2008 Audi A8
Based on analysis of 34 A8 reviews and test drives.
Audi A8 Ranks #1 in Super Luxury Cars
Overall Score - 9.3 (Excellent)
Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 34 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2008 Audi A8 ranks #1 of 5 in Super Luxury Cars.
The A8 is a high-end luxury cruiser with ample space and power that delivers competent handling and permanent all-wheel drive in a lush, first-rate cabin. For 2008, the A8 receives minor upgrades, but otherwise carries over unchanged. If you're in the market for a super luxury car, check out the 2008 BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S Class.
The large A8 sedan , delivers solid handling and acceleration for a car of its size, and benefits from Audi's famed Quattro all-wheel drive and an extended wheelbase trim level for more room and more power. The Audi A8 carries over into 2008 with minor updates. Popular Mechanics reports that Audi's flagship has had a subtle facelift and some comfort and safety tweaks, "And that's just fine -- with or without the update, the A8 is a supremely capable car." They continue to say, "It's often hard to find room for improvement in cars of this segment, and the A8 is hardly an exception to this rule. Maybe the A8's incredible competence is the reason it's lived on for so long." The Orlando Sentinel reports that this "is a strong, solid car, happiest when allowed to stretch its legs on the highway." Automobile Magazine says the new A8 is a "supremely competent, utterly complete premium luxury sedan."
The A8 carries both driver and passengers in first-rate style, with a luxurious interior fitted with advanced tech features highlighting comfort and convenience. And the A8's plush cabin is right in line with its reputation. New Car Test Drive calls the A8 "fast, roomy, luxurious and exceptionally comfortable," adding that it's "a thinking person's luxury car, more progressive, less traditional than a BMW or Mercedes. It's elegant but not arrogant, indulgent without being excessive." The Audi A8, the brand's largest sedan, "continues to impress," says Forbes, adding that the A8 flagship sedan "blends superior comfort and performance with quiet elegance and a stately overall design." Motor Trend asks if the new A8 is better than the 2007 model, then concludes that it "remains the German luxury sedan for drivers who want more all-weather sport than rolling boardroom."
IntelliChoice has not yet rated the 2008 Audi A8 but gives the 2007 base model a "Worse than Average" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The 2008 Audi A8 comes in three trims: the 4.2-liter V8, the extended wheelbase W12 and the powerful S8.
A8 Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)
While the Audi A8 retains its basic performance features, it still delivers an excellent ride for a large sedan. With impressive acceleration, confident handling and permanent all-wheel drive, the A8 is a luxurious cruiser that doesn't skimp on pep. continue
A8 Exterior - NA
The 2008 Audi A8 received minimal exterior upgrades for the new model year, but Forbes says it retains its "stately overall design." continue
A8 Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The Audi A8 boasts class-leading interior fit and finish, and ample room to seat five adults comfortably. Automobile Magazine calls the A8 a "veritable land yacht," with one reviewer proclaiming the A8 has "the sexiest sedan interior in the world." continue
A8 Safety - NA
The 2008 Audi A8 has not yet been rated in federal government crash tests or by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. continue
A8 Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Audi A8 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Audi covers the A8 with a four-year/50,000-mile new car warranty. continue
