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2004-2007 Audi A8 L
Date Published: 2/20/08

2004-2007 Audi A8
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Price Range:
$29,300 - 83,600

Class:
Premium Large Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2004-2007 Audi A8
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Audi A8 L w/18-inch wheels Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 8
Steering/Handling/Braking 8
Quietness 9
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 10
Room/Comfort (rear) 10
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 9
Total Score: 77
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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2004-2007 Audi A8 Review
Audi redesigned its luxury flagship sedan for 2004, giving it more power and an adjustable suspension. The A8 L retained its aluminum-intensive construction, but now came in only one body length with a wheelbase 2.5 inches longer than the former "stretched" L version. Exterior dimensions were virtually unaltered. Curb weight increased by 240 pounds, and styling changed subtly. Inside, occupants had 1.5 inches less front head room, but about an inch more rear leg space. The A8's engine was again a 4.2-liter V8, which gained 20 horsepower, rated at 330. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate and sport mode was the sole transmission. It replaced a five-speed automatic. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive remained standard. Replacing conventional steel springs was an air suspension with four driver-selectable settings: ride-oriented Comfort, self-adjusting Automatic, sporty Dynamic, and Lift for deep snow for unpaved surfaces. Front and rear side airbags, front knee airbags, and curtain side airbags were standard. So were ABS, antiskid control, xenon headlights, and a navigation system. Among the options were heated front and rear seats (and steering wheel), front-seat massagers, and 18- and 19-inch wheels (versus standard 17s). Also available was cruise control designed to maintain a set distance from traffic ahead. Rivals include the Lexus LS 430 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, along with Volkswagen's short-lived Phaeton.
Year to Year Changes
2005 Audi A8: A short-wheelbase model, priced lower, joined the original A8 L for 2005. Measuring just over 5 inches shorter in both wheelbase and length, the regular-size A8 has less standard equipment. During the model year, a W12 version was added, on the A8 L's body, with 19-inch wheels and a 450-horsepower engine. Standard on the W12 were an obstacle-detection system and keyless access, which were optional on other models. A DVD entertainment system also was standard, and exclusive to the W12.
2006 Audi A8: Except for a revised grille, not much changed for 2006. A newly available Sport Package for the A8 and A8 L included a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension, steering-wheel gearshift paddles, and 19-inch tires.
2007 Audi A8: Audi's largest, most-expensive car gets more V8 power and adds a performance model for 2007. Added for '07, the S8 is a sporty regular-length model with a 450-hp V10.
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