Acceleration

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
7	7	8	6.5

Test A8L clocked 7.1 sec 0-60 mph, good for a big, heavy sedan. Test S8 needed just 6.4 sec. All models furnish strong midrange punch, aided by silky, responsive automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
5	5	3	4.2

Above average for the class. Test A8s averaged 19-20 mpg. One test S8 averaged 18.4 mpg, a second example 15.1. All require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
9	10	8	8

Both A8s smother bumps as well as other German luxury cars, so they're very easy riders. S8's sport suspension and high-speed tires deliver a firmer but still-comfortable ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
8	8	8	6.6

A8s aren't quite BMW-nimble, but they're plenty grippy and predictable, with class-exclusive AWD for all-weather traction. S8 matches any rival for athletic handling. All feel better-planted at high speed than some competitors, and have powerful, effective brakes.

Quietness

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
8	8	7	7.5

Always hushed except for mild tire drone on coarse pavement.

Controls

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
5	5	5	5.3

Mostly good, but Audi's navigation system is more cryptic than most and does without a video-type display. Complex climate controls mounted too low. Steering wheel has buttons for manual shifting of automatic transmission, plus audio and phone functions. Interior design and materials befit premium pricing and are class benchmarks, though one test S8 had a mild, persistent creaking noise in its driver door.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
8	8	8	7.8

Enough space for very tall occupants on firm seats, though lateral bolstering is mediocre on A8/A8L. Drivers have ample position adjustments, generally clear sightlines out.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
8	10	8	7

A8/S8 are shy on rear leg room and seat width vs. BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class, but A8L, which accounts for 85 percent of A8 line's sales, is more than a match.

Cargo Room

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
6	6	6	4.9

Ample, despite bulky side panels. Plenty of in-cabin stowage too, though dashboard glovebox is small.

Value within Class

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
3	4	3	4.6

Any A8 is a very satisfying drive, and the S8 is truly special. AWD and aluminum-intensive construction drive up prices, but help distinguish these cars as alternatives for the well-heeled enthusiast.

Total Score

Base	A8L	S8	Class Average
67	71	64	62.4

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		51
Average Score		62
High Score		78