Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2008 Audi A8 Full Review
Date Published: 3/13/08
Also in the 2008 Audi A8 Review:
2008 Audi A8 Review
The 2008 Audi A8 carries over with few changes. This is Audi's largest, most expensive car. It comes in regular-length and in L versions that are about five inches longer in wheelbase and overall length. Base and L versions have a 350-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine. The sporty S8 is a regular-length model that has a 450-hp 5.2-liter V10. The top-line W12 is an extended-length sedan that has a 450-hp 6.0-liter 12-cylinder. All A8 models have Audi's quattro all-wheel drive, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a driver-adjustable suspension. S8s have specific suspension tuning, trim, and styling. Base and L models offer a Sport Package with uprated suspension and steering wheel gearshift paddles. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags, as well as front knee airbags. Front and rear obstacle detection, keyless entry/starting, and adaptive cruise control are among the available features.
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 Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
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.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Audi A8 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Control layout |
| Handling/roadholding | Fuel economy |
| Room and comfort | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No W12 or regular-length A8 models have been made available for us to test. A8 L feels strong at any speed. Some of our testers complain of overly sensitive low-speed throttle action. The transmission's performance-oriented Sport mode helps offset somewhat lazy low-speed downshifts. S8 models deliver outstanding thrust at any speed, with crisp yet smooth shifts. Audi claims 4.9-sec 0-60 mph, which feels accurate to us.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 9 | 7.3 |
No W12 or regular-length A8 models have been made available for us to test. A8 L feels strong at any speed. Some of our testers complain of overly sensitive low-speed throttle action. The transmission's performance-oriented Sport mode helps offset somewhat lazy low-speed downshifts. S8 models deliver outstanding thrust at any speed, with crisp yet smooth shifts. Audi claims 4.9-sec 0-60 mph, which feels accurate to us.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, A8 Ls averaged 15.9-17.1 mpg in city/highway driving, 18.2-19.0 in mostly highway use. No opportunity to measure with the S8. Audi recommends premium-grade gas.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 1 | 3.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, A8 Ls averaged 15.9-17.1 mpg in city/highway driving, 18.2-19.0 in mostly highway use. No opportunity to measure with the S8. Audi recommends premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Generally absorbent, though the A8's available 19-inch tires generate unseemly impact harshness over sharp ridges. Stable at speed, but large bumps can induce unsettling wallow with the adjustable suspension left on one of the softer settings. S8's 20-inch tires and sport suspension make for an even firmer ride regardless of suspension setting, but it's not overly harsh.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 6 | 8.2 |
Generally absorbent, though the A8's available 19-inch tires generate unseemly impact harshness over sharp ridges. Stable at speed, but large bumps can induce unsettling wallow with the adjustable suspension left on one of the softer settings. S8's 20-inch tires and sport suspension make for an even firmer ride regardless of suspension setting, but it's not overly harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
A8's steering is firm and accurate, though a little light at lower speeds. AWD provides reassuring grip, but the available 19-inch tires do little to enhance control and balance vs. the 18s. Fast corners induce moderate body lean unless the driver selects the firmest suspension settings. Excellent braking control. S8 is slightly more agile all-around.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
A8's steering is firm and accurate, though a little light at lower speeds. AWD provides reassuring grip, but the available 19-inch tires do little to enhance control and balance vs. the 18s. Fast corners induce moderate body lean unless the driver selects the firmest suspension settings. Excellent braking control. S8 is slightly more agile all-around.
Quietness
Most always whisper-quiet, though the 19-inch tires rumble and whine a bit on coarse pavement. S8's 20-inch performance tires introduce more road roar. The V8 engine sounds rich, while the S8's V10 emits an exotic-sounding growl under throttle.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 8.4 |
Most always whisper-quiet, though the 19-inch tires rumble and whine a bit on coarse pavement. S8's 20-inch performance tires introduce more road roar. The V8 engine sounds rich, while the S8's V10 emits an exotic-sounding growl under throttle.
Controls
A8's large gauges are clearly marked. Conventional switches handle only basic audio and all climate functions. Other adjustments require the use of Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) with center-console knob, four flanking buttons, and dashboard screen. This system is not intuitive, and it complicates what should be simple controls for the audio and navigation system. The navigation-system screen retracts into the dashboard when not in use.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
A8's large gauges are clearly marked. Conventional switches handle only basic audio and all climate functions. Other adjustments require the use of Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) with center-console knob, four flanking buttons, and dashboard screen. This system is not intuitive, and it complicates what should be simple controls for the audio and navigation system. The navigation-system screen retracts into the dashboard when not in use.
Details
The cabin in the A8 boasts top-notch materials and sophisticated design that stand out even in the high-buck segment. S8's interior leans more towards sporty rather than opulent, but it's still classy.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
The cabin in the A8 boasts top-notch materials and sophisticated design that stand out even in the high-buck segment. S8's interior leans more towards sporty rather than opulent, but it's still classy.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample room on firm, wide seats with excellent support. Split center console customizes armrest heights for driver and passenger. Outward visibility is impeded by the rear headrests and side roof pillars. S8's sport seats offer excellent lateral support but aren't confining.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.8 |
Ample room on firm, wide seats with excellent support. Split center console customizes armrest heights for driver and passenger. Outward visibility is impeded by the rear headrests and side roof pillars. S8's sport seats offer excellent lateral support but aren't confining.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Regular-length models furnish bountiful legroom even with the front seats fully aft. Longer A8 L and W12 offer limousine-like legroom. The contoured ceiling provides good six-footer headroom. Large, wide door openings make for easy entry and exit.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 9 | 7.9 |
Regular-length models furnish bountiful legroom even with the front seats fully aft. Longer A8 L and W12 offer limousine-like legroom. The contoured ceiling provides good six-footer headroom. Large, wide door openings make for easy entry and exit.
