Audi A8 Detailed Review

The 2009 Audi A8 ranks 4 out of 7 Super Luxury Cars. This ranking is based on analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A8, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Audi A8 is an extraordinary sedan. Reviewers say the A8 offers the handling of a small sports sedan, white-knuckle acceleration, the sure-footing of Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and a luxurious cabin that many reviewers say outclasses many of the world's finest cars. Its driver-adjustable suspension allows owners to dial in levels of comfort and performance depending on need and road conditions. Its multimedia interface frustrates many reviewers.

Most years the A8 is easily outsold by its chief rivals, the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That makes the extraordinary A8 a distinctive, unconventional choice for the super-luxury buyer.

The A8 has had some reliability problems, and certain reviewers find flaws with the car's multimedia interface. But neither of those flaws amounts to much. The A8 remains an exceptional car, and a solid choice for the discerning buyer.

Remarkably, the A8 carries a lower base price than either the 7-Series or the S-Class, yet gives up no ground to those cars in amenities or performance. Thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system, in fact, some reviewers say it can outperform them in wet conditions. Many reviewers also say its cabin is more luxurious as well. Audi has increasingly earned a reputation for the most luxurious cabins in the auto industry, and this is the company's finest work.

Forbes says Audi's flagship sedan "blends superior comfort and performance with quiet elegance and a stately overall design." The 2009 Audi A8 comes in three trims: Quattro, extended-wheelbase Quattro L, and top-of-the-line W12. A powerful high-performance model based on this car, the Audi S8, is reviewed separately.

For 2009, the A8 receives only minor upgrades, including a standard power trunk opener and push-button power door closers. This is most likely the last year of the current version of the A8. Audi has not officially unveiled a 2010 A8, but the next version of Audi's most expensive sedan is expected to be a complete redesign of the car -- which could make this exceptional car more affordable as its replacement nears.

• "Although it may lack the snob appeal of some of its fellow Germans, the 2009 Audi A8 gives up nothing when it comes to luxury, performance and craftsmanship. This full-size luxury sedan features an impeccably finished cabin, refined acceleration and polished road manners." -- Edmunds
• "Audi's flagship A8 trumps rivals for interior decor, standard all-wheel drive, and, depending on model, base price. A8s can overwhelm with high technology, and the air suspension doesn't provide an ideal ride/handling balance. Still, these are formidable premium large sedans and worthy Recommended picks." -- Consumer Guide
• "A thinking person's luxury car, more progressive, less traditional than a BMW or Mercedes. It's elegant but not arrogant, indulgent without being excessive." -- New Car Test Drive
• "The A8 remains the German luxury sedan for drivers who want more all-weather sport than rolling boardroom." -- Motor Trend
• "Yes, I sacrificed my frugality and lived the Audi A8 lifestyle for you, dear readers, for two weeks, and I can say with absolute certainly that it was worth every swanky ounce of somebody else's money." -- Mother Proof
• "It's often hard to find room for improvement in cars of this segment, and the A8 is hardly an exception to this rule. Maybe the A8's incredible competence is the reason it's lived on for so long." -- Popular Mechanics
• "The Audi A8 L W12 rests in a premier echelon of cars that combine extreme luxury with exceptional driving performance, cars that make it difficult to decide whether you'd rather be reclining in the back seat while a chauffeur drives or up there where the action is, with your hands on the wheel." -- CNET

A8 Performance - 9.2 (Excellent)

Reviewers say most versions of the 2009 Audi A8 accelerate briskly, while the powerful W12 model stands alone. Where the big car shines, however, is in the corners. It offers a driver-adjustable air suspension, which can be tuned to Dynamic, Comfort, Lift or Automatic settings -- allowing owners to choose whether they'd like a serene cruiser or a white-knuckle sport sedan before each drive. New Car Test Drive reports the A8 "can be a thrill to drive," something we don't always hear about cars with a curb weight of more than two tons.

A8 Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)

The 2009 Audi A8 is a striking car, with a conservative elegance. Auto writers are consistently impressed with the car's sharp grille and a stance that looks at once serene and athletic. Automobile Magazine writes, "The sheetmetal -- its Armani suit -- that wraps around the car is the best representation of the current Audi styling language and the huge full-length grille looks bold and luxurious."
A8 Interior - 9.1 (Excellent)

Many automotive writers say the Audi A8 has the best passenger cabin in a collection of cars known for their luxurious interiors. Automobile Magazine has called the A8's cabin "the sexiest sedan interior in the world." Its ergonomic layout and fine materials exceed even those offered by most luxury flagships. However, many reviewers criticize Audi's MMI user interface, which is not intuitive to everyone.

A8 Safety - NA

The Audi A8 has not been crash tested by either the federal government or by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That is typical for super luxury cars. The A8 comes with a complete suite of safety systems, including 10 standard airbags and two more available as options. Active safety systems, such as a lane departure warning system, are also standard.

A8 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Audi A8 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Audi covers its cars with a four-year/50,000-mile new car warranty.