2007 Audi A8 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Audi's largest, most-expensive car gets more V8 power and adds a performance model for 2007. A8 comes in regular-length models and in L versions that are 5.1 inches longer in wheelbase and body. Base and L versions use a V8 with 350 hp, up 20 hp for '07. Based on the L model, the W12 has a 450-hp 12-cyl engine and extra standard features. Added for '07, the S8 is a sporty regular-length model with a 450-hp V10. All these cars come with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a driver-adjustable suspension. S8 has specific suspension tuning and styling. Base and L models offer a Sport Package with uprated suspension and steering wheel gearshift paddles. All these Audis come with front and rear side airbags, front knee airbags, and curtain side airbags. Also standard are ABS, traction/antiskid control, and a navigation system. A rearview camera is standard on the W12, optional on the other models. DVD entertainment is exclusive to the W12. Front and rear obstacle detection, keyless entry/starting, and adaptive cruise control are also available. Note that the 2008 Audi A8 earned the Consumer Guide Recommended label, but further information about this car was unavailable in time for print.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 six-figure price tags.

Our Best Buy is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LS and Volvo S80.

News

A new-generation A8 is expected around 2010 to replace today's vintage-2002 design. It's said to be about 4 inches longer, at 200.8 overall, and to wear a crisper, more sculpted look. No word yet on U.S.-market powertrains, but we'd guess the complex W12 engine will be exchanged for a version of the new S8's V10. A diesel V6 and/or V8 is a distinct possibility.

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2007 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. wheels	S8	Class Average
7	7	9	7.3

No opportunity yet to test base A8 or W12. A8 L feels strong at any speed and is likely a shade quicker than 330-hp 2006 test model's 6.6 sec 0-60 mph. Some testers complain of overly sensitive low-speed throttle action. Transmission's performance-oriented Sport mode helps offset somewhat lazy low-speed downshifts. S8 delivers outstanding thrust at any speed, with crisp yet smooth shifts. Audi claims 4.9-sec 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
4	4	3	3.9

No opportunity to measure with S8. Test A8 Ls averaged 15.9-17.1 mpg in city/highway driving, 18.2-19.0 in mostly highway use. Premium-grade fuel required for all.

Ride Quality

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
8	7	6	8.4

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 on softer settings. S8's 20-inch tires, sport suspension make for harsher ride regardless of suspension setting.

Steering/Handling/Braking

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
8	8	8	6.8

Steering firm, accurate, though a little light at lower speeds. Impressive AWD grip, but available 19-inch tires do little to enhance control and balance vs. 18s. Fast corners induce moderate body lean unless driver selects firmest suspension settings. Excellent braking control. S8 more agile all-around.

Quietness

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
9	8	7	8.5

Most always whisper-quiet, though 19-inch tires rumble and whine a bit on coarse pavement. S8's 20-inch performance tires introduce more road roar, and its V10 emits exotic-sounding growl under throttle.

Controls

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
7	7	7	7.4

Large gauges clearly marked. Conventional switches handle basic audio and all climate functions. Other adjustments require using standard Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) with center-console knob, four flanking buttons, and dashboard screen; it's less confusing than BMW's similar iDrive, but still complicates simple tasks and can thus distract driver. MMI/navigation-system screen retracts into dashboard when not in use.

Details

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
10	10	10	8.5

Cabin boasts top-notch materials, sophisticated design that stand out even in the high-buck segment.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
10	10	10	8.9

Ample room on firm, wide seats with excellent support. Split center console customizes armrest heights for driver and passenger. Outward visibility impeded by rear headrests, side roof pillars. S8's sport seats offer excellent lateral support but aren't confining.

Room/Comfort (rear)

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
10	10	9	8

A8 and S8 furnish bountiful leg room even with front seats fully aft. Longer A8 L and W12 are stretch-out spacious. Contoured ceiling provides good six-footer head room. Large, wide door openings make for limousine-easy entry/exit, as in front.

Cargo Room

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
6	6	6	5.2

Spacious flat-floor trunk has high-rise power lid, large opening, low liftover. Interior storage enhanced by pull-open portfolio-sized pockets on all doors.

Value within Class

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
8	7	6	5.7

Audi trails BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz for prestige and resale value, but it's closing the gap. Its flagship A8 trumps rivals for interior decor, standard all-wheel drive, and, depending on model, base price. A8s can overwhelm with high technology, and the air suspension doesn't provide an ideal ride/handling balance. These are formidable premium large sedans by any measure and Recommended picks in this class.

Total Score

A8 L	A8 L w/19-in. wheels	S8	Class Average
87	84	81	78.6

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		61
Average Score		78
High Score		87

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2007 Audi A8 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/12/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$68,900	$64,422	$775

L 4-door sedan	$72,900	$68,142	$775

W12 4-door sedan	$119,350	$108,954	$775

S8 4-door sedan	$92,000	$84,065	$775

Price note: S8, W12 add $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, front and rear limited-slip 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, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, navigation system w/voice recognition, 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, rearview camera, keyless access and starting, door-closing assist, power open/close trunklid, satellite radio, 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, 255/40VR19 tires.

S8 adds to Base:

Powertrain

5.2-liter V10 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated front seats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Adjustable load-leveling air sport suspension, 265/35ZR20 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
S8	$3,500	$3,185
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, rearview camera, heated rear seats, keyless access and starting, power rear sunshade, manual side sunshades, 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.

Sport Pkg. w/20-inch alloy wheels
Base, L	$4,000	$3,560
Sport Pkg. plus 275/35R20 tires. 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
S8	$600	$546


Rear refrigerator
L	$1,500	$1,335
W12	$1,500	$1,365
L requires ski sack. Replaces trunk pass-through. NA w/rear bench seat.

Bang and Olufsen sound system
Base, L	$6,300	$5,607
S8, W12	$6,300	$5,733


Satellite radio
Base, L	$550	$490
S8, W12	$550	$501


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

Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
Base, L	$200	$178
W12	$200	$182
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
S8	$350	$319


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

Ski sack
Base, L	$175	$156
S8	$175	$159


Carbon-fiber interior trim
S8	$500	$455


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


Additional leather upholstery
W12	$3,900	$3,549
L	$6,400	$5,696
S8	$4,900	$4,459
L includes alcantara interior trim.

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

Sunroof solar panel
Base, L	$790	$703
S8, W12	$790	$719
Includes solar-powered fan.

Adaptive cruise control
Base, L	$2,100	$1,869
S8, W12	$2,100	$1,911


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


Special paint
Base, L, W12	$750	$668
S8	$750	$683


255/45HR18 tires
W12	$0	$0


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


275/35ZR20 tires
W12	$3,200	$2,912

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2007 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 V10	dohc W12

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.2 /255	5.2 /318	6.0 /366

Horsepower @ rpm.	350 @ 6600	450 @ 7000	450 @ 6200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	325 @ 3500	398 @ 3500	428 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed automatic	18/25	15/21	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	None/--	--

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

< 2007 Audi A8 Photos

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Also in the 2007 Audi A8 Review:

Audi A8

Audi A8 Road Test

Audi A8 Prices & Equipment

Audi A8 Specs & Safety

Audi A8 Photos

Audi A8 Full Review