2004 Audi A8 L: Road Test
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2004 Audi A8 L ▼
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- MSRP: $68,500
- Invoice: $64,050
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Our road test for the 2004 Audi A8 L includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Audi A8 L from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Audi A8 L, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Audi A8 L help you decide if a 2004 Audi A8 L is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Engine feels strong at any speed; test A8 L did 6.6 sec 0-60 mph. Some testers complained of overly sensitive throttle action coming away from a stop. Transmission offers Drive and Sport shift positions; downshifts slow in Drive, quicker in Sport, but Sport won't shift into 6th gear on highway. No opportunity to test regular-length A8 model.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test cars averaged 15.9-16.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8.2 |
Generally absorbent, though 19-inch tires generate noticeable impact harshness. Stable at speed, but large bumps can induce unsettling wallow in Comfort and Automatic modes. No opportunity to test with standard 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Body lean noticeable in Automatic mode, pronounced in Comfort, which is best reserved for flat interstate duty. Sporty Dynamic mode provides impressive control and little lean. Steering firm, accurate, though a little light at lower speeds. Optional 19-inch tires do little to enhance control. Strong braking.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 8 |
Impressively quiet on almost all surfaces. Road noise well-muted in Comfort and Automatic settings, more pronounced in Dynamic mode and with 19-inch wheels. Nearly silent engine emits sophisticated, muted growl in rapid acceleration. Wind mostly a whisper.
CONTROLS
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Large gauges clearly marked. Basic audio and all heating/ventilation controls are by traditional switchgear. But Audi apes BMW's iDrive with its MMI system, which controls less frequently accessed functions with a single center-console knob flanked by four buttons; chosen positions display on a dashboard screen. System is standard equipment and fairly logical in operation, but forces multiple steps to accomplish what are usually simple tasks, thereby requiring a long look away from the road. MMI/navigation system screen retracts into dashboard when not in use. Top-notch materials and restrained design give the A8 L's interior a classy look that stands out in the segment.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
Generous head and leg room. Firm, roomy seats, excellent support. Split center console customizes armrest heights for driver and passenger. Outward visibility obstructed by rear headrests and side roof pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 8.2 |
Ample leg space for taller riders, even with front seats fully back. Contoured recesses in roof liner provide good 6-footer head room, but make some passengers feel closed-in. As in front, large, wide door openings for outstanding entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Power open/close trunklid opens high enough to accept larger items. Low liftover, flat floor add to large trunk's utility. Interior storage enhanced by pull-open portfolio-sized pockets on all doors.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5.1 |
It centralizes too many accessory functions into a single console control. And the adjustable air suspension can't seem to deliver an optimal ride/handling balance. But overall, the A8 is a formidable rival to the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Audi trails those brands for prestige and resale value, but the A8 trumps its European rivals for interior decor, standard AWD, and base price.
Total Score
| Base w/18-inch wheels | Base w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 73 | 70 | 66.8 |
Total Score: 72
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