Audi A8 - TopCarNews

Audi A8 (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Audi A8 is a large luxury saloon, sitting above the smaller A6, A4 and A3 saloon models in the Audi range. The current model is the fifth generation Audi flagship saloon, and the fourth to carry the A8 name.

The latest Audi A8 arrived in the UK in Winter 2021, initially with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and more recently with a plug-in hybrid option. It’s a relatively subtle update, bringing more chrome, more LED lights and more technology to the existing car.

There also is a high-performance model called the S8, which joined the range several months after the lower-level models were launched.

The A8 has received almost unanimously positive reviews from the UK media, with many titles placing it equal to or even above the traditional class leader, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. However, since then an all-new S-Class has hit UK streets, with an Expert Rating score that sits comfortably above the A8 or anything else in its class.

The Audi A8 has been praised for its overall comfort and technology, even compared to the lofty standards of the luxury saloon market, as well as its driving dynamics. However, several reports have suggested that it’s not as comfortable in the back seats – which is where many owners will likely be sitting – as the Mercedes.

As of December 2021, the Audi A8 holds an Expert Rating of 76%, based on 40 reviews published by the British media.

Audi A8 highlights

Super comfortable and refined
Standard mild hybrid engines
Chock-full of advanced technology
Choice of petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid

Audi A8 lowlights

Driving dynamics not as good as a BMW 7 Series
Plug-in hybrid batteries compromise boot space
Rear seats not as comfy as a Mercedes S-Class
All-new S-Class has moved the goalposts

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloonEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £73,330 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2017Last updated: Spring 2020
Updated model due: Spring 2022

Image gallery

Audi S8

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: A8 L 60 TFSIScore: 7 / 10“Audi’s largest saloon is still every bit the hi-tech tour de force you expect and, whether you’re in the driving seat or reclining in the back, the facelifted Audi A8 is a consummate professional.”
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic S8Score: 8 / 10“If you want a fast flagship limo, then the Audi S8 ticks the right boxes. The S8 isn’t a car you buy with an eye on the budget, and while the V8 suits it, the car is still flawed in some small ways.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A8 features impressive tech and a luxurious interior, but can’t match the Mercedes S-Class for comfort.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid automatic A8L 60Score: 7 / 10“The Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro is probably the most convincing model in the limo’s line-up – particularly when you consider that cars like these tend to spend most of their time waiting, crawling around city centres or queuing at airports.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic S8“The Audi S8, simply put, is a phenomenal limo that blends exceptional comfort with mind-boggling performance and suspension technology. It delivers on all its key metrics, then goes beyond them by being ridiculously good fun to drive. Well worth a look.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“Even alongside other luxury saloons, the Audi A8 looks like a very impressive machine. It’s lavish and spacious, luxurious to ride in and good to drive. Yes, plenty of the ground-breaking technology on show costs you extra, but even without it, the A8 is a fine luxury limousine.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: A8 L 60 TFSIScore: 7 / 10“While it doesn’t quite have the handling finesse or ride comfort of the S-Class, it’s now even more tech-savvy, not to mention cheaper than its main rival.”
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic S8Score: 9 / 10“By offering a super-smooth executive cruiser than can turn into a super-saloon at the press of a pedal, the Audi S8 nails an extremely broad brief with aplomb.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Looking beyond the increasingly macho exterior designs and recent heavy marketing emphasis on quattro all-wheel drive, Audi’s core appeal has traditionally been the way it quietly innovates, and in this respect the fourth-generation Audi A8 feels something of a return to form.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 60 TFSIe L SportScore: 7 / 10“The hybrid powertrain offers a really smooth transition between electric and petrol propulsion too and the car is amazingly rapid when the driver requests it. It can stay in EV mode up to 84mph and has a luxurious ride quality, adaptable via various driving modes.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI LScore: 9 / 10“Technologically brilliant, comfortable and pretty faultless to drive, the new Audi A8 is a triumph, a masterclass in interior luxury and refinement. It’s one of the few cars we’d actually prefer to be a passenger in, so we can fully appreciate the full breath of its talents.”
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Car

