2008 Audi A8 Consumer Reviews

Understated Elegance

Written by: chod on 04/07/2009

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I've owned an LS430, E430 MB, and driven 5 and 7 series BMWs. This is by far and away the most refined yet sporty total package that I've ever driven. I'm always looking for reasons to take this care out on the road. It's suspension and handling are amazing, combining control with the smoothest most comfortable ride while avoiding the numb feeling that I used to experience with the Lexus. The whisper quiet interior (absolutely gorgeous in cognac brown) allows me to hear my iPod/CDs/Sirius through the B&O audiophile system. What an amazing aggregation of technology, craftsmanship, thoughtful design. Driven for one year - no problems yet.

Favorite Features

Ergonomic interior, handling and ride, audio system, great Bluetooth system

Suggested Improvements

Redesign area under the front armrests. It should change in the new model. This area in the D3 models was designed to accommodate a built in telephone (very yesterday).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Better than the rest

Written by: David on 02/03/2009

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 L quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

Not unlike the rest of the reviews above I have owned most/all of the flagship vehicles. I am impressed by the smooth yet responsive ride, the interior room and the ease of electronic use. I looked at MBZ 500, BMW 7 series and the Lexus, either they were to vanilla or to cheap this is a beautiful car.

Favorite Features

The leg room in the drivers cabin has plenty of width. The electronics are so simple to use.

Suggested Improvements

It would be nice to have a set up DVD

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Timeless Quality and Performance

Written by: Chod on 12/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I've owned Lexus LS and SC430s, a MB E500, and test driven every BMW and MB over the past decade. The Audi A8 exudes a quiet confidence and athletic ability that places this sedan among the best in the world. I'm always amazed by the incredible 26 MPG highway even though I'm usually pushing 70-75mph in a serenely quiet yet totally responsive car. The MMI provides an intuitive control of audio, nav, car settings, and telephone that is simple yet sophisticated in performance. Handling is a dream with precise steering and a totally compliant suspension that seems to anticipate the movement of the car, rather than the bucking and fitfull suspensions that typically accoompanies a 2 ton sedan.

Favorite Features

Handling, B&O stereo, quiet stateroom interior

Suggested Improvements

Move the 6 disc CD player to the dash rather than the glove compartment. Otherwise, a near perfect experience.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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A8 still the best

Written by: New Hampshire on 09/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 L quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

The A8 is still the best value among large luxury sedans. I've owned BMWs and driven a colleague's S550 and the A8 is just superior everywhere it counts. I still can't believe how comfortable and fun this car is. I find myself looking for every excuse to go anywhere in this car on any errand. I opted for the L for extra leg room. Kids can't touch the back of my seat no matter how far they stretch. Important options are the acoustic glass which makes it quieter than the S550, ventilated seats, 19" wheels, and Lane/Side Assist because it actually helps. The ride is fantastic on rough New England roads and you never feel like you're rushed when you're in this car. Best car I have ever driven.

Favorite Features

Best interior in its class, perfect balance of comfort and sport. Wonderfully understated elegance without pretentiousness. Best value in large luxury sedans. Best to compare test drives back-to-back vs. Merc, BMW, and Lexus. It's night and day in Audi's favor. Exterior design still

Suggested Improvements

Starting to lag a bit in straight 0-60 compared to new 7 series and S550, but still much less expensive to drive. Audi switched the orientation of MMI for the start button, nav, etc from the A6. Seems arbitrary and still getting used to it. Dual armrest for his/her are too small - just go with one

15 out 15 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive luxury

Written by: Harbormaster on 08/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

This is my 3rd A8 and by far the best. They have all been agile, manuverable cars but this seems to have that little extra "punch" that makes it better. The navigation system along with all the elaborate computer driven choices for comfort, etc. is the most user friendly of any of the luxury cars today. The car delivers 26-27 mpg at a steady 70 mph and I average about 18 in the city. I've had this A8 just 4 months so far and have not been back to the dealer except for the first 5000 mile service. I'm a happy camper.

