• Boot space less important than passenger space
• Audi A8 still has a large boot, even in PHEV format
• Huge amounts of interior space on offer

Despite being such a large car, the Audi A8’s prime audience really isn’t looking for out-and-out practicality. Masses of lounging room in a comfortable rear compartment (we’ve talked more about this in the Comfort section) are more important than outright luggage capacity, although the A8 does have a large, well-shaped boot.

So, there’s a huge amount of leg, shoulder and headroom in the rear and there’s lots of storage cubbies around the cabin as well as a very nice interior lighting package. It also has slightly more rear legroom than the previous-generation A8 thanks to a longer wheelbase.

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Boot space and storage

It boasts a 505-litre boot in both standard- and long-wheelbase form (compared with 515 for the BMW 7 Series and 550 for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class), although this figure drops to 350-litres in the plug-in hybrid due to the battery.

It’s well shaped, both deep and long, with secondary storage areas on either side. The loading lip is usefully low, too, so you won’t strain getting those heavy cases in there.

Is it easy to park?

The Audi A8 looks like an A6, but it’s significantly larger than its executive-class cousin. There’s no disguising its bulk on the move, and trying to squeeze it into typical UK-sized parking spaces is a bit of a challenge.

Luckily, it has all of the parking aids you’d ever need, which include parking radar front and rear, as well an excellent 360-degree camera system, which helps get you into those tight spots without too many troubles.

View dimensions in the Audi A8 specs pages

Safety

• No Euro NCAP score
• Strong space frame construction
• Lots of driver assistance tech

The A8 still hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP, but is built around a very strong construction and comes with the very latest driver assistance tech, so you should be in good hands.

All cars benefit from Quattro four-wheel drive as standard so grip, even in the worst conditions, is generally outstanding. There are a multitude of airbags plus two standard and one optional Isofix child seat mount.

The 2022 update introduces Digital Matrix LED headlights and organic LED (OLED) taillights to the A8. Each headlight features 1.3 million micromirrors that help to disperse the light more accurately. As well as reducing glare for oncoming road users, they can aim more light into the A8’s lane, which can help guide the driver through roadworks or other narrow roads.

The LEDs can also be programmed to display different dynamic light shows when the driver is approaching and leaving the car, while the rear OLEDs can be programmed to illuminate if another vehicle moves to within two metres behind the stationary A8. On the road, they work extremely well, although the standard adaptive LED headlights are so good, it’s hard to justify the additional expense of the new optional system.

Standard driver assistance systems include:

• Adaptive cruise control with lane departure warning
• Emergency assist
• Head-up display
• Parking System Plus with front and rear sensors
• Rear-view camera
• Advanced key
• Audi Pre-sense Basic
• Audi Pre-sense Front
• Camera-based traffic sign recognition
• Tyre-pressure warning light

There’s also the optional City Assist Pack, which contains:

• Cross-Traffic Assist Front
• Audi Side Assist
• Audi Pre-sense Rear