A beautiful car; the diesels should be the popular choice as they offer economy and power. You may be forgiven for thinking that you are driving on glass; such is softness of the ride.

The Audi A8 comes with a large selection of engines. There is the entry level 2.8-litre V6, 3.2-litre V6, 4.2-litre V8 and the 6.0-litre W12. On the diesel front there is the 4.2-litre V8 or the 3.0 TDI. All the petrol engines are sufficient but you it requires the 4.2-litre V8 to provide enough power to a car of this size. The diesels are the best partner for the A8; both the 3.2-litre and 4.2-litre are silky and polished with plenty of torque.

Despite being a very heavy car, the steering is adept and the grip and body control excellent. The air suspension makes for a smooth ride; you might be lead to believe that the UK roads are better than they actually are.

Only the premium materials have been used, the interior looks, and is, very well put together. The cabin breathes relaxation and makes you understand that nothing is really worth rushing for, just sit back and enjoy the experience. Reliability is always strength of the Audi and the A8 will be no exception.

The phrase "as safe as houses" could have been coined for the Audi A8. If you want safety and security then look no further. Stability control, eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-whiplash head restraints and an all-inclusive security kit.

The cabin space is immense, headroom and legroom should accommodate all sizes. The boot is similarly spacious. There are not many cars that can provide driver and passengers with a sense of personal space but the Audi A8 is one of them. An extra long wheelbase version is available for those seeking eve more space.

This is where the A8 loses out to its major rivals. Expensive to buy plus the petrols have poor fuel economy. Company car tax may also be a deal-breaker for many motorists. Residuals will be strong but weaker than say, the Mercedes S-Class.
Submitted: 18/06/2008 10:15:09
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