The 2008 A8 is a 4-door, up to 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the Sedan to the L W12.

Upon introduction, the Sedan is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 350-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. The L W12 is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, W12, 450-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2008 A8 is freshened for 2008.
Ever the most advanced car in the company’s lineup, the flagship Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan meant to appeal to wealthy consumers looking for maximum luxury and space. Although competing models from the premium German and Japanese marques may sell in greater numbers, the A8 does possess a distinct advantage because of its aluminum frame and body panels. Significantly lighter than a traditional steel frame, the Audi Space Frame (ASF), as it’s called, helps offset the bulk of the car’s quattro all-wheel-drive system; the A8’s competitors are primarily rear-wheel drive.

Thanks to the quattro system, winter-weather capability is one of the A8’s strengths. Luxurious accommodations are another, though the current model, which dates to 2004, is considerably more opulent and feature-laden than the original sedan. In addition, the Audi A8 is available in regular- and long-wheelbase sizes. In long-wheelbase form, it’s called the A8 L and can be had with V8 or W12 power.

As redesigns go, Audi’s 2004 overhaul of the A8 is likely one of the most successful on record. The current generation Audi A8 offers a near perfect blend of luxury, performance, amenities and style, and is one of our favorite full-size luxury sedans. Cabin furnishings are best-in-class, and thanks to Audi’s logically designed Multi Media Interface (MMI), accessing the car’s numerous audio, climate and navigation functions is as simple as it gets in the luxury car world. Rear-seat room is adequate in the regular-wheelbase model; while opting for the A8 L model, which has a 6-inch-longer wheelbase, provides more than enough legroom for a pair of 6-footers.

Standard Engine for Sedan:
4.2L V8, 32 valve, 350 hp @ 6800 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
16 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Standard Features for Sedan:
Sideguard(R) Side Head Curtain Airbags
Brake Assistance
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Pre-Programmable Equalizer
Standard Features for L W-12:
6.0L W12, 48 valve, 450 hp @ 6200 rpm
6 speed automatic transmission
15 mpg city / 21 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Standard Features L W-12:
Sideguard(R) Side Head Curtain Airbags
Brake Assistance
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Pre-Programmable Equalizer