The Audi A8 is one of Audi’s most underrated and yet brilliant cars. A modern classic.
Comfort
Can feel a little wooden-legged in the more firmly sprung versions, but keep to standard wheels and this is one of the most isolatory semi-limos in the business. You might feel the odd lump, but the lack of significant noise and simply gorgeous seating make this a great car in which to do distance. Head- and legroom is vast both front and rear and that’s before you spec the ‘L’ long wheelbase version. 11 out of 20
Performance
Forget the base 2.8 V6 and its 34.0mpg if you really want to get respect, the A8 needs the 4.2 V8 FSI with 345bhp, 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and a limited 155mph to really make the most of it. There is a W12 (444bhp) version that hits 62mph in just 5.2, but it’s overpriced at £81k, does only 20mpg and isn’t better than the lovely diesels. Audi’s 3.0-litre TDI makes an appearance once again, but the 4.2 V8 is simply the best compromise between range, performance and sheer speed. 18 out of 20
Cool
Not going to bring hordes of adoring fans, but in the right specification, this car is all about respect. So yes, it’s cool. 15 out of 20
Quality
The latest generation of A8 redefines all the cliches. Everything feels strong to the point of being over-engineered. We like that. 16 out of 20
Handling
Aluminium heavy construction at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant means the A8 is able to maintain its weight balance superbly. It’s not the most involving car to drive quickly, but the responses are faithful and grip simply huge, even with non-Quattro cars. 12 out of 20
Practicality
The A8 is big enough to be a world-class limo, so it swallows pretty much anything you care to throw at it. It might not be the easiest of cars to parallel park in a tight spot, but that’s what parking sensors are for. Beware the big petrol engines if you don’t want to have to keep stopping for fuel. 14 out of 20
Running costs
The diesels aren’t terrifically more economical than the petrols, but still better. All variants are cheaper than the equivalent cars from Mercedes or BMW, but have all the kit, and strong residuals are a given. It’s a premium car though, so be prepared to keep it maintained well.
Comfort
Can feel a little wooden-legged in the more firmly sprung versions, but keep to standard wheels and this is one of the most isolatory semi-limos in the business. You might feel the odd lump, but the lack of significant noise and simply gorgeous seating make this a great car in which to do distance. Head- and legroom is vast both front and rear and that’s before you spec the ‘L’ long wheelbase version. 11 out of 20
Performance
Forget the base 2.8 V6 and its 34.0mpg if you really want to get respect, the A8 needs the 4.2 V8 FSI with 345bhp, 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and a limited 155mph to really make the most of it. There is a W12 (444bhp) version that hits 62mph in just 5.2, but it’s overpriced at £81k, does only 20mpg and isn’t better than the lovely diesels. Audi’s 3.0-litre TDI makes an appearance once again, but the 4.2 V8 is simply the best compromise between range, performance and sheer speed. 18 out of 20
Cool
Not going to bring hordes of adoring fans, but in the right specification, this car is all about respect. So yes, it’s cool. 15 out of 20
Quality
The latest generation of A8 redefines all the cliches. Everything feels strong to the point of being over-engineered. We like that. 16 out of 20
Handling
Aluminium heavy construction at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant means the A8 is able to maintain its weight balance superbly. It’s not the most involving car to drive quickly, but the responses are faithful and grip simply huge, even with non-Quattro cars. 12 out of 20
Practicality
The A8 is big enough to be a world-class limo, so it swallows pretty much anything you care to throw at it. It might not be the easiest of cars to parallel park in a tight spot, but that’s what parking sensors are for. Beware the big petrol engines if you don’t want to have to keep stopping for fuel. 14 out of 20
Running costs
The diesels aren’t terrifically more economical than the petrols, but still better. All variants are cheaper than the equivalent cars from Mercedes or BMW, but have all the kit, and strong residuals are a given. It’s a premium car though, so be prepared to keep it maintained well.
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