2005 Audi A8 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.58/5 Average
89 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A standard-wheelbase version of the A8 is introduced this year for those who don't need all the size of the A8 L, along with a tire-pressure monitor, rain-sensing wipers and LED lighting for the door handles and mirror controls. New optional equipment includes a keyless entry and start system, a wood steering wheel and shift knob, satellite radio and power door closers for the front and rear side doors. Horsepower has been bumped up to 335 (from 330). A 6.0-liter W12 power plant, which provides 450 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque, has also been added.

Pros:
  • Superb driving dynamics, plenty of passenger space, exquisite interior, standard all-wheel drive.
Cons:
  • Inconvenient glovebox location for the CD changer.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 89.00
  • Total Disaster - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    We had 2 Audi A6s prior to this new A8L. The A6s were great, so we thought the new A8L would be fabulous. Boy were we wrong. The car has been in the shop 19 times in the last 22 months. It spent the whole month of December 2006 in the shop with the MMI system. It seems to have an electrical gremlin that appears every 2000 miles or 6 weeks, whichever comes first. It has been towed to the dealship twice because it would not crank at all. Audi A8 customer care has not been a big help either. Without a doubt the worst car experience we have ever had.

  • Outstanding A8L - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    This my second A8 experience. The first is a 2000 A8 that now has 122000 flawless miles. This is the reason that we purchased the 2005 A8L. Best vehicle that I have ever owned. Outstanding in ALL areas and a complete pleasure to drive. You can keep the BMWs and Mercs. No contest. Audi understands and understates their cars. The car speaks for itself. It shouts OUTSTANDING as it passes everything on the road.

  • Finally a competitor to big Germans - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    Gorgeous body, fit and finish. Impressive looks, great engine, agile, stately, big but easy to drive like a midsize sedan. Few flaws however: CD changer in the glove compartment must go, bad location for cup holders, short lived original equipment tires (Continental CH95), problems with automated trunk, immediately after purchase navigation upgrade was issued for $299 (should be covered at least for a year or upgraded with a discount).

  • A luxury sedan wannabe - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    Ive had problems with this car ever since it was delivered. Immediately had a problem with the instrument cluster. Outside temp read below zero, so a/c would not work. Transmission noise required 10 days in shop to fix. Had several recalls. Now electronic controls (MMI) dont work. Although still under warranty, Audi wants me to pay, so they can pull and inspect unit before covering. If you call their customer service center in Michigan, be prepared for a long wait before you can speak with an "advocate", and expect a poor result. Im buying a Lexus 460, and pity whoever buys my used Audi.

  • Best sedan yet - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    After 2 Mercedes, and 1 BMW I can easily say this is my favorite sedan I have owned. After one year of ownership I can say that reliability has easily exceeded that of Mercedes with no issues to report. It plays up to the "drivers car" side of me without being as unforgiving as the BMW. Fit, finish, and quality of interior matierials are remarkable. Every car has quirks, but the quirks with this one are either petty or livable. An outstanding automotive value.

  • A8 L Perfection - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    Owned other luxury cars and there is NOTHING like my Audi. I DEFINITELY will trade for another. My gas mileage exceeds 24 MPG on highway and 18 city. The highlight is Tiptronic transmission and all wheel drive. An absolute pleasure in the winter. Believe me the car doesnt know the difference between summer driving and winter roads. Try one you will fall in love.

  • audia8 - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    An all round excellent vehicle. All the safety & comfort features you could want built into a performance vehicle. Quality craftsmanship & outstanding audi services. If youre looking for the safety & comfort of an S-class, but want the performance of a 700 series, then your only choice is an A8.

  • Audi Satisfaction - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    i leased my 05 A8 in December of 2004. this is my first Audi. so far my vehicle has been completely trouble free and a pleasure to own. the attention to detail inside and out is amazing. from the beautifully crafted interior to the exteriors crisp clean lines the A8 is visually satisfying from all angles. the performance and handling feel as though you are driving a much smaller vehicle. i live in the northeast and had become accustomed to parking my car and using my SUV when the snow starts to fly. not anymore. the A8 has performed flawlessly in the snowy weather. even with the original equipment all season tires you feel very confident driving on snow covered roads.

  • Audi A8L - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

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

  • WOW, what a car! - 2005 Audi A8
    By -

    Ive had them all, Beemers Mercs, Lexus LS 430 and SC430s, none come close. This is the finest of the big boys. Commodius, like a limo, drives and handles and fun with the triptonic. Eats up the miles and I have 7 speeding tickets to prove it (time for a radar detector). At 130 mph its like sitting in your living room and watching television in a very comfortable seat: If you try it, youll buy it!. No squeaks or rattles after 20,000 miles. What a car!

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