The A8 is one of the most impressive cars we’ve tested. This ultra-luxury sedan is immensely satisfying to drive, thanks to its smooth and responsive powertrain, an almost magic carpet ride, and elegant interior.
We were impressed by the 335-hp, turbocharged V6 engine, which delivers the acceleration and performance of a bigger V8 engine. It is paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts quickly and imperceptibly. This powertrain doesn't suffer from any of the delays associated with turbo engines. The A8 has a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup, which uses a large battery to reduce the power demands on the engine. All of this combines to give the A8 fuel economy of 21 mpg overall, which is commendable for such a large and quick all-wheel-drive car.
The A8 comes with a standard adaptive air suspension, which automatically increases or lowers pressure to deliver a smoother or stiffer ride as needed. This suspension delivers a comfortable ride that leaves passengers blissfully unaware of rough pavement. The big Audi comes close to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s benchmark plushness, and it’s far superior to the Lexus LS. Taking the A8 on a long road trip means the driver and passengers arrive fresh, rather than beaten up.
There’s no question just how big this car is, which is clear when driving around corners or navigating through a parking lot. And yet, this flagship rises to the occasion and can carve up a winding road with gusto, which boosts the driver's confidence.
The quiet, sedate interior features top-notch accommodations and a fit and finish that's right at home in an elite car. The cabin is awash in buttery-soft leather, brushed aluminum, and suede surfaces. The front seats blend comfortable cushions with plenty of support for all-day travel. Our staff unanimously found the optional 22-way power-adjusted front seats to be superb, especially with their heating, cooling, and massaging features. The optional Cold Weather package even adds heated armrests—a feature most people wouldn't know they were missing out on until they tried them on a chilly morning.
Audi’s infotainment system looks complex at first, but over time we found it logical and intuitive to use. The center console is dominated by two touchscreens. The top screen lets the driver control the audio, phone and navigation functions, and the lower one controls heating and ventilation systems. This screen becomes a touchpad or keyboard to enter the designation when drivers choose the navigation system on the top screen. We like how the touchscreen vibrates—a soft pulse on the user’s fingertip to mimic the tactile feel of a physical button—to confirm each selection for audio or climate tasks.
The wide door openings make it easy to get in and out of the decadent and supportive rear seats, which have plenty of legroom. Rear passengers also get their own climate controls.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance are standard. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are optional—but we think these should be standard on a car that starts at over $80,000. We were impressed by the Audi’s ability to control its speed and lane positioning when the adaptive cruise control is in use, which can be a stress reducer in traffic.