luxury. The standard equipment list is long while the optional one is longer still. Even the base A8 comes with adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a parking system with rear-view camera, power glass sunroof, leather seats, four-zone climate control, ventilated/massaging front seats, advanced key and power-assisted trunk and doors. Occupants are entertained with Audi’s MMI system and a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio set up. SOURCE: http://automiddleeast.com/2010-audi-a8/

The Audi A6 is an executive sedan that competes directly with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series. The third generation A6 has been around since 2005 and received a facelift in 2009 that gave it new engine choices as well the brand-standard LED headlights and tail lights. It also gained other changes to keep it fresh until the next generation model makes its way around the end of 2010. That said, the current A6 is still a quality sedan and can deliver as a comfortable family car or a sports car, depending on the version you choose. The range begins with the A6, which comes with three engine choices, moving on to the sportier S6 and ending with the brawny RS6 which packs a punch thanks to a 580bhp, 5.0-litre turbocharged engine and a 0 to 100kph time of just 4.5 seconds. The A6 has an Avant (wagon) version internationally but this is not available in the Middle East. The two entry level models of the A6 are front-wheel drive and feature a multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The A6 with the 3.0-litre V6 engine, as well as the S6 and RS6, all feature Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system along with a six-speed automatic gearbox. As is the case with all Audi’s today, the A6 features a classy interior with plenty of gizmos to keep occupants comfortable and entertained. Even the base version, which costs 155,000AED comes with electric seats with lumbar support, light and rain sensor, alloy wheels, electric rear window blind, leather steering and gear knob, parking assist and Audi’s MMI entertainment system. SOURCE: http://automiddleeast.com/2010-audi-a6/

Introduced in 2008, the A5 is a recent addition to Audi’s ever expanding range. It is essentially the cabriolet and coupe version of the current generation A4 which Audi dubs a GT (grand tourer). Audi offers buyers in the Middle East the entire A5 model range, which includes the coupe, cabriolet, the sporty S5 and the latest introduction, the Sportback. The A5 coupe, convertible and the S5 coupe are two door models while the A5 Sportback is a five-door liftback that offers greater practicality and a unique rear design. A host of engines are employed across the A5 range from the 180bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine in the A5 cabriolet to the much more powerful 4.2-litre V8 that powers the rapid S5. As a result the S5 is the quickest and the most expensive variant of the A5 while the A5 convertible is the entry-level model. The A5 cabriolet is also the only variant that does not come with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, which is otherwise standard across the range. The 3.2 FSI A5 coupe and the S5 are fast cars, both capable of reaching a limited speed of 250kph with 0 to 100kph acceleration times (claimed) of 6.4 seconds and 5.4 seconds respectively. The A5 has a well-built and furnished interior with leather seats as standard. The standard equipment list includes alloy wheels, parking sensors, side airbags, Bluetooth phone system, electric seats and an Audi sound system. The S5 features larger 19-inch alloy wheel, bigger brakes, leather sport seats and other convenience features. A more powerful RS 5 is due to be released before the end of 2010. SOURCE: http://automiddleeast.com/2010-audi-a5/

The A3 is the most affordable model in Audi’s Middle East line-up. Like all Audis it sells at a premium for what is essentially a premium family hatchback based on the last generation Volkswagen Golf’s platform. Nonetheless the car boasts of legendary Audi values such as good build quality, a premium feel cabin and good driving dynamics. Here in the UAE we get the A3 only in five-door Sportback form, which offers more space and practicality when compared to the three-door version sold elsewhere in the world. Powered by a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines; a 160bhp 1.8-litre unit and a 200bhp 2.0-litre unit, the lightweight A3 is known to be a spirited performer and offers an engaging driving experience. Both engines are mated to Audi’s smooth ‘S tronic’ automatic transmission which employs dual-clutch technology to shifts gears in a scant 0.2 seconds, resulting in seamless power delivery to the front wheels. The 2.0-litre version has a top speed of 238kph and fast enough acceleration to be a decent highway cruiser. It is also absolutely at home when meandering through congested city streets thanks to its compact dimensions. However unlike its bigger siblings, the A3 Sportback does not come with luxuries like leather seats, electric seats and parking sensors as standard. It also lacks Audi’s ‘quattro’ AWD technology. Audi has not skimped on safety kit though and the little A3 packs in twin front airbags, side airbags, ABS with EBD and traction control as standard. The current generation A3 is nearing the end of its life cycle and will be replaced by an all-new model by late 2010 or early 2011. This model too will be based on the new Volkswagen Golf’s platform but will feature a new sedan version. SOURCE: http://automiddleeast.com/2010-audi-a3/

The fourth generation A4 is a strong seller in the international, premium mid-size sedan market. This is because the sedan packs in a lot of desirable attributes that appeal to a wide range of buyers. Known to be a driver’s car, the A4 offers a good balance between performance and comfort, complemented by a taut and sporty exterior design. The well-appointed interiors are furnished with quality materials. The 2010 A4 is available with a choice of two four-cylinder and one V6 petrol engines with power ranging from 120bhp to 265bhp. A new base 1.8-litre model has been introduced at 115,900 AED, with the aim of increasing the A4’s affordability. However this new entry-level A4 lacks equipment and power, with only 120bhp. The 2.0 litre TFSI (turbocharged direct injection) and the 3.2 litre V6 FSI (direct injection) variants come equipped with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and offer improved handling and road holding. The 2.0-litre model has an S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the range topping 3.2-litre V6 A4 comes geared with a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with sport mode. In terms of equipment the A4 comes with respectable levels of kit including alloy wheels, daytime running LED headlights with xenon plus, leather multi-function steering, cruise control, climate control and an Audi sound system as standard. A host of usable equipment like radar based cruise control, climate control seats, driver information system, MMI navigation, advanced parking assist (with camera) and side assist (for changing lanes) are available as optional extras but are priced at a premium. SOURCE: http://automiddleeast.com/2010-audi-a4/