Model reviewed: A8 L 60 TFSIScore: 8 / 10“We can see why Audi is so proud of it, especially in terms of ride and handling. It’s comfortable, good to drive and incredibly capable, but starting to feel its age inside compared with S-Class.”
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic S8Score: 10 / 10“There’s no getting away from the Audi S8’s super-serious outlook on life but it’s supremely well-built, sports car fast, sounds fantastic and handles like a much smaller car due to a suspension system that crushes the laws of physics.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 60 TFSIeScore: 8 / 10“The Mercedes S-Class is more opulent in the rear and BMW 7 Series more fun to drive, but the subtly styled Ingolstadt car is the sharpest looking and most technologically impressive. Silent, seamlessly powerful and emissions-free in town – this plug-in version of the Audi A8 is the only one you need.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“We love the tech on offer, and thanks to some very clever thinking in and around its interior, it all seems to work pretty seamlessly. To drive, it’s a triumph. Simply put, the Audi A8 is a great car. And one that’s at or very near the top of the luxury state of the art.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The new Audi A8 has shifted the luxury limousine game onto new levels. The technology it showcases is breath-taking both inside and outside with its game-changing suspension, steering and safety systems. Whether you’re in the front or rear, you will be very happy either way.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“The latest Audi A8 is the smoothest, most technologically switched-on version yet.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Audi A8 is a comfortable luxury limo with powerful engines and a classy, spacious interior. That said, its touchscreen infotainment system is a pain to use when driving.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Plug-in Hybrid“A handy addition to the A8 range, but the Audi A8 PHEV is not cheap, there are some boot space compromises and the official electric range is less than 30 miles.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI LWBScore: 8.1 / 10“Many, many strengths, but it’s a shame the new Audi A8 isn’t a bit more efficient or a bit more visually different from its predecessor. Still, there’s quality in abundance.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI LScore: 8 / 10“If this car were a superhero, it would be Batman, as like the Caped Crusader it really comes alive at night. The daytime grey is a servile blank canvas waiting for the sun to set and the light show to begin. Whereupon the true class of Audi’s minimalist design begins to shine.” (Chris Evans)
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Eurekar

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic 55 TFSI S line“There aren’t many motors in which a rear seat passenger – and that, of course, is where the CEO usually sits – can write a letter in the traditional way with a fountain pen and paper. Such is the magic carpet ride of the Audi A8, however, that this exercise is accomplished with consummate ease.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic 55 TFSI L“The Audi A8 L is a smart, comfortable and effortless drive, with a strong V6 heart and embracing suspension. The interior is exquisite, with some truly futuristic feeling tech. The modern touch-screens with feedback make for a truly Star Wars feeling ride.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI“I hadn’t covered more than a handful in the new Audi A8 before I began to understand why this car is the holder of the World Luxury Car of the Year 2018 title. It’s a car that eats up the miles in terms of comfort, quietness and performance and really does spoil you.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: S8Score: 7 / 10“Impressively agile and always effortless, the tech-packed S8 is still more limo than sports saloon.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“High-tech and slick inside and out, the Audi A8 is an impressive luxury car – if not quite as compelling as an S-Class.”
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Fleetworld

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic“Audi has once more raised the bar for cabin design and quality. The experience is serene and comfortable thanks to the adaptive air suspension. On-road refinement is impressive; it offers little in the way of driving appeal, but if it’s a relaxing drive that you’re after, the Audi A8 delivers in spades.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 60 TFSIe LScore: 8 / 10“Plug-in power shows a more efficient side to Audi’s flagship.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10Like most Audis, the A8 is a fabulous all-rounder, which helps solidify its place at the very top of the class. If you find yourself in need of a luxury limousine, there’s now a different ‘only sensible choice’.
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A8 is a luxurious saloon, sophisticated and packed with tech, that wouldn’t look out of place in a James Bond movie while its autonomous driving capability and remote parking features provide a fascinating insight into what Audi has planned for its next-generation of everyday cars.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI“Despite a few chinks in its armour, as a total package the Audi A8 has astonishingly wide breadth, able to delight both driver and passengers alike.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A8 offers luxury, space and performance in abundance, making for a genuine alternative to the (much pricier) Bentley Flying Spur.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9.6 / 10“Brilliant, tech-laden luxury car.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: S8Score: 8 / 10“Ride comfort is exceptional, with the “predictive active suspension” able to shrug off bumps in the road thanks to a forward-facing camera that can detect imperfections and adjust the set-up accordingly.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDIScore: 8 / 10“A 7-series-beater for those excited by APR” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A8 has been the perennial bridesmaid in this class, and these fairly mild updates are unlikely to change that. Despite the modernity and tech pizzazz it has, from its 48V mild hybrid system to headlights that can do serviceable lighthouse duties, there is something refreshingly straightforward about it.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“A8 sits at the top of the many-branched Audi tree. Has all the tech your A4 probably will in five years’ time.”
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic S8Score: 7 / 10“The most boring 560bhp car (in a good way)”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 10 / 10“The A8’s blend of performance, comfort and serenity are wedded to a beautifully built, practical and well-equipped interior. In fact, by a whisker, it beats the Mercedes S-Class, which shows just how good to drive and be driven the Audi A8 is.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Audi A8 justifies its top-tier pricing with a fantastic passenger experience and the very best in workmanship and engineering. With this generation of its range-topping luxury saloon, Audi has produced a car that can stand its ground against the traditional class-leader, the Mercedes S-Class.”
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Safety rating

No safety rating

The Audi A8 was not crash tested by Euro NCAP when it was launched in 2018 and we are not expecting it to happen during the rest of its model life. If it does, we will update this section accordingly.

Eco rating

No eco rating

As of December 2021, the Audi A8 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the A8 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A8 has received

2021

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury Car for Performance (S8)

2020

Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Luxury Car

2019

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury Car over £60K
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Luxury Car

2018

World Car of the Year Awards – World Luxury Car
What Car? Awards – Best Luxury Car, £50K – £100K

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