Overview & Reviews
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.
- Superb driving dynamics, plenty of passenger space, exquisite interior, standard all-wheel drive.
- Inconvenient glovebox location for the CD changer.
User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 89.00-
Best money I ever spent on a car. - 2005 Audi A8
By Ken - January 9 - 11:09 pmThe car is quiet - a great mobile office. But, with the optional paddle- shifters, its also like driving my S4 sport convertible, only heavier. It corners, accelerates, and responds phenominally. Ive driven them all - this is the best interior, most luxurious, fun, responsive luxury sport-sedan in the $80-120K range. Go for the paddles, the massage & ventilated seats, and the large multi-spoke wheels. I love my black, but its sweet in the grays too. Awesome in snow or on a sunny, winding road. MMI computer system is easy to read. Bluetooth phone system is excellent. Best $$$ I ever spent on a car!
-
W12 my best yet - 2005 Audi A8
By W. Reymond - December 30 - 3:04 pmHaving had several nice cars, Citroen SM, 928, A4, I find this the best overall designed car yet. The MPG was expected to be low, but that comes with a car of this performance. The features are extensive and useful, especially the adjustable ride which reminds me of the SM. I give this car my highest overall rating ever.
-
Converted from BMW 7 Owner to Audi 8L - 2005 Audi A8
By David G - November 22 - 2:59 amHad a hard time shifting our loyalty from BMW to any other German car. The Audi 8L was purchased by a brother in law and he raved enough to make us take a look. Fit and finish were outstanding and Audis version of the iDrive is superior. Great sound, clean lines, and large comfortable interior. Car is quiet, and sophisticated and dealer has been strong. Full maintenance on warranty and All wheel drive = Great!
-
Big Problems - 2005 Audi A8
By Rick - November 21 - 5:00 pmWe have had continual problems with the computer and Advanced Keys. The electricly operated trunk closed on my wife and hurt her, the HVAC is hard to control and does what it wants, the settings are nested inside the unit and are unsafe to operate while driving, the visibility to the rear required removing the rear headrest, the outward side visibility is poor as the mirrors are not wide enough and the pillar and seat back obscure side vision. The dealer cannot fix the problems and Audi has not "escalated" our complaints to where the regional or national reps will get involved. We are tremendously unhappy and Audi has not helped.
-
Love my car - 2005 Audi A8
By Babra Bosch - October 21 - 12:09 amThe A8 is simply the most wonderful car Ive had in years. I had a 740i before, and I now have an A8L 4.2. It is so much more luxurious- I looked at the BMW and Benz, wasnt particularly spurred, and looked at the Audi. I fell in love. Its so beautiful, so understated, packed with coddling features (massaged seats, alcantara inserts, flip-panel NAV system), and its more than $3K less than the next cheapest (BMW). The stereo is amazing, and it drives better than my old BMW (an 01 model).
-
Highly overated - 2005 Audi A8
By David - August 8 - 9:15 amI have owned this car for almost 1 year. During that time the car has been back for repairs on numerous ocassions.The air conditioner is horrible. It takes 10 minutes on a hot day for the air to begin to cool off, until then a hot blower makes it feel worse. This is the same experience others with the same car say. The dealer says that "everything checks out fine". The car jumps when accelerating from a quick stop. The car has too many computers and there inherent glitches. The display pop up has been replaced, the center dash module replaced, and the navigational unit replaced. The car has a hard ride and is quite frankly overrated and poorly represented by their service people.
-
Automotive Intelligence - The Audi A8 - 2005 Audi A8
By BurnoutSurfer - July 5 - 4:24 pmJust bought my Audi A8 two weeks ago. It is the short wheel base version with the convienience package, the cold weather package, XM radio, Seat Ventilation & Massage, premium leather with sitching, and everything else that would normally be options, but come standard with Audi. This is automotive engineering, design, and comfort at its absolute pinnacle.
-
A8 - 2005 Audi A8
By S Lasser - June 12 - 3:14 pmThis is my first Audi. I have one friend who has had his A8 for 7 years and loves it. I recently retired to FL where every trip on the interstate is an exercise in survival, so I was looking for a substantial machine with good handling. Ive had my eye on the A8 ever since it was reviewed in Autoweek. I like brand consistency and the fact that the average Joe, me included, has trouble distinguishing an A4 from an A8. My previous car was a 2000 740 which served me well. Stylewise, the new 745 is too in your face for my taste.
-
Finally Fun and Toys in a Luxury Sedan - 2005 Audi A8
By Lu - June 12 - 10:49 amIve owned Mercedes, BMW and Lexus sedans. For my money, this is finally a large, luxury sedan that is fun to drive. Im also a toy fanatic. The Audi has toys of value. No electronics just to demonstrate that the engineers can achieve something. This has toys that make sense!
-
Impeccable interior and technology - 2005 Audi A8
By louis - June 12 - 10:04 amThe moment I test drove the A8 I knew that it was a car that met our high standard of a sedan. We previously owned the S Class Mercedes and found that this car surpassed it in everyway. We enjoy driving the A8 and it is a very comfortable car to drive. Passenger comfort superior in the spacious rear seats. A gem all the way!
