Audi A8 Review

2011 Audi A8 L 4.2 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD

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 frame, the Audi Space Frame (ASF), as it's called, helps offset the bulk of the car's Quattro all-wheel-drive system; the A8's competitors are primarily rear-wheel drive.

Thanks to the Quattro system, winter weather capability is one of the Audi A8's strengths. Luxurious accommodations are another, though the current generation, which dates to 2004, is considerably more opulent and feature-laden than the original sedan.

Current Audi A8

The current A8 offers a near-perfect blend of luxury, performance, amenities and style, and is one of our favorite full-size luxury sedans. Three trims are available: A8, the long-wheelbase A8 L and the A8 L W12. The A8 and A8 L are powered by a 4.2-liter, 350-horsepower V8, while the A8 L W12 offers a 6.0-liter engine good for 450 horses. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift control.

Regardless of which engine you choose, you'll be impressed by the big sedan's ride and handling characteristics. The Audi A8's driver-adjustable air suspension provides a comfortable ride without excessive float over bumps, and if you take the car around a few corners, it proves surprisingly agile, with nicely weighted steering. All trims boast generous standard features lists, including amenities like a navigation system and heated front and rear seats.

Rear-seat room is adequate in the regular-wheelbase model, while the A8 L model provides more than enough legroom for a pair of 6-footers. Cabin furnishings are best-in-class, and thanks to Audi's logically designed Multi Media Interface (MMI), accessing the car's numerous audio, climate and navigation functions is about as simple as it gets in the luxury-car world.

The A8 undoubtedly lacks the snob appeal of its fellow Germans, but don't let that stop you. With its roomy, best-in-class cabin and excellent driving dynamics, this sedan shines as one of the strongest picks in its segment.

Used Audi A8 Models

As redesigns go, Audi's 2004 overhaul of the A8 is likely one of the most successful on record. Relative to its predecessor, this generation offers a lighter chassis and a more muscular V8, along with lots of comfort, safety and suspension upgrades. If you're shopping for a used A8 from this era, keep in mind that the car's W12 power plant wasn't available until 2005. Additionally, you'll want to remember that the A8 got a new V8 in 2007, upping horsepower on these models from 335 to the current 350.

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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.