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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  It Beats All of Them - 2016 Audi A8
  By Noel Christensen - May 19 - 4:47 pm

  If you want a 4-door sedan that drives, handles and accelerates fantastically you need to buy an Audi A8L. I have had numerous Mercedes, BMW and Porsche vehicles and this car tops them all. It is a stealth vehicle that doesnt stand out with chrome, radical styling, look at me, Im expensive statements. It just quietly goes about its job of getting you where you want to go in comfort with all the power you can handle at your right foot. I have had it only 1000 miles that did include a 500 mile trip. Great seat comfort, quiet interior, all you could want for a long drive in heavy Southern California traffic. I am totally satisfied!

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  Pearl 1999 A8Q - 1999 Audi A8
  By MAZ - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 2600 miles on it from Audi. Great cruiser, handles pretty well for a 4k lb car, German comfort/build quality and quattro cannot be beat. Burled walnut everywhere. The Bose stereo is only OK - thats the only gripe I really have as far as features. A+ seats - big, firm and adjustable.

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  2000 Audi A8 4.2 litre Quattro - 2000 Audi A8
  By James Bufkin - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is like driving a Vault. The all Aluminum frame makes the car very strong and light. The car is faster than it looks, easily doing 0-60 in the mid 6 second range. The 4.2 liter 40 Valve V8 cranks out 310 horses with more than adequate torque to keep passengers heads planted firmly in the headrests. I cant believe the Editors reviews on performance, with Quattro and this much power, its easily the best performing luxury sedan currently on the market. Its just one/tenth slower from 0-60 than a comparable Mercedes Benz, and faster than the BMW 740il. But the Audi is Quattro, so in bad weather, its the king of luxury sedans. High performance after market tires are a must.

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  A8 Rules!!! - 1997 Audi A8
  By JC-Atlanta - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best-kept secret of the automotive industry. It handles FAR better than ANY BMW, and only the S55 Benz can outclass it in performance. You cannot spin the wheels, no matter what the conditions. A8 Roadside assistance is the best. Super luxe interior, and well-thought-out German engineering in all departments. A+++++

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  Better than the dealers can deal with - 1997 Audi A8
  By cleverland - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible. No end to the smooth power, the transmission is very efficient, handling is awesome. My main point in this review is to let the readers know that the 97 model does need to have its atf fluid and filter changed at 45000 miles, per the manual. That transmission oil and filter change is skipped by many dealers, as the later a8 transmissions dont call for it. It makes a huge difference in the smoothness and performance of the transmission, and probably the transmissions life. Its living history, somday to share the pantheon with the Jaguar 120 and the likes of the Cobra.

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  A8 is Sweet - 2002 Audi A8
  By Tahoetime - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The A8 is by far the sweetest car I have owned. Its the only luxury car with all-wheel-drive (great for getting to and from Lake Tahoe in the winter snow season). It handles like a dream even with large mud and snow tires. I generally drive in automatic mode, but the Tiptronic shifting is fun when I am in a "playful" mood. Gas mileage has been very acceptable in the 20+ MPG range. Its been extremely dependable and Audi covers 100% of all regular maintenance, even replacement of wiper blades. The L version is best if you want lots of room in the rear. All in all the A8 is a great car for the money! Go with the S8 if want even more than 310 HP (but the A8 is plenty fast for me).

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  What a car! - 1999 Audi A8
  By bob franks - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car in every way. There is not a bit or wind or road noise at speeds of 75+ mph. Also the engine is very powerful and quiet. This car can handle better than cars that are much smaller and feels no larger than the A6 on the road.

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  A8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By ejmach - March 8 - 11:19 am

  Fun to drive, great acceleration, handling, great looking

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  Will buy another one - 1997 Audi A8
  By goldened/Ed Williams - March 5 - 3:51 pm

  The best car I have ever owned, including all of the luxury (production) models

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  Audi A8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By parachute - February 27 - 8:55 pm

  A fun to drive, powerful, classic looking, unpretentious, great for highway and on the curves, and with Quatro - good for all seasons.