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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  Pretty Disappointed - 2004 Audi A8
  By formulalu - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Aside from the "tyre" pressure monitor not indicating which tire is low, the main problem is jolting acceleration. Powerful engines can still have smooth acceleration. The rear seat headrests are so ill-designed that it is just a matter of time before fatalities occur during lane changes due to an unnacceptably wide blind spot that requires the driver to contort his neck to see if the coast is clear. And what is the deal with the coat hooks which are the size of thumbtacks? Dont bring more than one hanger when you travel or your clothes will be all over the floor. Dont buy this Audi on looks alone. Test drive it first with my comments in mind.

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  GREAT CAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2001 Audi A8
  By jackscam - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Why pay the big boys what they want, this car is right there with them. This is pure heaven. My warranty goes until 2007. what a deal.

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  Phone Issues - 2004 Audi A8
  By BM - September 19 - 2:00 am

  As a previous BMW 745il owner I have a good idea for the cars differences. The A8l is a good car comparatively from a performance point of view to the BMW and a hands down winner from a looks , both in and out, point of view.

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  The 740is & S430s serious alternative - 2003 Audi A8
  By faciem - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The A8 has provided me thus far with remarkable agility and comfort for a high class sedan. It has given me a unique alternative to its brethren at Mercedes Benz and BMW, a package that offers indivudual styling, the confidence of quattro, and a very stylish and yet conservative-minded atmosphere in the cabin.

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  My 1999 A-8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By KEITH HARTMAN - February 11 - 2:00 am

  A delight to drive. And a horror to bring to the Audi shop. Their idea of pricing is unreal. The major problem is suspension parts, obvious if you change your own oil as I do. Every carrying arms has electronic sensors, it appears. Nothing wears out without a whole subassembly to replace it. Most awful: a broken headlight lens cost $1100 to replace -- what? -- a light assembly going deep into the engine compartment. That aside, this is the best car Ive owned (second best was a 1994 Audi 5000 stick shift, just as pretty in the driveway!).

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  Great Car - Big Time Maintenence - 1997 Audi A8
  By Xialater - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, I miss mine every day......I just wish it didnt cost a small fortune to maintain the car

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  Biggie sized A4 - 1997 Audi A8
  By TVO - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the high-speed crusing at 85-90. It is quite, refined, and solid, with more than enough power available at highway speeds. You can drive for extended miles on the highway and arrive relaxed. The large fuel tank will allow you to go over 600 miles before refilling, but your bladder probably wont last that long without a stop. A used A8 is a much better value than a new A4 for the same dollars.

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  My A8: So close to being a great car - 1999 Audi A8
  By programme - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a high quality car that didnt attract attention. Puchased an A8 lease trade-in with 28000 mi. Automatic everything. Wish I had seats like this in my house. Quick and agile for its size. Refreshing to drive. 19mpg around town. 24mpg highway. After 15000 miles were still getting to know each other, but Im hopeful for a long- term relationship.