Hallett CarFX Project Mustang featured on Dec...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Audi A8 Review

July 28, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

well-proportioned...appearance is subdued
Automobile.com

interior more sporty rather than opulent, but it's still classy
ConsumerGuide

gives nothing away in terms of luxury, performance
Edmunds

hard to find room for improvement
Popular Mechanics

The 2008 Audi A8 is largely a carryover version of a car styled to blend into the Audi lineup, instead of striking a bold new path.

There are two versions of the A8, Audi's large luxury sedan—a standard car and the A8 L, which has a 121-inch wheelbase, slightly more than 5 inches bigger than that of the base model, according to Cars.com. Both are penned not to offend. Automobile.com phrased it the best: "Aesthetically, Audi took the safe road when it penned the second-edition A8." Audi, the magazine says in its online site, has designed a “well-proportioned” car that’s “subdued,” but praises its “long, arc-shaped roofline and the familial front end.”

As Car and Driver points out, changes for the 2008 Audi A8 are minimal; other than LED turn signals and taillights, new wheels, and interior/exterior finish options, there's very little to distinguish the 2008 Audi A8 from its 2007 predecessor on the outside. Edmunds says the "snob appeal" of the Audi 2008 is still less than that of its rivals from BMW and Mercedes as a result.

Inside, it’s impeccably detailed, and the Audi A8’s cabin is as "handsome and spacious" as ever, Edmunds believes. Automobile.com calls it “conservative as the lobby of a Ritz-Carlton hotel,” with careful lines, lots of wood, and leather.

TheCarConnection.com’s editors think the A8 Audi is one of the most refined-looking vehicles on the road. The exterior shape is enduring; inside the A8, Audi's instrument panel looks remarkably clean and simplified compared to the excess of lines and gadgets in the latest Benz S-Class or BMW 7-Series.

Conclusion

The 2008 Audi A8 is a sober-looking sedan with a subtle richness inside—but if you want a new look, wait for 2009.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:well-proportioned...appearance is subduedAutomobile.cominterior more sporty rather than opulent, but it's still classyConsumerGuidegives nothing away in terms of luxury, performanceEdmundshard to find room for improvement Popular Mechanics The 2008 Audi A8 is largely a carryover version of a car styled to blend into the Audi lineup, instead of striking a bold new path. There are two versions of the A8, Audi's large luxury sedan—a standard car and the A8 L, which has a 121-inch wheelbase, slightly more than 5 inches bigger than that of the base model, according to Cars.com. Both are penned not to offend. Automobile.com phrased it the best: "Aesthetically, Audi took the safe road when it penned the second-edition A8." Audi, the magazine says in its online site, has designed a “well-proportioned” car that’s “subdued,” but praises its “long, arc-shaped roofline and the familial front end.” As Car and Driver points out, changes for the 2008 Audi A8 are minimal; other than LED turn signals and taillights, new wheels, and interior/exterior finish options, there's very little to distinguish the 2008 Audi A8 from its 2007 predecessor on the outside. Edmunds says the "snob appeal" of the Audi 2008 is still less than that of its rivals from BMW and Mercedes as a result. Inside, it’s impeccably detailed, and the Audi A8’s cabin is as "handsome and spacious" as ever, Edmunds believes. Automobile.com calls it “conservative as the lobby of a Ritz-Carlton hotel,” with careful lines, lots of wood, and leather. TheCarConnection.com’s editors think the A8 Audi is one of the most refined-looking vehicles on the road. The exterior shape is enduring; inside the A8, Audi's instrument panel looks remarkably clean and simplified compared to the excess of lines and gadgets in the latest Benz S-Class or BMW 7-Series. ConclusionThe 2008 Audi A8 is a sober-looking sedan with a subtle richness inside—but if you want a new look, wait for 2009.  2008 AUDI A8 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automobile.com: "well-proportioned...appearance is subdued" ConsumerGuide: "interior more sporty rather than opulent, but it's still classy" Edmunds: "gives nothing away in terms of luxury, performance" Popular Mechanics: “hard to find room for ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The aluminum-bodied A8 feels substantially lighter than its big-sedan rivals and can be hustled along a tight, curvy road with surprising velocity; and although competing models might have more horsepower, the 2008 Audi A8 has impressive passing ability. Although its design is quite dated, it still looks dignified on the outside and stands out as elegant and upscale inside. The interior in the S-Class, however, looks more modern and sophisticated, while the 7-Series and LS 460 also stand out for offering high-tech features. Both the 7-Series and S-Class have available night-vision systems and seats, and seating comfort in both of those vehicles is about as good as in the A8. The LS 460 has an especially conservative look and feel, along with one of the most refined and isolated interiors, for those so inclined, while the XJ has classy, uniquely British styling and surprisingly brisk performance.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Audi A8

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Audi A8

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Audi A8 near you

See the Audi A8 in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  maples70 #2, Posted: 5/26/2009

    2008 Audi A8

    Audi A8....luxury and impressive passing ability.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy