Overview & Reviews
A standard-wheelbase version of the A8 is introduced this year for those who don't need all the size of the A8 L, along with a tire-pressure monitor, rain-sensing wipers and LED lighting for the door handles and mirror controls. New optional equipment includes a keyless entry and start system, a wood steering wheel and shift knob, satellite radio and power door closers for the front and rear side doors. Horsepower has been bumped up to 335 (from 330). A 6.0-liter W12 power plant, which provides 450 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque, has also been added.
- Superb driving dynamics, plenty of passenger space, exquisite interior, standard all-wheel drive.
- Inconvenient glovebox location for the CD changer.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 89.00-
Beauty with flaws - 2005 Audi A8
By John - February 4 - 12:43 pmThis is my second A8 and I really love this car, but this might be the last one. These cars are very costly to maintain. Things like suspension parts breaking on a car with 32000 miles shouldnt happen, especially on a car driven very carefully on paved roads. Also electric gremlins that shouldnt happen, like parts breaking when I had it in for a software upgrade for other problems(telephone module broke). But, it looks and handles like a million dollars when its not in the shop!
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Poor Quality - 2005 Audi A8
By Poor Quality - July 23 - 6:37 pmPurchased a certified pre-owned with 25k miles. Has been in the dealer 17 times within a little over a year of ownership: sunroof not closing, improperly designed thermostat (Audis words not mine), Software controller staying and draining battery ($450 to replace, not covered under warranty).
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Oh yea - 2005 Audi A8
By SSG T - January 31 - 10:58 amJust bought a used A8L Quatrro.Man This thing is fantastic. Never owned a luxury car before,and now I know what I have been missing. The soft market on these vehicles put them in reach for those of us with the "beer pocket". I am hooked. Handling is wonderful and the power from the 4.2 is plenty for any American highway. I had to study the owners manual while I sat in the car and go step by step over all the systems. There are a lot of buttons and dials and submenus to learn. If you buy one of these cars take the time to learn it inside and out. It will make the experience so much better
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Best car for the money - 2005 Audi A8
By theanimala - November 25 - 6:27 pmI loved the A8 since the D3 model was first shown. I waited patiently for the pricing to drop to a level I could afford (preowned). I have had my CPO car for 4 months and 5K miles, and I still love it. It is not as reliable as my 98 Lexus GS400 which had almost nothing go wrong with it after 145K miles. I just had a number of things replaced at the 45K mile service, such as the trunk hinges (common problem), parktronic sensor, airbag sensor, and one softclose door sensor. Even with these little problems, I love the car. No serious issue that will leave you stranded, but still something small that requires a trip to the dealer. I do not regret my choice, regardless.
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One problem after another - 2005 Audi A8
By Ali - October 6 - 7:01 pmFrom the first moment I got this car it has been in the shop. Over the past two years I have taken this car in 16 times. Problems include navigation inoperable, passenger window makes too much noise, trunk would not close properly, unless force was used. And the car died and would not start at all on one occasion and it was towed to Audi dealership. It took them three days to figure out the battery needed to be replaced. Very surprising that the battery needed to be replaced within the first year. The only good thing I have to report is that service has been accomodating and have provided loaners on every occasion.
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Total Disaster - 2005 Audi A8
By Russell Bobo - September 4 - 11:15 amWe had 2 Audi A6s prior to this new A8L. The A6s were great, so we thought the new A8L would be fabulous. Boy were we wrong. The car has been in the shop 19 times in the last 22 months. It spent the whole month of December 2006 in the shop with the MMI system. It seems to have an electrical gremlin that appears every 2000 miles or 6 weeks, whichever comes first. It has been towed to the dealship twice because it would not crank at all. Audi A8 customer care has not been a big help either. Without a doubt the worst car experience we have ever had.
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Audi A8L - 2005 Audi A8
By allan gushue - February 14 - 10:14 pmThe Audi A8 l has been a pleasure to drive. Great for long trips...perfect high way auto.
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Techno - 2005 Audi A8
By John - May 3 - 11:13 pmThe car has the style and luxury, of any other car. The exterior makes it look cheaper than it really is. The interior is very nice much like a mercedes-benz or better.
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Never Again - 2005 Audi A8
By Leonard Bellavia - January 9 - 12:54 pmThought I would get away from BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar this time out. Worse mistake Ive ever made. Most items are terrific but this vehicle suffers from an inherent problem that Audi admits there is no fix for. It jerks forward from a stop on the slightest application of the accelerator. Get whiplash eveytime I leave a stop sign. They are all the same but owners will not admit it after spending this much. Takes 35 seconds to switch from FM to AM. No rear coat hanger. Interior light button tiny and buried among 6 other similar buttons on ceiling. Nav system poorly designed. Car has no sex appeal. I just bought wife new STS and aside from putting A8 to shame on all fronts, it gets WOWS everywhere.
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My Third Audi - 2005 Audi A8
By RAY MARTINEZ - January 3 - 2:19 pmMy 05 A8 is my third Audi. MY 2001 A8L runs with such zip and jetlike take off that it it is without a doubt a magnificent vehicle. I prefer the A8 to the BMWs because of the luxury feel that you get with, combined with the great speed. A few things to improve on include the cup holders and CD location but overall this is a great car. So I bought a new 2005 A8L this August and it it blows away all the other top luxury cars That Ive road tested. Its handling on wet pavement is all you can expect from any car that still rides on the ground.
