Audi A8 Saloon (10 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 20 August 2010
There are few better luxury cars on the road than the Audi A8. While the design may not break many boundaries, the flagship of the Audi range showcases cutting edge yet user-friendly technology, along with impressively efficient engines. Like the previous model, it uses a lightweight aluminium body that boosts economy and aids handling. All models also come with Audi Drive Select - a system that allows the driver to change the steering, suspension and automatic gearbox settings. The 3.0-litre models also get stop/start in a bid to reduce fuel consumption. Then there's the superb cabin which oozes class with its top quality materials and elegant, yet modern design. Whether you're behind the wheel or relaxing in the sumptuous rear seats, the A8 is simply a wonderful car to travel in. Crucially, it's now also a true match for alternatives like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. There's also a long wheelbase limo available, which increases legroom by 130mm.
5 out of 5

Other Audi reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

With list prices starting at more than £50,000, the A8 can never be called affordable, but it's competitive with alternatives like the BMW 7-Series and looks good value compared to the Mercedes S-Class. The A8 long-wheelbase starts from £58,765 and rises to £92,515.All the engines are economical in relation to their power outputs but the 3.0 TDI is the best with 47mpg achievable. Audi servicing isn't cheap, but you should be guaranteed excellent customer care from dealers.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,918 - £2,668 *

Diesel

£1,364 - £1,781 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

According to on-board computer up to two years/19,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£170.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

4 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
    158
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
    277

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Large luxury saloons are rarely environmentally-friendly so the A8 may surprise many.True the 4.2 FSI engine is far from green but CO2 emissions of 219g/km and fuel economy of 30mpg are good for a car boasting more than 370bhp. But the 3.0 TDI (204bhp) is the most impressive model - it emits 159g/km of CO2 and is capable of averaging 47mpg - better than a Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi automatic.

Find the exact engine and CO2