Cargo Room
A8's spacious flat-floor trunk has a high-rise power lid, large opening, and low liftover. Interior storage is enhanced by pull-open portfolio-sized pockets on all doors.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
A8's spacious flat-floor trunk has a high-rise power lid, large opening, and low liftover. Interior storage is enhanced by pull-open portfolio-sized pockets on all doors.
Value within Class
Audi's 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. Still, these are formidable premium large sedans by any measure and Recommended picks in this class.
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 6 | 5.5 |
Audi's 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. Still, these are formidable premium large sedans by any measure and Recommended picks in this class.
Total Score
| A8 L | A8 L w/19-inch wheels | S8 | Class Average |
| 81 | 78 | 74 | 74.7 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 67 | |
| Average Score | 74 | |
| High Score | 87 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Audi A8 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan | $70,690 | $65,741 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| L 4-door sedan | $74,690 | $69,461 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| W12 4-door sedan | $120,100 | $111,693 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| S8 4-door sedan | $93,300 | $86,771 | $775 |
Price note: S8 adds $2100 Gas-Guzzler Tax. 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, 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 tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 16-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment and headrests, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, 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, satellite radio, digital-media player connection, 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, 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, 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, DVD entertainment system, rear-illuminated visor mirrors, power rear and side sunshades, trunk pass-through w/ski sack.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Security glass, 255/40HR19 tires.
S8 adds to Base:
Powertrain
5.2-liter V10 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Adjustable load-leveling air sport suspension, 265/35R20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
S8
|
$2,800
|
$2,605
|
|
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, rearview camera, keyless access and starting, power rear sunshade, manual side sunshades, power open/close trunklid.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, L
|
$4,000
|
$3,720
|
|
Sport steering wheel w/shift paddles, sport adaptive air suspension, 275/35R20 performance tires, unique alloy wheels. NA w/heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
|
||
|
Exclusive Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, L, S8
|
$11,500
|
$10,696
|
|
Upgraded leather upholstery, alcantara headliner, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, unique interior trim.
|
||
|
Driver's Assistance Pkg.
|
||
|
$1,400
|
$1,303
|
|
|
Blind spot alert, lane departure warning. S8, W12 require heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Rear dual-zone climate controls
|
||
|
Base, L, S8
|
$600
|
$557
|
|
Rear refrigerator
|
||
|
L, W12
|
$1,500
|
$1,396
|
|
L requires ski sack. Replaces trunk pass-through. NA w/rear bench seat.
|
||
|
Bang and Olufsen sound system
|
||
|
Base, L, S8, W12
|
$6,300
|
$5,861
|
|
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
||
|
Base, L
|
$690
|
$641
|
|
Includes wood shift knob.
|
||
|
Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
||
|
Base, L, S8
|
$300
|
$281
|
|
W12
|
$200
|
$185
|
|
Ventilated/massaging front seats
|
||
|
Base, L
|
$1,500
|
$1,396
|
|
Rear-seat power lumbar adjustment
|
||
|
Base, L, S8
|
$350
|
$325
|
|
Rear bench seat
|
||
|
W12
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Deletes power rear seats w/lumbar adjustment.
|
||
|
Ski sack
|
||
|
Base, L, S8
|
$175
|
$164
|
|
Carbon-fiber interior trim
|
||
|
S8
|
$500
|
$466
|
|
Alcantara interior trim
|
||
|
Base, L
|
$1,500
|
$1,396
|
|
Additional leather upholstery
|
||
|
W12
|
$3,900
|
$3,628
|
|
L
|
$6,400
|
$5,953
|
|
S8
|
$4,900
|
$4,558
|
|
L includes alcantara interior trim.
|
||
|
Leather door armrests
|
||
|
Base, L
|
$750
|
$698
|
|
Includes leather center console, unique stitching.
|
||
|
Sunroof solar panel
|
||
|
Base, L, S8, W12
|
$790
|
$734
|
|
Includes solar-powered fan.
|
||
|
Adaptive cruise control
|
||
|
Base, L, S8, W12
|
$2,100
|
$1,953
|
|
Door-closing assist
|
||
|
Base, L, S8
|
$600
|
$557
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Security glass
|
||
|
Base, L
|
$600
|
$557
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
Base, L, W12
|
$750
|
$698
|
|
255/45HR18 tires
|
||
|
W12
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
255/40HR19 tires
|
||
|
Base, L
|
$1,900
|
$1,768
|
|
275/35ZR20 tires
|
||
|
W12
|
$3,200
|
$2,975
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 74.7 | 74.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.9 | 57.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4321 | 4409 |
| 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 @ 6800 | 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 | 16/23 | 13/19 | 13/19 |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Audi A8 Review:
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
