In-depth reviews

Audi A8 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

Hybrid systems deliver respectable economy, but depreciation remains a big problem for the A8

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs Rating

3.5 out of 5

Price
£78,220 to £104,945
Find your Audi A8
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

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.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    50 TDI Quattro 4dr Tiptronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £69,955

Most Economical

  • Name
    50 TDI Quattro 4dr Tiptronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £69,955

Fastest

  • Name
    55 TFSI Quattro Sport 4dr Tiptronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £73,800

Most Popular

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023