Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A8 L W12

The long-wheelbase version of the new A8 claims to offer plush surroundings and surprising pace. We try Audi's new flagship.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£13,279 off RRP*
Find your Audi A8
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The A8 L W12 is rapid, agile and fun to drive as well as being extremely refined. Combined with the obvious extra rear space it’s an excellent flagship limo. However, it costs £22,000 more than the also excellent 4.2-litre TDI A8 L and is around half as economical. Try that before committing to this version.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Forget downsizing - the Audi A8 L W12 is all about space, power and prestige.

This luxury limo has a 6.3-litre engine whose 12 cylinders are arranged in a W shape. It develops a mighty 493bhp, catapulting the car to 62mph from rest in just 4.7 seconds.  

The other important number is 130 - the extra length in millimetres separating the A8 L from standard versions. It’s all given to rear leg space so that pampered passengers can really stretch out.

But while the A8 L hardly lacks room, it still doesn’t have the cave-like rear spaciousness of the Mercedes S-Class.

What the A8 L does have, though, is calming refinement in spades. The best luxury cars detach occupants from the stresses of the outside world; this big Audi’s smooth ride and ability to suppress engine, wind and road noise make it a highly relaxing place to be.

However, plant the throttle and it’s instantly clear the W12 engine is a powerhouse. Smooth, yes, but still stomach churning.

For such a big car it’s surprisingly agile too, with quick steering and plenty of grip thanks to quattro four-wheel drive. Its air suspension constantly reacts to driver input and road conditions, so the car strikes a lovely balance between pothole smothering comfort and tight body control around corners.

Some may find the exterior styling too familiar - more than a hint of Audi A4 - though others will appreciate its tasteful discretion. Either way, nobody will argue with the top rate material use and build quality.

Factor in the extra space and the A8 L is a hugely appealing luxury express - regardless of where you plan to sit.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A8

Audi A8

RRP £85,710Avg. savings £13,279 off RRP*Used from £21,494
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,989 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,000
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag
Dacia £15k EV design render

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag

Dacia's new model will be developed in double-quick time, and it'll be built in Europe to avoid China tariffs
News
24 Jul 2025
Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe
Renault 5 - front static

Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe

Renault has no plans to fight Volkswagen for sales supremacy, despite huge growth in EV sales due to new Renault 5
News
23 Jul 2025
New MG IM6 review: the EV to finally tame Tesla
MG IM6 - front

New MG IM6 review: the EV to finally tame Tesla

The new MG IM6 boasts a dual-motor set-up with an astonishing 741bhp
Road tests
23 Jul 2025