Acceleration

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
7	7	6.9

A8 L only model made available for test. V8 feels strong at any speed; test car did 6.6 sec 0-60 mph. Some testers complain of overly sensitive throttle action away from a stop. Transmission features Sport shift mode that corrects somewhat slow downshifts and locks out 6th gear.

Fuel Economy

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
4	4	4.2

Test A8 Ls averaged 15.9-16.2 mpg in city/highway driving, 18.2-19.0 in mostly highway use. Premium-grade fuel required.

Ride Quality

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
8	7	8.5

Generally absorbent, though 19-inch tires generate unseemly impact harshness over sharp ridges. Stable at speed, but large bumps can induce unsettling wallow with suspension in softer settings.

Steering/Handling/Braking

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
8	8	6.9

Steering firm, accurate, though a little light at lower speeds. Available 19-inch tires do little to enhance control and balance vs. 18s, AWD grip quite impressive. However, body lean in fast corners pronounced unless suspension set to firmest, sporty settings. Excellent brake control and power.

Quietness

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
9	8	8.5

Whisper quiet almost always, though 19-inch tires rumble, whistle on coarse pavement.

Controls

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
6	6	5.9

Large gauges clearly marked. Basic audio and all heating/ventilation control is via traditional switchgear. But Audi apes BMW's iDrive with its MMI (Multi Media Interface) system. This governs less frequently accessed functions with a single center-console knob flanked by four buttons and displays choices on a dashboard screen. MMI is standard equipment and fairly logical in operation, but forces multiple steps to accomplish 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, urbane design give interior classy look that stands out even in this segment.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
10	10	9

Generous space. Firm, roomy seats, excellent support. Split center console customizes armrest heights for driver and passenger. Outward visibility obstructed by rear headrests, side roof pillars.

Room/Comfort (rear)

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
10	10	8.1

Limousinelike leg space for taller riders, even with front seats fully back. Contoured recesses in roof liner provide good 6-footer head room. As in front, large, wide door openings for easy entry/exit.

Cargo Room

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
6	6	5

Power 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

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
9	8	5.4

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 adversary to any rival's flagship sedan. Audi trails BMW and Mercedes-Benz for prestige and resale value, but the A8 trumps its European competitors for interior decor, standard all-wheel drive, and base price. That qualifies it as a premium large car Best Buy.

Total Score

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. whls.	Class Average
77	74	68.4

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		59
Average Score		68
High Score		79