The current A8 offers a near-perfect blend of luxury, performance, amenities and style, and is one of our favorite full-size luxury sedans. Three trims are available: A8, the long-wheelbase A8 L and the A8 L W12. The A8 and A8 L are powered by a 4.2-liter, 350-horsepower V8, while the A8 L W12 offers a 6.0-liter engine good for 450 horses. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift control. Regardless of which engine you choose, you’ll be impressed by the big sedan’s ride and handling characteristics. The Audi A8′s driver-adjustable air suspension provides a comfortable ride without excessive float over bumps, and if you take the car around a few corners, it proves surprisingly agile with nicely weighted steering. All trims boast generous standard features lists, including amenities like a navigation system and heated front and rear seats.
Rear-seat room is adequate in the regular-wheelbase model, while the A8 L model provides more than enough legroom for a pair of 6-footers. Cabin furnishings are best-in-class, and thanks to Audi’s logically designed Multi Media Interface (MMI), accessing the car’s numerous audio, climate and navigation functions is as simple as it gets in the luxury-car world.
The A8 undoubtedly lacks the snob appeal of its fellow Germans, but don’t let that stop you. With its roomy, best-in-class cabin and excellent driving dynamics, this sedan shines as one of the strongest picks in its segment. This fact is evidenced by its multiple “Editors’ Most Wanted” wins over the years.
As redesigns go, Audi’s 2004 overhaul of the A8 is likely one of the most successful on record. Relative to its predecessor, this generation offers a lighter chassis and a more muscular V8, along with lots of comfort, safety and suspension upgrades. If you’re shopping for a used A8 from this era, keep in mind that the car’s W12 power plant wasn’t available until 2005. Additionally, you’ll want to remember that the A8 got a new V8 in 2007, upping horsepower on these models from 335 to the current 350.
