AUDI A8 SALOON REVIEW

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Audi has V8 petrol and diesel engines that deliver crushing performance. However, the 3.0-litre V6 diesel is our pick because it has all the muscle you need and is significantly cheaper to buy and run. Whichever engine you choose, drive is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A front-wheel-drive version of the V6 diesel will join the line-up later this year.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

Every A8 has adjustable air suspension that provides a pretty supple ride when you select Comfort or Auto mode. However, sharp bumps can still send the odd shudder through the cabin (and those onboard). In most settings, body control is good for such a big car, but while the steering weights up with speed, it is devoid of feel.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

The A8 lets in a bit of road noise over coarse surfaces, but standard double glazing keeps wind noise to a minimum and the engines sound polished at all times. The 3.0-litre diesel has an unobtrusive engine stop-start system that cuts the engine when you come to a standstill and then restarts it as soon as you lift off the brake pedal.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

Prices undercut those of key BMW and Mercedes-Benz rivals, but the A8 still isn't cheap and, like any big limo, it will suffer heavy depreciation. The V8 engines are respectably efficient given their power, although the V6 diesel makes far more financial sense, averaging 42.8mpg and attracting a 25% company car tax rating. The front-wheel-drive version is expected to return more than 47mpg and be three tax bands lower.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

Audi has a reputation for outstanding cabin quality, and the A8 shows it's well deserved. All of the materials are beautifully textured, the onscreen graphics look great and the interior panel gaps are all millimetre perfect. The JD Power customer satisfaction survey suggests that Audi's reliability doesn't always match its standards of assembly, though.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

You won't want for safety kit. Every A8 comes with eight airbags, stability control and Audi's pre-sense system, which automatically activates the hazard warning lights, closes the windows and tightens the front seatbelts if an accident looks unavoidable. A more sophisticated version that also brakes the car is available as an option, as is a night-vision system that's capable of identifying pedestrians. Security kit is comprehensive, too.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

A huge range of electric seat and steering wheel adjustment makes it easy to get comfortable, while Audi's MMI control system keeps clutter to a minimum by letting you access most functions via onscreen menus. The A8 also has a touchpad that lets you write your destination into the sat-nav so you can programme it without taking your eyes of the road. However, some of the MMI menus can be a bit distracting.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The standard A8 isn't as roomy as a BMW 7 Series, or even some family hatchbacks, but there's plenty of space for four six-footers, and all the seats are comfortable and supportive. The boot is a decent size at 510 litres, although it's a bit short. The ‘L’ long-wheelbase version has more rear legroom and makes a comfy four-seat limo.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

The long list of standard equipment includes climate control, leather upholstery, a DAB digital radio, satellite-navigation and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. SE Executive trim adds electrically operated boot closing, a rear parking camera and larger alloys. Buyers can also specify anything from massage seats to a 1400-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo.