Audi A8 Saloon (03-11) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 16 January 2009
As a luxury machine, the A8 barely puts a foot wrong, offering satisfying performance, spacious and luxurious interiors along with solid build quality. But despite this it's never proved as popular as rivals like the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series. This may be down to the conservative styling and play-it-safe handling dynamics, but it still has plenty of gadgets to keep restless fingers amused. A long wheelbase version is available and in 2005 the car received a very minor makeover which included Audi's new-style grille and a new 4.2-litre diesel engine to replace the 4.0-litre diesel.
4 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Buying used

Xenon headlamps - which give an extra-bright view of the road - were originally an option, but made standard in October 2007. Other changes around this time included new wing mirrors with integrated LED indicators and Sport models feature a new allow wheel design and a boot spoiler similar to that found on the S8. If you plan on covering large miles then a diesel is a must but they carry a premium.

See 38 used Audi A8 Saloons for sale, starting at £6,995

2.5 out of 5

Selling

The petrol models are significantly harder than the diesels to shift - buyers appreciate the better economy that a diesel brings. That said early A8s are now at tempting prices and some buyers may consider it a viable alternative to something more ordinary (albeit newer) like a Ford Mondeo or Honda Accord.