The 2008 Audi A8 embodies what a flagship luxury sedan should be. The clean lines of the A8 are elegant and stately, while at the same time, modern and stylish. For 2008 the A8 receives minor updates that include revised fog lights, taillights, and wheel design.
We drove the Audi A8 L model. The "L" denotes the long wheelbase A8. This added length significantly benefits rear seat passengers, making the A8 L a potential executive car.
A 4.2-liter V8 that puts out 350 horsepower and 325 pound feet of torque is standard on the A8 and A8 L. A massive 450 horsepower 6-liter W12 engine that puts out 428 pound-feet of torque is available on the A8 L.
Power on all A8's is sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission with TipTronic paddle shifters to Audi's proven Quattro all-wheel-drive.
We drove the V8-powered A8 L. Fuel economy for the V8 is 16 miles per gallon city, 23 miles per gallon highway. The W12 gets 13 city, 19 highway.
Audi is world renowned for its interior styling, and the A8 doesn't disappoint. The dash and center stack are mostly clean- the result of the hideaway pop-up navigation screen and the majority of controls residing in the center console.
Our test car came equipped with the Exclusive Level 3 package, which included Valcona (Val-CO-na) leather seats, with black piping, maple copper wood trim, multi-function 4-spoke steering wheel and amaretto alcantara (al-CAHN-ta-ra) headliner.
Standard features on the A8 L include 16-way power adjustable front bucket seats, rear passenger climate controls and rear window sunshades.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, and a full assortment of front and side impact airbags.
Base MSRP for the 2008 Audi A8 is $70,690. An A8 L like the one we drove will start out at $74,690, while a fully loaded 12-cylinder model can cost as much as $140,000. The A8 is backed by a 4-year, 50,000-mile power train warranty.
With its crisp lines, powerful engines and standard all wheel drive, the 2008 Audi A8 makes for a thrilling automobile to drive...or in which be driven.