Audi A8 review
The Audi A8 features impressive tech and a luxurious interior, but can’t match the Mercedes S-Class for comfort
The fourth-generation Audi A8 edges even closer to the segment-leading Mercedes S-Class, but still falls just short of its main rival, despite some impressive attributes. It’s beautifully made and sumptuously finished, but the S-Class is more comfortable, especially for rear seat passengers.
But this doesn’t detract from the fact that the A8 is a deeply impressive limo, as the big Audi comes with fuel-efficient engines, a superb minimalist interior design and more kit than ever on board.
About the Audi A8
The Audi A8 and longer wheelbase A8 L showcase the company's latest technology, including the TFSI e petrol/electric hybrid models. It's for sale in the luxury limousine sector, and with a starting price of around £75,000 (with the A8 L around £4,000 more than that), it's not a purchase for the faint hearted.
But what you get for the money is one of the most technologically advanced cars you can buy, as well as being one of the most comfortable. There's lots of interior space, while the gadgets on board are designed to make life as easy as possible, as well as boosting comfort. The A8 needs to be comfortable to challenge its rivals, which include the class-leading Mercedes S-Class, the technology-laden BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS, plus traditional models like the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Flying Spur.
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A facelift in late 2021 saw mild styling updates, with a bigger, redesigned grille, refreshed front bumper and different side skirts and rear lower valance, while the A8 also features new LED headlights and rear light clusters.
Under the skin, the aluminium chassis tech is something that Audi pioneered with the first A8 of 1994, while power comes from large capacity TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines. These engines use Audi's new numbering system, so there's a choice of 50 TDI and 55 TFSI units. However, the numbers don't relate to engine size, but instead are given according to the power that they make. In this instance, the engines are 3.0-litre V6 units with either 282bhp (the TDI diesel) or 335bhp (the TFSI petrol).
The 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid uses a 3.0-litre V6 engine coupled with a bigger 17.9kWh battery (compared to pre-facelift version's 14kWh unit) supplying power to an electric motor. The total output delivers 456bhp and 700Nm of torque, with an all-electric range that should be in excess of 30 miles.
For those seeking an increase in power and performance, there's the flagship S8 model with a 4.0-litre V8 powerplant delivering 563bhp. However, you'll have to really want one to justify the £100,000 cost.
All cars come with a Tiptronic automatic gearbox and quattro four-wheel drive, so there's solid grip in all weathers, and the A8 is a doddle to drive. Party tricks such as self-parking and adaptive cruise control also lend a hand to make the driving experience as relaxed as possible.
Engines, performance and drive
It’s not often we’d say that the driving experience is of secondary importance to the comfort of the rear seat passengers, but in the case of the A8 we’d make an exception. That’s not to say that driving an A8 is disappointing – far from it, because there’s a certain amount of pleasure associated with lording it about in the flagship Audi.
As you’d expect, the standard petrol and diesel versions are incredibly refined, developing little more than a muffled growl under load, before becoming almost inaudible at cruise. Both now feature a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which enables the car to coast with the engine switched off, before seamlessly restarting when required. It makes for an even smoother experience on those long cross-continent business trips.
The 60 TFSI e has an availability of instant torque from the electric motor that makes for effortless overtaking. It’s very refined, too, because the motor is completely silent, and this, along with excellent soundproofing throughout, means driving at city speeds is very relaxing.
However, the integration of the powertrain with the A8’s eight-speed automatic gearbox could be better. The engine fires up automatically when it needs to (unless you’ve set the controls to EV-only mode), and this is sometimes accompanied by a slight driveline shunt.
The sheer weight and width of the A8 are never far from your mind, but the brakes are more than up for the task of bringing this behemoth to a stop. The one area where it does fall behind the S-Class is ride quality, but with the firmness comes improved body control.
That’s not to say the A8 feels cumbersome and oversized when you turn off the motorway. Thanks to four-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts at lower speeds, the A8 feels like the smaller A4 saloon around town.
Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel – badged as the 50 TDI – is likely to be the best-selling A8 in the UK. It delivers 282bhp and 600Nm of torque to deliver a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds and top speed of 155mph.
The 3.0-litre V6 petrol – badged as the 55 TFSI – delivers 335bhp and 500Nm of torque to deliver a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds (5.7 seconds in the long-wheelbase version) and a top speed of 155mph.
Both engines feature a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which enables the A8 to coast with the engine switched off when cruising. It also has an extended start-stop system and an energy recovery system. Audi claims that the combined effect improves fuel economy by 0.7-litres for every 62 miles (100km) driven. That doesn't sound like much, but those savings will build up over time.
The 55 TFSI doesn't feel quite as brisk as the 50 TDI due to its torque deficit, but it's plenty fast enough and accelerates with linear smoothness. It's also so quiet as to be almost silent at idle, and supremely hushed at motorways speeds.
Opting for smaller alloys than the 20-inch wheels we've tried on a 55 TFSI might be best, though; the ride, while by no means uncomfortable, could be made more in keeping with the A8's big-exec status if 19, or even 18-inch alloys were fitted.
Audi's 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid model uses a 3.0-litre V6 petrol unit, alongside an electric motor fed by a 17.9kWh battery. With a total output of 456bhp and 700Nm of torque, it's an impressive performer, managing 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.
MPG, CO2 and running costs
The 48-volt mild hybrid system in the Audi A8 helps to deliver respectable fuel economy figures (under WLTP testing), with the 50 TDI delivering 40.4mpg when using the standard-fit 18-inch alloy wheels. But, opt for the 20-inch rims that come with the Black Edition trim and economy drops to 39.2mpg. The 55 TFSI Sport petrol model delivers up to 31mpg on the combined cycle.
The choice of equipment level also has an impact on CO2 emissions, with 50 TDI emitting between 184-189g/km of CO2, while the figures are 206g/km to 211g/km for the 55 TFSI.
The 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid is the greenest choice by far. The petrol/electric model has a claimed maximum economy of around 148mpg (as long as you keep the battery topped up), with CO2 emissions from 42g/km.
Insurance groups
As with all cars as expensive and swift as the A8, insurance is pricey. The 55 TFSI and 50 TDI start from group 44 out of 50, while the 60 TFSI e will attract a more expensive premium being in group 48 for the standard car and group 49 for the long-wheelbase version. The top-of-the-range S8 predictably sits in group 50.
Depreciation
As with all limousines, the Audi A8 loses a hefty chunk of cash to depreciation. Our experts predict that the range will retain an average of 36 per cent of its value after three years and 36,000 miles, with the A8 L losing a touch more than the standard wheelbase car. The S8 performance model does slightly better, holding on to 47 per cent of its original list price after the three-year period of ownership.
To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our free car valuation tool...
Interior, design and technology
True to form, there's an evolutionary approach to the styling of the Audi A8, erring on the side of handsome and understated, rather than oozing presence and drama. On the plus side, at least the OLED light band spanning the rear end will help to distinguish the flagship from the rest of the range, until the tech filters down to other models.
To some, the A8’s ability to blend in with its surroundings will be a positive, while others might prefer the more ‘showy’ nature of the Mercedes S-Class and Range Rover. Still, the OLED tech, with its fancy light animations, will deliver some kerb appeal.
But as ever, the interior remains one of the A8’s chief party tricks, with technology battling luxury for ultimate supremacy. The A8’s cabin is more minimalist than before, which only serves to heighten the sense of calm and relaxation.
The electrically-adjustable Valcona leather seats, which can be finished in a choice of six colours, are supremely comfortable over long distances, especially for those travelling in the rear.
Lace Audi’s palms with gold and they’ll offer a number of options for the rear passenger space, including a ‘relaxation seat’ on the long-wheelbase version. The rear left seat features four adjustment options and an ability to warm and massage the soles of your feet.
