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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  I love my Audi - 2001 Audi A8
  By Michael Lawing - April 4 - 11:45 am

  This is a great vehicle for a full size sedan. It has plenty of power and drives like a sports car.

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  Audi A8L - 2005 Audi A8
  By allan gushue - February 14 - 10:14 pm

  The Audi A8 l has been a pleasure to drive. Great for long trips...perfect high way auto.

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  Great But... - 2006 Audi A8
  By BillyJo - January 22 - 1:06 am

  For some reason I felt it was time to replace my 01 BMW 740iL which I consider to be one of the best looking cars ever. New 7 series did not appeal much to me. My A8L has significant blind spot when changing lanes in heavy traffic. I enjoy the technology and the MMI offers many useful functions but I often take my eyes off the road to operate. Voice command and steering wheel buttons help a bit. Changing radio stations is cumbersome. The Nav is not as complete as my BMW. It often gets me to a street but not to exact location. The new grill adds distinction but previous looked better to me. Minor complaints only. Car is comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The interior really is beautiful.

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  Should the flagship retire? - 2001 Audi A8
  By Chris - January 13 - 12:59 am

  Vehicle has been a constant source of satisfaction from design and function point of view. Quattro is to die for when you live on top of a mountain in NE. Car gets many looks. Classy, understated but luxurious, especially with rear and side shades up. Formula shifting and 310 HP makes it a L&P vehicle. Too bad Audi cant engineer a car thats not in for repairs as often as its being enjoyed.

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  Techno overkill - 2006 Audi A8
  By Tom J - November 8 - 1:04 am

  I do think its the best looking car on the road.The ride and handling is exquisite. The fit and finish is flawless. Unfortunately the MMI is ill-conceived and annoying at best. You need to agree to a waiver every time you start the car your bluetooth phone needs to be programmed every time you start the car its a two step process to change the setting on the heated seats the radio is the most annoying requiring multiple steps for every function. I owned an A6 4.2 and Id love to have those simple functions back. The folks at Audi need to realize less is more and technology should enhance the driving experience.

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  Audi A8 - 2001 Audi A8
  By Lyle - September 7 - 4:44 am

  Its very fun to drive, turns heads, and likely to be in the shop getting expensive repairs. This car, and Audis in general, are notorious for developing lots of little oil leaks. For some reason, the oil seals and gaskets only last about three or four years. The parts are not expensive, but the labor is. So they drop in price very quickly once the warranty expires. This can be a great bargain if you are moderately skilled at doing your own repairs, or a great expense if you pay dealership labor rates.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Audi A8
  By Ira - June 25 - 7:49 pm

  First car was taken back by dealership after electronics failed and car had been in the shop for 30 days. Replacement vehicle still has electronic problems. I have been locked out (remote will not work) and the automatic rear lid closer works only on occassion. MMI has been upgraded but is tempermental and is difficult to work while driving. More distracting than a cell phone!. Dealer service is terrible, given the cost of this "luxury " vehicle. Ive had better service at a Chevy dealership.

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  Sad state of affairs - 1999 Audi A8
  By Audi Owner - June 6 - 11:34 pm

  These cars are really nice cars, however this particular model (mabye not the newer ones) has depreciated GREATLY over the years and has a ton of mechanical problems that are out of warranty and not cheap to fix. BEWARE of having to fix this car, it will NOT be cheap. That being said, it is a great car to drive and looks and handles very well.

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  Unbelieveably Bad Experience - 2000 Audi A8
  By paul - May 21 - 7:50 pm

  Ive always loved the A8 and was pleased as punch when I finally found mine. But Ive had nothing but trouble from this car. A year after purchase the check engine idiot light came high. Audi diagnosed it as a bad tank of gas and reset it. A few months later, same thing. I wanted a true diagnosis. $4300 in diagnostic fees later, its diagnosed as a broken valve spring requiring the heads be removed. Just this past week (May 2005) the steering started making noise. This diagnosis? An irreplaceable bearing in the electronic steering column -- the entire column needs to be replaced. The cost? Estimated at $2200.... Audi offered blue book on a trade, I declined. Im turning Japanese.

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  Techno - 2005 Audi A8
  By John - May 3 - 11:13 pm

  The 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.