2004-2008 Audi A8: Road Test

Strong enough from any speed, an Audi A8 L accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, just a bit short of Audi's claim of 6.3-second 0-60 mph time. Some testers complained of overly sensitive throttle action coming away from a stop. Downshifts are slow in the transmission's Drive position, but quicker in Sport, making the otherwise-effective manual-shift function almost redundant. However, Sport mode won't shift into sixth gear on the highway. A new test A8 L sedan averaged 15.9 to 16.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium fuel is required. Although the suspension is generally absorbent for a comfortable ride, 19-inch tires generate noticeable impact harshness. While stable at speed, large bumps can induce unsettling wallow in Comfort and Automatic modes. The A8 was not tested with standard 17-inch tires. Body lean is noticeable in Automatic mode, and pronounced in Comfort, which is best reserved for flat interstate duty. Sporty Dynamic mode provides impressive control and little lean. Steering is firm and accurate, though a little light at lower speeds. Optional 19-inch tires do little to enhance control. Strong braking is a benefit. An A8 is impressively quiet on almost all surfaces. Road noise is well muted in Comfort and Automatic settings, but more pronounced in Dynamic mode and with 19-inch wheels. Audi's nearly silent engine emits sophisticated, muted growl in rapid acceleration. Wind is mostly a whisper. Large gauges are clearly marked. Basic audio and all heating/ventilation controls employ traditional switchgear, but Audi apes BMW's iDrive with its MMI system, which controls less frequently accessed functions with a single center-console knob whose positions display on a dashboard screen. Standard on all A8s, the system is fairly logical in operation, but forces multiple steps to accomplish what are usually simple tasks, thereby requiring a long look away from the road. The MMI/navigation-system screen retracts into the dashboard when not in use. Top-notch materials and restrained design give the A8 L's interior a classic look that stands out in the class. Front occupants get generous head and leg room on firm, roomy seats that provide excellent support. The split center console customizes armrest heights for driver and passenger. Outward visibility is obstructed by rear headrests and side roof pillars. Back-seat space is ample for taller riders, even with front seats fully back. Contoured recesses in the roof liner provide good 6-footer head room, but make some passengers feel closed-in. As in front, large, wide door openings in extended-length sedans allow outstanding entry/exit. Low liftover and a flat floor add to the large trunk's utility. The power trunklid opens high enough to accept larger items. Interior storage is enhanced by pull-open portfolio-sized pockets on all doors.

Value for the Money
Audi's complex MMI control system and adjustable air suspension needlessly complicate what is otherwise a world-class luxury car. MMI centralizes too many accessory functions into a single console control, and the air suspension can't seem to deliver an optimal ride/handling balance. Still, with class-competitive performance and amenities, the A8 is a credible alternative to the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Audi trails those brands for prestige, but the A8 trumps its European rivals for interior decor, standard AWD, and new-car base price, and is a formidable adversary to any competitor's flagship sedan. Because resale value isn't as strong as BMW or Mercedes, used-car buyers can find one that's a little cheaper.