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:

• 

  Just got better - 2004 Audi A8
  By Gabtop4t - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Great Car

• 

  very good, not great - 2004 Audi A8
  By ms goldklang - April 12 - 2:00 am

  handles beautifully, but with a couple of minor annoyances---shifting from first to second can be a bit jerky on occasion, and speedometer consistently overregisters by a little over 5 % (odometer also overregisters, by 1--2%).

• 

  Some Good..Some Not So Good - 2004 Audi A8
  By Leos team - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I drove everything in the class Q45, Very solid feel to the car. Have not had the need to truly work out the Quattro but it is nice to know it is 745,S500,LS430,XJR and the A8L won out with combination of performance, looks, roominess and value for the dollar. The 4 year maintenance included helped make the decision as well. My vehicle was ordered with convenience, cold weather, parktronic (a must)and 19" wheels. Much has been made of the harsh ride with the 19" wheels. I have not experienced a problem. Given their excellent look, I can deal with any minor lack of ride comfort.

• 

  audi 8L-mixed bag - 2004 Audi A8
  By alfred elk - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This my first Audi, I have previously driven other high end sedans and sport cars. The beautiful interior, especially the dash was the best selling point. The car has great power, handling and braking. I have had a number of serious technical problems. The first was being locked out of the car, with only 500 miles, a non operatin heated steering wheel, and most importantly a less than complete NAV system. The NAV system occasionally takes me to the right address in the wrong town. It also fails to give complete numerical addresses. Audi does not seem to have a fix for this problem.

• 

  Wow, what a car! - 2004 Audi A8
  By audiman13 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  So far this car is outstanding, the comfort, the performance and the look. this sedan is big, a lot of leg room in this vehicle. the truck is huge, i can place 4 golf bags and still have room for luggage.

• 

  beyond expectation - 2004 Audi A8
  By shereen - March 16 - 2:00 am

  A very smooth and more comfortable ride than expected. It is very quick and has a very amazing sound system. Every feature is easy to use.

• 

  Audi Won My Heart with My 1st A6 - 1998 Audi A8
  By Ric D - March 6 - 2:00 am

  If you like nice, youll love your Audi, whether you purchase the A4, A6 or A8. I have moved up the chain as my family and resources have grown. The Aluminum frame is what sold me. Only three other cars have done this.Ferrari, Lambroghini and The Acura NSX. The appointments leave nothing to be desired. If I had anything to say, the first would be the exterior design. I feel that have not made enough updates o change the lines with the times, but many people feel it is classic.

• 

  One fine automobile - 2004 Audi A8
  By a keller - March 5 - 2:00 am

  this is truly a fine automobile. i have owned 2 mercedes s class & 2 bmw 740il vehicles and the audi compares extremely favorably. a fun car to drive and in my opinion one of the best looking cars on the road today.

• 

  Best is yet to come has arrived! - 2004 Audi A8
  By boatstruck - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Clean, no frills style. The 19" inch rims are exquisite. The finish and detail are perfection. The ease of use of the "knob" makes using all of the resources this car has available a joy to use. The navigation system and mapping are easy to use and figure out. The engine and transmission are a rush to push, the 6 speed makes this car feel like something much smaller. I cant wait to drive the V12 and the S8.

• 

  Best Luxury Car on the Market oday - 2004 Audi A8
  By charlie1 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  From the moment you get behind the wheel of this Euro Luxury Sedan you never want to put yourself in another Japanese knockoff. Even th Q45 which has been trying to copy Audi for ears cant match this all Aluminum ( I mean really "all aluminum" not the fake Jaquar aluminum )for its rideability, handling and overall owner experience. Wow...