2008 Audi A8 Safety Review
Based on analysis of 34 A8 reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Audi A8 has not yet been rated in federal government crash tests or by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Accident Avoidance
The 2008 Audi A8 comes with a dual-circuit Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution and an Electronic Stabilization Program. The A8 also comes with Audi's famed Quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque-sensing center differential.
Crash Protection
The 2008 Audi A8 is fitted with two-stage full-size driver and front passenger air bags, and front and knee side air bags. Rear side air bags are available as an option. The A8 comes equipped with active head restraints standard, which reduce the risk of whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision. The A8 has power seat belt height adjustments for the driver and front passenger, which New Car Test Drive says are "excellent."
Advanced Safety Systems
Audi lane assist, which detects when the driver is outside his or her respective traffic lane, sends a warning through a vibrating steering wheel to keep the driver on track and safe. The strength of the vibrations can bet set to different levels. Popular Mechanics finds "the highest setting to be ideal in both cases - but then again, we never fell asleep behind the wheel. The system goes inactive below speeds under 31 mph, or when the blinker is engaged." Edmunds says "the steering wheel will jiggle like Rip Van Winkle on speed in order to shake you awake."
The A8 also has advanced safety features available, such as Audi side assist, which warns the driver when a car is in their blind spot by flashing a light in the side mirror.
