For the privileged few with the means, a private jet is arguably the ultimate luxury accessory, capable of whisking you anywhere in the world quickly and comfortably. With its new 2011 Audi A8 L, which is landing at next week's 2010 Beijing auto show, Audi is doing its best Gulfstream imitation. No, it won't go 500 mph, but Audi's lengthy new sedan -- especially the coming W-12 version -- should fly on the interstates and get the other half where they need to go in high style.
The "L" of course stands for Long Wheel Base, and Audi means it. Both the wheelbase and the overall length of the stylish new A8 grow by 5.1 inches, nearly all of which presents itself in the rear seats. Not only is it larger than the new A8 (which is also bigger than the outgoing car), but it's also 2.9 inches longer in both wheelbase and overall length than the last A8 L, stretching 207.3 inches from bumper to bumper.
Audi naturally makes good use of all the extra space. While you could order two ordinary rear buckets, most hedge fund managers we know will sell a few extra shares and pop for the top-shelf power rear seats. When we say power, we mean power everything -- recline, headrest, cushion depth, fore and aft adjustment, heating and cooling, lumbar adjustment and even a massage system with four settings. The rear passenger side seat even gets an adjustable foot rest that flips down from the back of the front passenger seat, which can itself be adjusted from the rear seats to make more room. Most of us don't have recliners this nice in our living rooms.
While you're lounging in around, you'll be equally equipped for work or play. Order the optional center console and you'll get controls for the rear dual-zone climate control, Audi's MMI touch control system, an optional fold-out table and even an optional mini-fridge. Ante up for the Rear Seat Entertainment System and you'll get dual 10.2-inch screens on the front seat backs with controls on the center console as well. Said entertainment will of course be best enjoyed with the optional 1400-watt, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. If movie and music playback doesn't keep you entertained, you can always connect to the internet using your cell phone connection.
