2006 Audi A8 Review
2006 Audi A8 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Superb driving dynamics, plenty of passenger space, exquisite interior, standard all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Inconvenient glovebox location for the CD changer.
What’s new
For 2006, the A8 receives a new single-frame front grille, standard adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a redesigned color driver information center. A new Audi Exclusive package includes Valcona leather seats, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, upgraded floor mats and unique wood trim. A new 18-inch wheel design debuts, and 19-inch performance tires are now available only in the Sport Package. Finally, the A8's Bluetooth system is now Treo Smartphone-compatible.
Edmunds says
It may not have the name recognition of its German peers, but the 2006 Audi A8 matches or beats them in just about every meaningful category.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Audi A8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$288/mo for A8 quattro
A8 quattro
vs
$213/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
At first glance, the Audi A8 has crisp, uncluttered lines with aggressively swept back headlights and roofline. Filling the wheelwells is a choice of wheel designs and sizes ranging from sedate to sporty. All in all, this is an understated, handsome sedan that doesn't shout, "I've got money," yet still exudes class.
Inside the Audi A8, a spacious and beautifully finished interior greets the driver and passengers. Audi has a strong reputation for having what many consider the best cabins in the business, and the A8 maintains that lofty standard. Regardless of cost, there's nary a car that could top the top-shelf materials and design flair of the A8's inner sanctum. Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) handles everything from the navigation and audio systems to the adjustment of the driver-selectable air suspension. MMI features a 7-inch monitor that automatically glides (and hides) into the dash when not in use. Mounted in the console and operated via a simple twist-and-press knob and four large buttons that surround the knob, Audi's MMI may draw comparisons to BMW's iDrive system. But unlike iDrive, MMI is simple and intuitive to operate.
Under the hood if this Audi car you'll find one of two engines. For starters, there's a refined 4.2-liter, 40-valve V8 that makes a scintillating 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. If that's not enough, consider the 6.0-liter W12 power plant, which provides 450 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque and a 5.8-second 0-to-60-mph time. In either case, a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission sends the power to all four wheels through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Under the A8's aluminum skin, Audi employs an aluminum alloy space frame that is stronger and lighter than a comparable steel structure. This architecture has 20-percent fewer parts than the previous-generation Audi A8, yet boasts considerably greater (60 percent) torsional rigidity.
Audi's engineers are especially proud of the A8's air suspension, claiming it provides the handling of a sports car with the ride of a luxury sedan, and based on our experience, they're not too far off. The adaptive air suspension adjusts itself to road and driving conditions, automatically firming up when the car is pressed through the curves and softening when cruising down the interstate. The driver can select one of four settings for the adaptive system: dynamic (lowest ride height and firm damping), automatic, comfort and lift (raises the car up for travel on rough roads). With its polished demeanor, spacious and luxurious cabin and capable road manners, the 2006 Audi A8 leaves little to be desired. And at a price tag thousands less than its chief rivals, we would strongly suggest visiting the dealer of the four rings before putting down your big money.
Performance & mpg
Standard A8 and A8 L models come with a 4.2-liter, 40-valve V8 that generates 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Named after the engine that makes it special, the W12 model has a 6.0 liter, 12-cylinder engine that make 450 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. The engine consists of two narrow-angle, 15-degree V6 engines joined at the crankshaft, a more compact design than a conventional V12. Both engines are matched to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that drives all four wheels through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Safety
Peace-of-mind features include stability control, 10 airbags (including four side, front knee and full-length head curtain) and a first aid kit in the rear center armrest.
Driving
Throttle response is gratifying with either engine. Whether taking off from a stoplight or jetting up to cruising speed on the freeway, a solid rush of power is always on tap. The main difference is that the W12 simply has more power on reserve. Powerfully reassuring brakes that are easily modulated have no problem reining in the Audi A8. The air suspension is well sorted; left in automatic mode the system works just fine providing a soft but not mushy ride and solid composure through the twisty bits. And when used in the dynamic setting, body lean is kept to an absolute minimum, making the A8 feel more like a compact sedan rather than a large flagship sedan.
