Audi A8

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Audi A8 overall verdict

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If it were a woman, the A8 would be a severe Teutonic blonde. Stunning, and yet hard to get close to
Our buying tip

The Audi A8 is one of Audi’s most underrated and yet brilliant cars. A modern classic.

Comfort

Can feel a little wooden-legged in the more firmly sprung versions, but keep to standard wheels and this is one of the most isolatory semi-limos in the business. You might feel the odd lump, but the lack of significant noise and simply gorgeous seating make this a great car in which to do distance. Head- and legroom is vast both front and rear and that’s before you spec the ‘L’ long wheelbase version.
Performance

Forget the base 3.0 V6 and its 31mpg if you really want to get respect, the A8 needs the 4.2 V8 FSI with 369bhp, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and a limited 155mph to really make the most of it. Audi’s 3.0-litre TDI makes an appearance once again, but the 4.2 V8 is simply the best compromise between range, performance and sheer speed.
Cool

Not going to bring hordes of adoring fans, but in the right specification, this car is all about respect. So yes, it’s cool.
Quality

The latest generation of A8 redefines all the cliches. Everything feels strong to the point of being over-engineered. We like that.
Handling

Aluminium heavy construction at Audi’s Neckarsulm plant means the A8 is able to maintain its weight balance superbly. It’s not the most involving car to drive quickly, but the responses are faithful and grip simply huge, even with non-Quattro cars.
Practicality

The A8 is big enough to be a world-class limo, so it swallows pretty much anything you care to throw at it. It might not be the easiest of cars to parallel park in a tight spot, but that’s what parking sensors are for. Beware the big petrol engines if you don’t want to have to keep stopping for fuel.
Running costs

The diesels aren’t terrifically more economical than the petrols, but still better. All variants are cheaper than the equivalent cars from Mercedes or BMW, but have all the kit, and strong residuals are a given. It’s a premium car though, so be prepared to keep it maintained well.