Car Review Search
New, Used and Lease
Used Audi A8 Cars New Audi A8 Cars Audi A8 Leasing Audi A8 Cars Audi A8 Car Parts
Audi A8
Car Review
Audi A8
The Audi A8 is not a flashy car; in fact its best features lie under its exterior skin. The additional security of four-wheel drive and its powerful V8 diesel engine are very strong selling points for the A8. Not to mention the luxurious hi-tech cabin, it seems that Audi thought of everything.
Audi A8 Car Review Summary
Audi A8
The Audi A8 has taken the hi-tech route. It is available in four-wheel drive, and the buyer has their choice between several engines. The cars exterior is not designed for show. It has a simple, plain style, its good for those who don’t want to be center stage.
Audi’s A8 executive cars have always been quality performing, decent looking cars, but Audi has had trouble competing in this niche of the market with Mercedes. Competing with the Mercedes brand and image is a huge challenge for Audi. They are hoping that the A8 will help to turn the tides in their favor.
The A8 is a technologically advanced car offering Quattro four-wheel drive, superb build quality, and advanced petrol and diesel engines. These qualities are attracting buyers who are looking for something a little different without all the flash, a more mature sophisticated look.
With all the questions and doubts concerning quality at Mercedes, Audi is hoping that buyers will take a second look at their own consistently high standards. Buyers will also like the all around spaciousness of the Audi A8. Even rear passengers will have more legroom than they will know what to do with.
Practicality
The Audi A8 is a costly car to buy and own. Purchasing the diesel option will soften the expense at the pumps as well as taxes. Running costs and upkeep are high as well, but if you can afford to buy this car, you can probably afford the upkeep.
The A8 has an extremely large boot. Leg and headroom is more than ample for front and rear passengers. The cabin also provides quite a bit of storage space for miscellaneous items to be stowed. The glove box is limited on room due to the fact that it houses the CD changer, but it is sufficient.
All of the controls and dials are sensibly placed and functional. In the attempt to offer more and reduce control knobs, Audi has gone with a system similar to BMW’s iDrive system, the new system is called MMI. The system works well, but like the iDrive, it does take some practice to figure it out.
The Audi A8 delivers a more comfortable ride when all the standard features are kept (wheels, etc). The seats are supportive and firm, and are easily adjustable to comfortably accommodate most drivers.
The A8 is designed with large doors that open widely making accessing and egressing the vehicle a fairly simple task. Not only does the cabin provide adequate head and legroom for forward and rear riding passengers, but it is wide enough that passengers have plenty of elbow room as well.
The Audi A8 can be a difficult car to park. It wasn’t designed for easy parking. However, forward visibility is good, and the cars side mirror dips when the car is put into reverse. Power steering also assists in maneuvering into tight places, and parking sensors are a must have with this vehicle.
Audi A8
Life Style
For such a large car the Audi A8 is super easy for a seasoned motorist to drive. The appeal doesn’t end there; the A8 has an adaptive air suspension system and Quattro four-wheel drive. The car drives and feels better once it has gained some speed.
If you can afford the Audi A8, it would make a great family car. It’s spacious and comfortable. A family could easily adjust to the A8 as their primary means of transportation. The Audi A8 could easily accommodate both long family road trips, and shorter local jaunts around town.
The A8 is definitely not a starter car. Most new drivers probably couldn’t afford it. The A8 is too large and powerful for beginner drivers, and insurance wouldn’t be affordable either. Not to mention running costs would be just as outrageous. This is not a good first car.
Audi is very popular in the lower end segments with a loyal following of customers. This has not been true in the higher end of the market. Normally beat out by the competition in the higher end of the market, Audi has rigorously marketed the A8 in a desperate attempt to reverse this trend. The Audi A8’s quality is not in question though, it is made inside and out with top-notch quality materials.
Audi A8
Security and Safety
Audi A8 is not a showy car but it is really pricy, and good security features are a must. It comes with remote central locking and an alarm with interior movement sensors. Audi’s Intelligent Key function allows you to select which door will be unlocked through the MMI system.
The cabin is equipped with front passenger airbags and side airbags for the four outside passengers. The car’s four-wheel drive system adds an element of safety in less than ideal road conditions, along with electronic traction devices.
The Finishing Touches
The Audi A8 comes with a nine speaker stereo system, and a CD changer mounted in the glove box. All displays are shown via the car’s pop-up fascia screen. Control is initiated via the car’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, with stereo controls for basic functions mounted on the steering wheel for the driver’s convenience. As impressive as the basic package is there are still upgrades available, such as a sat-nav system and a TV mount.
Leather seats come standard in the Audi A8, and the interior trim is decorated in different leather. There is the option of leather upgrades (to even more expensive leather). There are also a couple of choices for seat upgrades, and the darker colours seem to look best in the A8’s cabin. Silver and darker blues are very flattering exterior colours for the Audi A8.
Interested in buying a new car from Audi
New Audi Offers
Lease Audi Offers
