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2008 Audi A8 Safety Review

July 28, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

features aim to increase safety
Car and Driver

winter weather capability is one of the A8's strengths
Edmunds

lane-departure warning system “more annoying than helpful
Motor Trend

Are the Audi A8's 10 airbags enough? The federal government hasn’t tested the sedan, but that number indicates how extensive the Audi’s safety package is.

The list of safety features on the 2008 Audi A8 is vast, including separate front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, front knee airbags, front active head restraints, and electronic stability control—all standard, according to Cars.com.

Forbes Autos reports that the new Audi A8 features adaptive headlights as well. The headlights actually turn with the wheels, providing better illumination around curved roads at night. In addition, the windshield wipers are rain-sensing, the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system provides excellent control in a variety of road conditions, and the brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution insure maximum stopping power.

Two of the more innovative pieces of standard (yes, standard) safety equipment to be found on this year's A8: Audi’s side assists and the lane assist. According to Motor Trend, the side assist, which warns the driver of the presence of vehicles in the "blind spot," is "subtle and useful." The lane assist causes the steering wheel to vibrate when the vehicle begins to wander; however, Motor Trend recommends that this feature be turned off "except when going cross-country on too little sleep…it’s amusing at first, then more annoying than helpful.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Audi A8 has cutting-edge safety equipment, but hasn’t been crash-tested.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:features aim to increase safetyCar and Driverwinter weather capability is one of the A8's strengthsEdmundslane-departure warning system “more annoying than helpfulMotor Trend Are the Audi A8's 10 airbags enough? The federal government hasn’t tested the sedan, but that number indicates how extensive the Audi’s safety package is. The list of safety features on the 2008 Audi A8 is vast, including separate front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, front knee airbags, front active head restraints, and electronic stability control—all standard, according to Cars.com. Forbes Autos reports that the new Audi A8 features adaptive headlights as well. The headlights actually turn with the wheels, providing better illumination around curved roads at night. In addition, the windshield wipers are rain-sensing, the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system provides excellent control in a variety of road conditions, and the brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution insure maximum stopping power. Two of the more innovative pieces of standard (yes, standard) safety equipment to be found on this year's A8: Audi’s side assists and the lane assist. According to Motor Trend, the side assist, which warns the driver of the presence of vehicles in the "blind spot," is "subtle and useful." The lane assist causes the steering wheel to vibrate when the vehicle begins to wander; however, Motor Trend recommends that this feature be turned off "except when going cross-country on too little sleep…it’s amusing at first, then more annoying than helpful.” ConclusionThe 2008 Audi A8 has cutting-edge safety equipment, but hasn’t been crash-tested.  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.

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See the Audi A8 in Other Years:

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Comments (1 total)

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

    2008 Audi A8

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

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