- 2009
2008 Audi A8
- Used Audi A8
Audi A8 - What the Auto Press Says
The A8 offers the handling of a small sports sedan, the sure-footing of Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and a luxurious cabin that equals some of the finest cars available. However, the car's reliability rating is below that of its competitors. Also, some reviewers find flaws with the car's multimedia interface, which is not intuitive.
The Audi 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. In a class known for ultra-premium interiors, the A8 fits in well. Its cabin is as well-built, technologically advanced and plush as anything Mercedes-Benz or BMW can claim. But the A8, despites its size, is a driver's car. It benefits from Audi's famed Quattro all-wheel drive system, giving the big car handling often associated with smaller sports sedans, allowing it to outperform its peers while matching them in accommodations.
The A8 suffers, however, from a low reliability score that keeps it from the top of its class.
Forbes says Audi's flagship sedan "blends superior comfort and performance with quiet elegance and a stately overall design." The 2008 Audi A8 comes in three trims: the 4.2-liter V8, the extended wheelbase W12 and the powerful S8.
For 2008, the A8 receives minor upgrades, but otherwise carries over unchanged. If you're in the market for a super luxury car, you might also consider the 2008 BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
- "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." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The A8 remains the German luxury sedan for drivers who want more all-weather sport than rolling boardroom." -- Motor Trend
- "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 -- Popular Mechanics
- "A supremely competently, utterly complete premium luxury sedan." -- Automobile Magazine
A8 Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2008 Audi A8 is powered by a 350-horsepower V8 that gives it class-competitive acceleration. Where the big car shines, however, is in the corners. It offers a driver-adjustable air suspension, which can be tuned to Dynamic, Comfort, Lift or Automatic settings depending on road conditions, and whether the driver wants to have some fun with the big car or cruise sedately. New Car Test Drive reports the A8 "can be a thrill to drive," something we don't always hear about cars with a curb weight of more than 2 tons. Continue with our full Performance Review to read about the A8's advanced six-speed Triptronic transmission. Read More
A8 Exterior - NA
The 2008 Audi A8 is an attractive car, but like most of its competition, offers fairly conservative styling. Auto writers say the A8 manages to look a bit sporty without betraying its luxury cruiser roots. Automobile Magazine write, "The sheetmetal -- its Armani suit -- that wraps around the car is the best representation of the current Audi styling language and the huge full-length grille looks bold and luxurious." Check out our Audi A8 Photo Gallery to decide for yourself, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read more perspectives from the professionals. Read More
A8 Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The Audi A8 competes with some of the most luxurious cars in the world, and automotive writers continually say it offers one of the finest passenger cabins in its class. Automobile Magazine has called the A8's cabin "the sexiest sedan interior in the world." Most reviews do single out Audi's MMI Multimedia Interface for some criticism -- the system controls most of the car's electronics through a single interface that some find intuitive, but many don't. See details of the space in our Audi A8 Photo Gallery, or continue with our full Interior Review to read about new surface materials that reduce cabin noise. Read More
A8 Safety - NA
The Audi A8 has not been crash tested by either the federal government or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It comes with a complete suite of safety systems, including ten standard air bags and two more available as options. Active safety systems, such as a lane departure warning system are also standard. Continue with our full Safety Review for a complete discussion of the A8's extensive list of standard safety equipment. Read More
A8 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
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 its cars with a four-year/50,000-mile new car warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more. Read More