The level of equipment remains generous, even before you start ticking a few boxes on the options sheet. A multi-function leather steering wheel, heated front seats, LED interior lighting pack and chilled glovebox are features of the standard model, while the long-wheelbase version adds heated rear seats, four-zone climate control, electric rear sunblinds and comfort rear headrests.
Options include a panoramic glass roof, acoustic double glazing, air quality pack, double foldaway table, a cool box for the load-through facility, an extended leather pack and matrix LED reading lights.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
The A8’s dashboard is dominated by a pair of touchscreens on the centre console, comprising a 10.1-inch upper screen and 8.6-inch lower screen, which power up as soon as the car is opened. Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit is now standard equipment on the A8.
The old circular MMI controller has gone, replaced by an ability to write commands on the lower screen. You can also operate many of the car’s functions via voice control, while familiar tablet-style pinch and swipe functions control the navigation and media. It’s one the best systems on the market, with large virtual buttons making it easy to find the major controls.
Standard equipment includes wireless smartphone charging, a DVD player, DAB radio and a 10-speaker Audi sound system. The long-wheelbase version features a music interface in the rear, with two USB ports.
In our experience, the Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system is a must-have upgrade and features 23 speakers, a 23-channel amplifier and a total output of 1,920 watts. Choosing this upgrade also unlocks the rear seat entertainment pack, which offers two removable Android tablets.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
The Audi A8 is a large vehicle, but it remains a saloon car, so those in search of more interior space and versatility would be better served by the Q7 or Q8 flagship SUVs. But in terms of comfort, the A8 is without peer, at least within the Audi range.
Ultimately, it falls just short of the Mercedes S-Class in terms of luxury feel, but take nothing away from a cabin that oozes class and sophistication. Cleverly, Audi has redesigned the interior to provide a greater sense of space, with a minimalist dashboard that’s free of clutter.
Dimensions and size
The redesigned front grille and OLED lighting strip at the rear make the A8 look wider than ever, and it remains a large car to thread through narrow city streets and country lanes.
At 5,172mm in length, it’s longer than most cars on the road, but shorter than an S-Class (5,246mm) and Range Rover (5,199mm). But if size does matter, you can upgrade to the 5,302mm long-wheelbase version.
Other dimensions include 2,130mm width (including door mirrors) and 1,473mm height.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
The A8 feels more spacious than ever, helped in part by the less fussy interior and increased wheelbase. Space in the back is up slightly over the previous A8, especially in the long-wheelbase version, but the saloon works best as a four-seater, as the transmission tunnel robs the middle seat of foot space and comfort.
Boot space
A 505-litre boot puts the A8 on a par with the Mercedes S-Class and a few litres short of the BMW 7 Series. Enough room for a family holiday or a set of golf clubs, then, although the plug-in e-tron model sacrifices more than 100 litres of luggage space in order to accommodate the battery pack.
Reliability and safety
There's a great range of safety kit with the A8 - the flagship saloon boasts adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, lane departure warning, a rear-view camera, park assist and auto emergency braking. The A8 is unlikely to be crash tested by Euro NCAP, but recent Audi saloons and SUVs have emerged with a maximum five-star rating.
The A8 didn't make an appearance in our latest Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Audi itself tends to finish in the lower half of the manufacturer ranking, and 2020 was no different with 23rd place out of 29 car makers.
Warranty
The A8 is covered by Audi’s standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which can be extended to four years or 75,000 miles for around £1,100, and five years or 90,000 miles for around £2,500. This is the most expensive extended warranty of the entire Audi range, on a par with the R8.
Servicing
Servicing an A8 is no more onerous than caring for an A1 or A3. Depending on the amount of miles you intend to drive in a year, you can choose from either a fixed inspection or flexible service schedule.
The fixed inspection service schedule is aimed at drivers covering fewer than 10,000 miles per annum and includes an oil-change service every 9,000 miles or one year and an inspection service every 19,000 miles or two years.
Anyone covering more than 10,000 miles a year should select the flexible service schedule, which includes an oil-change service at variable intervals up to a maximum of every 19,000 miles or two years, plus an inspection service every 19,000 miles or two years.