Favorite Features

The sense that I'm driving a smaller, lighter vehicle than it actually is.

Suggested Improvements

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Top Shelf

Written by: Barry on 07/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

After owning a MB S430, S600 and a 2007 S550, all of which had relability issues I decided a change was in order. I have had this car for only a few months and it gives one a rick solid feel as well as having the finest fit anf finish on any production car I've ever seen. Also, taking into account the cost versus an MB S550 or a BMW 7 series, the Audi's price is quite reasonable by comparision. If you're thinking about buying a MB or BMW, do yourself a very big favor and go test drive an Audi A8, you'll really be gald you did, the only thing that comes close is perhaps a Bentley "Flying Spur", which shares many of the same features as the Audi A8, of course both companies are owned by VW.

Favorite Features

The fit and finish of the interior is not to be equaled.

Suggested Improvements

Replace the phone cradle under the front arm rests with a 12 volt outlet.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Fun to Drive/True Luxury

Written by: Wonderful to Drive on 05/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I love this A-8. After owning various Jaguars, Lexus (which was also terrific), Infinity Q-45, various BMW models and other luxury vehicles, the Audi A-8 is by far...the best. The interior is true luxury, the ride is exceptional, we love the Nav system which also operates most functions of the vehicle,and the stereo system is terrific. Exceptional fuel mileage too! When I am ready to trade in this vehicle I believe I will get another Audi.

Favorite Features

Nav/interior control system (MIP), wood and interior design, power.

Suggested Improvements

CD system in dash, M3 player.

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Solid Luxury

Written by: Phantom A8L on 12/03/2007

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 L quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

Ordered on 27 June and took delivery on 6 October. Currently I have a little over 2000 miles on the vehicle. Long distance trip from DC to Chicago for Thanksgiving was wonderful. Sport package with 20” wheels provided excellent ride and handled wonderfully through rain and freezing rain. The standard features and options make this vehicle a fantastic driver’s auto. Sporty response for a large vehicle. Solid brakes, great vehicle lighting features (headlights, interior lights, entry, braking and fog lights – front and rear). No problems to note. MPG for the trip 22-24. Around DC area, 18-20 mpg.

Favorite Features

Keyless ignition, subtle styling, MMI (electronic control for a/c, radio, seats, etc), full leather option, aggressive grill, large hideaway screen for nav and all other operator selectable features, voice command, nav screen between speedometer and tach, parking system with back up camera.

Suggested Improvements

Nav system is not as extensive or intuitive as my portable Garmin Nuvi 660 - increase database of selectable commercial venues. Voice control not completely intuitive but great optional hands free function, should include all selectable options – seat memory, ambient lighting selections, etc.

51 out 52 people found this review helpful

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Audi does European delivery

Written by: Brian Sonnenberg on 11/25/2007

Vehicle

2008 Audi A8 L quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

After years of Mercedes ownership (and a brief BMW period) I finally got over to Audi. This car is everything that Mercedes used to be. Understatedly elegant, fantastically finished and user friendly. What a true pleasure to drive. In fact, what a pleasure to just sit in. Nobody does interiors like Audi. It is just beautiful, comfortable, and functional. We took delivery in Germany at Ingolstadt, which was a once in a lifetime experience, and did use it on the Autobahn. 130 mph is like 60 mph. wonderful road car! While I think Mercedes has lost their way, Audi seems to have really found their's. Some people are put off by the conservative styling of the exterior. I find it refreshing.

Favorite Features

Interior is magnificent. Profile is smooth, simple, solid. 20 inch sport wheels are gorgeous. 3 spoke sport steering wheel falls perfectly into your hands. Seamless drivetrain. Great suspension. Dash layout is best in the industry.

Suggested Improvements

The only thing I would have liked is power side sun visors (which are manual). That's it.

48 out 51 people found this review helpful

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