Audi A8 Review
The Audi A8 is a comfortable luxury limo with powerful engines and a classy, spacious interior. That said, its touchscreen infotainment system is a pain to use when driving
This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What's good
- Superb interior
- Comfortable ride
- Massive rear space
What's not so good
- Infotainment hard to use when driving
- Only two engine choices
- Clever kit costs extra
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Overall verdict
The Audi A8 is a comfortable luxury limo with powerful engines and a classy, spacious interior. That said, its touchscreen infotainment system is a pain to use when driving
When it comes to interior design, the Audi A8 has alternatives – such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class – well and truly licked. Everything you see and touch in the A8 feels posh – all models get leather upholstery and expensive-feeling trim pieces, and instead of conventional dials you get a high-resolution 12.3-inch display Audi calls its Virtual Cockpit.
If you like the sound of that then you’ll love the two huge infotainment screens that are stacked on top of each other in the centre of the A8’s dash. They’re bursting with colours and have beautifully detailed 3D maps. The only (rather large) fly in the ointment is that they’re not particularly easy to use on the move.
In a car like the A8 though, who cares – you’ll likely be getting driven. In which case you can forget about the awkward infotainment screens and focus instead on the acres of rear legroom. If you need even more room, A8L models are longer than the regular A8 and are available with Audi’s Relaxation Seats that have a footrest and a massage function.
Mind you, even the driver can relax in the A8. It’s available with clever autonomous driving tech that means the car can drive itself at speeds of up 37mph. Theoretically, you can watch the onboard TV while the car handles the driving. Sounds good, but unfortunately UK law means it can’t be used to its full potential just yet – you still have to hold onto the wheel.
The rest of the A8’s tech is super helpful, though. The optional Dynamic Steering makes the big A8 very manoeuvrable in town and the Predictive Active Suspension can spot and react to bumps to smooth out your journey.
The latter even makes the A8 safer in side impacts – raising the body so that its tough floor takes the hit if you get T-boned.
The Audi A8 has more gadgets than a flagship iStore
Whatever A8 you choose you can be sure you’ll have plenty of power, although there are only two engines available. The 340hp 3.0-litre petrol is smooth, fast and makes the most sense if you’ll use your A8 mostly in town. The 286hp 3.0-litre diesel meanwhile, is better on fuel and feels every bit as quick on motorways, where it’s at its best.
And gobblings up huge mileages while carrying its passengers in maximum comfort is exactly what the A8’s supposed to do – if you’re looking for a posh luxury car then it has got to be near the top of your shopping list.
What's it like inside?
The Audi A8’s interior looks like it has come from the 20s – the 2020s. It screams quality and advanced technology, but it’s a shame the pretty infotainment screens aren’t easier to use
The A8’s air vents are controlled via touch-sensitive strips that look like they belong in a Bond car
How practical is it?
The Audi A8 may be best enjoyed from the rear seats. You can really stretch out, and there’s still enough room for your luggage – no matter how many suitcases you travel with!
Even a giraffe wouldn’t struggle for legroom in the back of the A8 – it’s enormous
What's it like to drive?
The A8’s extremely easy to drive and has lots of clever technology
The Audi A8 can drive itself where the law allows and is extremely comfortable. The Active Dynamic Steering gives it small-car maneuverability, but does feel artificial
The Audi A8 has more safety features than an airbag factory on 24-hour shifts