Interior
Whether you sit in the pilot's seat or stretch out (and with 42 inches of rear legroom in the L, we mean stretch out) in back, everything you see and touch in the 2006 Audi A8 bespeaks the highest quality. Generous fillets of dark or light wood, suede trim and aluminum accents are arranged attractively. With 16-way power adjustment (including upper seatback angle for the shoulders) and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, finding a comfortable driving position is easy for short and tall folk alike.
2006 Audi A8 models
Three versions of the Audi A8 are offered: a standard-wheelbase V8 sedan, the long-wheelbase V8 L sedan for those who need maximum rear legroom, and a W12 version of the L. The question with this Audi car isn't what's standard, it's what isn't. A DVD-based navigation system, 16-way power front seats and HID headlights are on the roster, as is a 12-speaker Bose audio system (with a glovebox-mounted CD changer) designed exclusively for the A8. The elite W12 adds keyless startup, power door closers, four-zone climate control, ventilated/massaging front seats, seat heaters and four-way lumbar for all passengers, an Alcantara headliner and a wood steering wheel; these features are optional on other A8s. Other options include adaptive cruise control, a personal refrigerator and a sport package for V8 models that includes a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels and steering wheel shift paddles. An available Audi Exclusive package, available in Red and Anis Yellow, includes Valcona leather seats with contrasting piping (and floor mats to match) and unique wood trim.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Audi A8.
5 star(91%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
34 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Officially switched from BMW to Audi
RD, 01/30/2010
2006 Audi A8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
After owning two BMW 3-series for the last 14 years, I decided to go with one of the large, luxury sedans. Was considering the 5 and 7 from BWW and the E-class Benz. Then I drove a friends A6 and was blown away. Added the A6 to the list and started looking. Decided to 'check out' the A8 and I was immediately sold. Nothing else compared after that. The A8 was extremely hard to find, … but the one I landed on was nearly perfect - just about every option available and only 27k miles! LOVE this car.
5 out of 5 stars
Three great months and counting...
dognmonkey, 06/29/2013
2006 Audi A8 L quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
New to me 2006 A8L with 73k miles. Premium, sport and massage packages. This year is the first year with the single grill and the last year with timing belt engine.
I've had 98 A8 for 7 years - loved the car and now this one is amazing. No wonder many people moved from BMW, Mercedes to Audi.
Air suspension is comfortable and very convenient to raise the car up when going to a complex … that has many tall speed bumps.
The car is so powerful, fast but very nimble (drives like a small car) and still get average 19MPG (26 hwy). Soft close doors are nice (the doors got sucked in if close half way).
I drive people who don't know Audi on my A8L and they're amazed at the comfort and design.
5 out of 5 stars
Love my Audi A8L
Bill J, 11/12/2007
2006 Audi A8 L quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
I have owned every major brand of luxury car and without question, this is the finest. The fit and finish is exceptional. The interior surrounds you in the finest wood and leather and the attention to detail in the interior trim is second to none. The exterior styling always draw attention whereever we go. We have had the car for 18 months and it has been trouble free. Several times my … wife and I have been stuck in traffic and we have commented "so what" this car is one of the most comfortable places we could be. The car has plenty of power and actually feels like a much smaller car in the way it handles. This is my first Audi and I highly reccomend it.
5 out of 5 stars
The Best Luxury Car Ever!
Robert, 02/22/2006
2006 Audi A8 L W12 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (6.0L 12cyl 6A)
I have owned several luxury cars in the past few years. I just finished my 2nd lease of a Lexus LS430. This time around I was looking for something a little more exciting to drive but did not want to give up the ride quality and quietness I had grown used to. I also wanted a car that handled much better. A friend suggested the A8L. I am so thankful he did. This is the best luxury car I … have ever owned! The handling superb and the fit and finish of the interior and quality of materials is far better than the LS 430 I just turned in. For those out there looking for a great luxury car listen to me; The Audi A8L is the car you want no questions asked! (And free maintenance is wonderful!)
2006 A8 Highlights
quattro
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $68,130 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $288/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the A8 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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