Overview & Reviews

The flagship Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan meant to appeal to wealthy consumers looking for maximum luxury and space. Although competing models from the premium German and Japanese marques may sell in greater numbers, the A8 does possess a distinct advantage because of its aluminum frame and body panels. Significantly lighter than a traditional steel structure, the Audi Space Frame (ASF), as it's called, helps offset the weight of the car's Quattro all-wheel-drive system; the A8's competitors are primarily rear-wheel drive.

Thanks to Quattro, winter weather capability is one of the Audi A8's strengths. Luxurious accommodations are another, particularly with the last couple of generations. As with other Audis, understated luxury and cutting-edge electronics combine to form an experience that delivers refinement in abundance. Though it's sometimes overlooked, the A8 is a fine choice for a luxury flagship.

Current Audi A8
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan available in standard and long-wheelbase ("L") forms. Even with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the A8 still weighs less than most of its rear-wheel-drive rivals, let alone those fitted with optional AWD. The A8's AWD system has a rear-biased power split, which helps to provide a sportier feel akin to a rear-drive performance sedan.

There are six trim levels: 3.0T, L 3.0T, L 3.0 TDI, 4.0T, L 4.0T and L W12. The 3.0T trims have a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Like all A8 engines, it runs through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4.0T trims have a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 444 lb-ft. The W12 features a 6.3-liter 12-cylinder engine that cranks out 500 hp and 463 lb-ft.  In addition to these gas-fueled powerhouses, there is the 3.0 TDI, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 rated at 240 hp and 406 lb-ft. Regardless of engine choice, acceleration is swift, with the 0-60-mph sprint ranging from around 4.2 seconds to 6.3. Fuel economy is also notable, with the TDI in particular rated at an impressive 28 mpg combined.

Of course the A8 comes loaded with all the latest high-tech features. Highlights include a dynamic steering system that can intervene with automatic countersteering in a slide, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic emergency braking, and night vision with thermal imaging and pedestrian detection. Audi's MMI electronics interface features an additional touchpad interface that reads fingertip gestures as letters and commands. Google Earth mapping for the navigation system is another A8 exclusive.

Beyond the sumptuous cabin, which features front and rear seats that can be adjusted in a multitude of ways, there's also the big sedan's impressive ride and handling characteristics. The ride is comfortable without excessive float over bumps. When pressed on a curvy road, the A8 proves surprisingly agile, with nicely weighted steering. Rear seat room is ample in the regular-wheelbase model, while the A8 L provides more than enough legroom for a pair of 6-footers.

The A8 undoubtedly lacks the name recognition and styling flair of its fellow Germans, but don't let that stop you from giving it strong consideration. With its roomy, best-in-class cabin and excellent driving dynamics, this luxury sedan shines as one of the strongest picks in its segment.

Used Audi A8 Models
The current A8 represents the third generation in the model's history, debuting in 2011. In that inaugural year, the sole engine was a 4.2-liter V8 engine with 372 hp and 328 lb-ft of torque. The following year brought the 6.3-liter W12. For 2013, the 4.2-liter was dropped, while both the supercharged V6 and turbocharged V8 seen in the current lineup debuted. Apart from lacking the TDI engine option and some minor differences in standard and optional equipment, these latter A8s are otherwise essentially identical to today's version.

The previous, second-generation Audi A8 was sold from 2004-'10. Relative to its predecessor, this generation offered a lighter chassis and a more muscular V8, along with lots of comfort, safety and suspension upgrades. This A8 was offered in both standard-wheelbase (A8) and long-wheelbase (A8 L) versions. The base engine was a 4.2-liter V8 that generated 335 hp and later rose to 350 hp for 2007. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard. From 2005-'09, there was an A8 L W12 model that featured a 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine that produced 450 hp.

Changes were light during this generation. There were slight styling alterations for '08, while the equipment list was bolstered nearly every model year. Regardless of which year you may be considering here, cabin furnishings were superb and the MMI interface made accessing the car's numerous audio, climate and navigation functions fairly easy. This A8 was often overlooked by luxury sedan shoppers, but we always found it to be a great alternative and certainly equal to other flagships in terms of luxury, performance and craftsmanship.

The first-generation Audi A8 was offered from 1997-2003. Although it was one of the most technologically advanced cars on the market by virtue of its aluminum frame, it never had its successor's flair for style or performance. Understated in its adornments inside and out, the original A8 failed to deliver the over-the-top ambience that's so important for high-dollar luxury sedans sold in the United States. However, if you like the idea of owning a discreet luxury car, you can buy a used A8 for considerably less than you'd pay for a used BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Early Audi A8s were offered only with a 113-inch wheelbase, which meant that their backseats were cramped compared to the other full-size luxury sedans. The longer and roomier A8 L arrived for the 2000 model year and would be our pick if you're planning to carry adults in back. Most first-generation A8s were sold with a 4.2-liter V8 and Quattro all-wheel drive. Thusly equipped, the A8 was one of the quickest large luxury sedans of its day, though the V8 was deficient in off-the-line torque. It was a comfortable car but not a particularly entertaining one due to overly soft suspension tuning. Audi also offered a less expensive front-wheel-drive model from 1997-'99. This rare A8 had a small 3.7-liter V8 and a modest 8.3-second 0-60 time.

User Reviews:

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  best I ever owned - 2004 Audi A8
  By arnier - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been a bmw(2 740il, one 850csi), two porsche, and this is my first Audi. This is the finest automobile I have ever driven...second is not close! There is nothing, nothing, that was not perfect at delivery...and it has remained that way for the first 8,000 miles.

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  Excellent stealth vehicle - 2003 Audi A8
  By Beli - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about this car, except navigation sistem. Car is very smooth and quiet, and my kids really like all that space on the back seats. I never had any problems with vehicle, and was in service only for regular maintenance. Its excellent car without to much bling-bling.

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  I HAD TO HAVE IT! - 2004 Audi A8
  By mark levin - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK FOR A REPLACEMENT OF MY AUDI A6. I WANTED SOMETHING AND DECIDED THAT THE CONVERTIBLE WAS IMPRACTICLE SINCE I HAD TWO CHILDERN AND I DIDNT WANT A TRUCK. I SAW THE A8L AND I ASKED TO TEST DRIVE IT. I TOOK IT FOR A RIDE AND COULD NOT BELEIVE HOW IT HANDLED AND COULD NOT BELEIVE HOW FAST I WAS GOING. AFTER I BROUGHT IT BACK AND DROVE MY A6 HOME, I KNEW I HAD TO GET. THE CARS ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION AND WIDE WEELS MAKE THIS CAR A DREAM TO RIDE ON THE HIGHWAY. THE PICKUP IS QUICK FOR SUCH A BIG CAR.

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  Big Car Drives Like a Small Car - 2004 Audi A8
  By kapbak - January 8 - 2:00 am

  A8 is so much fun to drive. Traded in my S500, and the A8 has a much sportier ride and handling. Powerful engine. Design is beautifully simple. Interior is exquisite. I love the MMI, navigation is much better than MB. Several nits: Slight hesitation on rapid acceleration, Pass. rear headrests obscure rear right view, phone not really integrated into car system the way it was in my MB(almost like an aftermarket add-on),dynamic memory in radio doesnt find all the major stations, If you leave the wipers turned on when you shut the car off, they do not start again when you startup the car- you have to turn the wipers off and then on again.

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  A8L tops all others - 2004 Audi A8
  By William Mountbatten - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I have rotated back and forth between Mercedes and Audi, and occassionally the nightmare of BMW. I have traded in my 2001 S500 4Matic for the new Audi A8L. The ride of the new A8 is comparable to that of my Bentleys. I must say it is one of the best luxury (non-exotic) cars I have owned especially with Audis Quattro AWD system, best in the market. Benzs 4Matic is no comparison, had many near accident experiences with the S-Class along with other numerous technical errors. This car has a classy and sport look, exquisite and spacious interior, and to top it off, it bears Germanys most prestigious brand. Yes, that is the four-rings of Audi!

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  A8 my dust - 2002 Audi A8
  By docz - December 12 - 2:00 am

  fun. fun. fun. esp for such a large luxury sedan. we wanted a high performance car as well as something large enough to travel with small children. I cannot say enough about the performance for such a large vehicle. this car purrs like a cat at 2500-2800 rpm (95 mph) which is about the perfect cruising speed. Too bad we dont have an autobahn. fuel economy is good 17.5 in town 25.5 hwy w/ lead foot. minimal upkeep, great service and the finish/ trim is immaculate, even after 2 yrs

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  My new A8 - 2004 Audi A8
  By RPXXPR - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for only 2000 miles, I love it so far.

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  160000 miles Just like new - 1999 Audi A8
  By tire - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Just keeps rolling along. No repairs, normal maintence, 160000 miles. Still makes 23 miles to a gallon.

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  Run, dont walk to your Audi dealer !! - 2004 Audi A8
  By Michael M - November 30 - 2:00 am

  From the inception of the sale to the delivery was the most professonal and best experiences I have ever had.Shelton Motors are first class.Having owned a 745iL,911 and trading my 2001 s55 amg I can assure everyone this is "THE CAR"at a fraction of its real value.Having paid a $102k for the amg I still feel I was"Taken for a ride."Not only did the Mercedes ABC suspension FAIL and leak often.The car stunk like a bad escalator.Mercedes couldnt fix it.The cure was simple I traded it in."Wow what a car".With production numbers low it wont be like the mercedes or the BMW."They are like bellybuttons everyones got one".

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  Lovin the A8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By polly - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Had the car three and a half years. Installed S8 suspension. Excellent build quality and style, still gets compliments. Excellent milage for 300 hp V8. Very comfortable for long trips. Excellent ride handling compromise after intalling factory S8/sport suspsension Had a few minor issues covered under warrenty but my dealer (Hoehn) has been great.