2006 Audi A8 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A revised grille and an available Sport Package mark 2006 for Audi's flagship. A8 and A8 L models have a 335-hp V8. The A8 L is 5.1 inches longer than the A8 in both wheelbase and body. The W12 shares the L's extra length and has a 450-hp 12-cyl engine. All have Audi's quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Also standard is an air suspension with four driver-selectable firmness settings. New for A8 and A8 L is a Sport Package that includes a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension, steering-wheel gearshift paddles, and 19-inch wheels vs. standard 18s. Front and rear torso side airbags, front knee airbags, and curtain side airbags are standard. So are ABS, antiskid system, steering-linked xenon headlights, and navigation system. Standard on W12 and available for A8 and A8 L are an obstacle-detection system and keyless access that operates without removing keyfob from pocket or purse. Among the options are adaptive cruise control. A DVD entertainment system is exclusive to the W12, where it is standard.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys include Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended pick is Cadillac DTS.

Buick Lucerne is new or significantly redesigned.

News

The A8 line revives a sporty model and gets a redesigned V8 for 2007. The latter stays at 4.2 liters, but Audi's FSI direct fuel injection and other changes add 20 hp for 350 total. The high-performance S8 returns with a new 450-hp 5.2-liter V10. The engine is based on a design by Audi-owned Italian sports-car maker Lamborghini. Audi claims 0-60 acceleration of around 5 sec. As in other A8s, a 6-speed automatic transmission allies to Audi's quattro all-wheel drive. The S8 also comes with a performance-tuned adaptive air suspension, 20-inch wheels, steering-linked headlamps, specific grille and interior trim, keyless entry/starting system, full-length curtain side airbags, and torso side airbags front and rear. Other A8s see only minor changes for '07.

A redesigned A8 is expected in late 2009. The 2010 model said to be about 4 inches longer and should have a crisper, more sculpted look. No word yet on U.S.-market powertrains, but we'd expect the complex W12 engine to be exchanged for a detuned version of the new S8's V10.

Due to arrive sometime in 2008 is the A7, a "4-dr coupe" to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Underskin components will likely come from the next-gen A8 and midsize A6, but A7 reportedly sports close-coupled 2-dr-like styling with a low arcing roofline, muscular bodysides, big wheels, an in-your-face nose treatment, and semi-concealed rear-door handles. Look for V8 and possibly V10 power, plus standard AWD, of course.

2006 Audi A8 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Control layout

Handling/roadholding	Fuel economy

Room and comfort

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2006 Audi A8 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/13/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$68,130	$63,706	$720

L 4-door sedan	$72,090	$67,389	$720

W12 4-door sedan	$118,190	$107,898	$720

Price note: W12 adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

4.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control, limited-slip front and rear differentials.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment and headrests, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio, 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, navigation system, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated nozzles, map lights, trunklid-closing assist, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights w/washers, front and rear fog lights, adjustable load-leveling air suspension, full-size spare tire, 255/45HR18 tires, alloy wheels.

L adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Manual side sunshades.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

5-inch-longer wheelbase.

W12 adds to L:

Powertrain

6.0-liter W12 engine.

Safety

Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear dual-zone climate controls, heated front and rear seats, massaging and ventilated front seats, power rear bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, alcantara interior trim, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, voice control for navigation and radio, keyless access and starting, door-closing assist, power open/close trunklid, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, rear-illuminated visor mirrors, power rear and side sunshades, trunk pass-through w/ski sack.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Security glass, cornering lights, 255/40YR19 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
Base, L	$4,000	$3,560
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, heated front and rear seats, keyless access and starting, rear visor mirrors (L), power rear sunshade, manual side sunshades (Base), door-closing assist, power open/close trunklid.

Sport Pkg.
Base, L	$2,800	$2,492
Sport steering wheel w/shift paddles, sport adaptive air suspension, 255/40YR19 performance tires or 255/40VR19 all-season tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires Premium Pkg.

Exclusive Pkg.
Base, L	$11,500	$10,235
Upgraded leather upholstery, alcantara headliner, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, unique interior trim.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear dual-zone climate controls
Base, L	$600	$534


Rear refrigerator
L, W12	$1,500	$1,365
L requires ski sack. Replaces trunk pass-through. NA w/rear bench seat.

Satellite radio
Base, L	$550	$490
W12	$550	$501
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
Base, L	$690	$614
Includes wood shift knob.

Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
Base, L	$200	$178
W12	$0	$0
Base, L require Premium Pkg. NA w/Sport Pkg.

Ventilated/massaging front seats
Base, L	$1,500	$1,335
Requires Premium Pkg.

Rear-seat power lumbar adjustment
Base, L	$350	$312


Rear bench seat
W12	$0	$0
Deletes power rear seats w/lumbar adjustment.

Ski sack
Base, L	$175	$156


Alcantara interior trim
Base, L	$1,500	$1,335


Additional leather upholstery
W12	$3,900	$3,549


Leather door armrests
Base, L	$750	$668
Includes leather center console, unique stitching.

Sunroof solar panel
Base, L	$650	$579
W12	$650	$592
Includes solar-powered fan.

Adaptive cruise control
Base, L	$2,100	$1,869
W12	$2,100	$1,911


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Security glass
Base, L	$600	$534


Special paint
Base, L, W12	$750	$668


255/45HR18 tires
W12	$0	$0


255/40YR19 tires
Base, L	$1,900	$1,691


275/35ZR20 tires
W12	$2,000	$1,820

2006 Audi A8 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Audi A8 4-door sedan	Audi A8 L 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	115.9	121.0

Overall Length, in.	199.3	204.4

Overall Width, in.	74.6	74.6

Overall Height, in.	56.9	57.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	4288	4399

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.6	14.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	23.8	23.8

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.3	37.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.4	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	38.0	38.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.6	42.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V8	dohc W12

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.2 /255	6.0 /366

Horsepower @ rpm.	335 @ 6500	450 @ 6200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	317 @ 3500	428 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed automatic	17/24	15/21

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Audi A8 4-door sedan

Audi A8 L 4-door sedan

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Germany

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2006 Audi A8 Photos

Also in the 2006 Audi A8 Review:

Audi A8

Audi A8 Road Test

Audi A8 Prices & Equipment

Audi A8 Specs & Safety

Audi A8 Photos

Audi A8 Full Review

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