Audi A8 review

Luxury limos lead very different lives from those of humble hatchbacks. These wizards of waft spend their time ferrying the exquisitely dressed to their business meetings and glamorous black-tie balls, bathing in the flashlights of the paparazzi.

And the Audi A8 is one of the most famous of the breed. Alongside its arch rivals the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class, it's the go-to choice for anyone who wants a level of luxury above regular saloon cars (such as the smaller Audi A6), but doesn't want or need the elite badge of a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce.

As with both of its key rivals, the A8 is available in standard-wheelbase form and as a stretched, long-wheelbase 'L' model – the latter of which provides even more leg room for those sitting in the back. There's also a choice between petrol and diesel power, although there's no plug-in hybrid version yet. 

But here's the crucial question: is the A8 good enough to beat the S-Class and 7 Series for comfort, luxury and technology? Read on over the next few pages and we'll give you the answers, as well as recommendations for which engine, trim and options to go for.

And whichever luxury limo you end up deciding is the one for you, don’t forget to head over to our New Car Buying pages to find out how much you could save on the brochure price.