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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  Love This Car! - 2001 Audi A8
  By Philly B - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car a little over a year ago while still under warranty. Just past 50k miles, so no longer will get free maintenance. Very good driving car. Everyone who gets in it marvels at how smooth and quiet the ride is. Absolutely excellent in the snow. Great on the highway for long rides. Only had to replace a tie rod which I think got damaged when a hit a wicked pot hole in NYC. Love the sound system. Could use more cup holders, which I think was done with new 04 model. Will definitely consider buying another one in a few years...and thats unusual for me to get the same car again. Says something about this car.

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  My views on the Audi A8L - 2005 Audi A8
  By Lawrence Hahn - October 21 - 2:00 am

  During some minor bodywork, the battery had to be disconnected, after which the MMI was inoperative. Now, I cant use the sound system or nav system. Local Audi dealer could not restore MMI and claims he must order new nav system CD, which I find difficult to believe. I love this car but cannot understand why Audi felt it necessary to incorporate MMI which results in a simple operation such as turning on radio or changing temp settings to a demanding task, reqiring pulling off the road.

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  The best out there !!! - 2005 Audi A8
  By BufSol50 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want to own the best all round hi-performance sedan that can be obtained without dipping into your grandkids inheritance this is your car !!! It looks classy and understated .... has more bells and whistles than my 04 RL and runs like a bat out of ..... well .... you know where ..... in any kind of weather its as stable as a mountain goat. Keep your 745s or your S500s or your LS430s .... gimme my A-8 and git outta my way !!!

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  worth it - 2005 Audi A8
  By big h - October 21 - 2:00 am

  sleek on the outside and soft and seemless on the inside. handles great and interior features are easy to use. drives like youre sitting on your living room couch with good pick up and turns on a rail. the only down side is an obnoxious continous ringing noise when the door is open and the key is still in the ignition (even when in park)and continous beeping when seat belt is not in use. could use a couple more locations for service, but otherwise, is spectacular.

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  Audi just misses... - 2004 Audi A8
  By lyleseven - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great care to look at and it can be fun to drive. Unfortunately, Audi never got the transmission down. If you dont mind an unpleasant surge as you commence to accelerate from a stop, you will be happy. It drives me nuts. Also, dont buy the 19" wheel version as the ride quality tradeoff is drastic. Audi advertises as the "Intelligent car" but the nav system is difficult to operate and that pop up screen to control the radio sucks.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Audi A8
  By vcool - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome. I like the every inch of the car from the time I have first seen it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Audi A8
  By love my audi - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 05 A8L, Beige, Ameretto interior (special order). All the goodies except parktronic. Chose it over s430, LS430, XJ8, and the 745. After looking at them all it was an easy decision. Now that Ive put 2500 mile on the car a few observations. Smooth, fast, seems lighter that it is, interior is exquisite, back seat and trunk are enormous. Drivers seat is the most comfortable seat Ive ever sat in. Love the XM radio. On-Star is nice, just hope I never need it! Best car Ive ever owned

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  audie a8l - 2005 Audi A8
  By don boen - October 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortible vehicel I have ever driven.The all whell drive provides great stability in wind, rain and snow. The air ride is wonderful and the computer system provides you with valuable info.The front seat massage keeps you alert and relaxed when driving long distance.And the incredible room in the back seat gives great comfort to those passengers.

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  Great car - 2005 Audi A8
  By kingaudis4 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car, all features are great and a blast to use!

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  The Standard of Luxury and Refinement - 2004 Audi A8
  By ADHW - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This the best luxury sedan bar none! I have owned MB, BMW (my last car that I couldnt wait to dump with all its problems), and even an old Jaguar. The design, style, quality, luxury, and performance spell nothing but refinement. After buying this vehicle, I studied Audis history to know more about its past and now I know that the A8L lives up to Audis grand heritage and sporting history. Audi has one of the richest histories of any marquee. A true marquee. Not a marketing gimmick like a Lexus.