AudiA8

　　

2024 Audi A8 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2024 Audi A8 is the largest luxury sedan in the carmaker's lineup, notching above the smaller and sportier A6 and A7. It's Audi's pinnacle of luxury capabilities, showcasing some of the newest technology features with a particular focus on comfort. There is also the S8, which delivers more performance and is reviewed separately. As is the case with its rivals, the A8 is as enjoyable to drive as it is to be driven in, especially if you opt for some limousine-like options. For 2024, it returns largely unchanged.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi A8 L 4dr Sedan AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$205/mo  for A8 L

　　A8 L

　　L 4dr Sedan AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $88,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Comfort and refinement

With well-shaped seats, a smooth-riding suspension, and a cabin that ably silences the outside world, the Audi A8 is one of the most comfortable sedans out there, even in its base form. Options such as added sound insulation and massaging front and rear seats enhance the experience. As expected of a top-tier luxury sedan, the interior is bathed in premium materials that include impeccable leather surfaces, rich wood trim, and sturdy metal accents and switches. Underneath it all is a reassuringly strong structure that is devoid of any creaks or squeaks. Overall, it'll make you feel like a million bucks but cost a tenth of that.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Audi A8 battles against familiar foes in the class: the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Both have been recently redesigned and have a leg up in regard to technology, and they're also offered in all-electric variants (the i7 and EQS sedan). All of these choices are supremely comfortable and refined, with the Mercedes leaning a bit more toward luxury and the BMW favoring performance. In many ways, the Audi A8 finds a delightful middle ground, as pointed out in our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the A8 drive? At this level, a car's performance should be almost transparent and allow passengers to enjoy the experience of a true luxury car. But the A8 gets most of its athletic aptitude from optional summer performance tires instead of a more well-rounded approach. The A8 is by no means slow, but that doesn't mean it couldn't do with a little more in the power department. Unfortunately, the V8 and plug-in are no longer available. You'll have to upgrade to the sporty S8 for extra oomph under the hood.

　　The A8 also comes across as a bit numb and clumsy in aspects that you wouldn't expect it to. The brakes performed well in our panic-stop tests but were jumpy in traffic, making it hard to stop smoothly. The transmission was also slow to downshift when we wanted it to. The A8 is good overall, but there's room for improvement.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the A8? On the right road, and in the right conditions, the A8 is nearly as good as they come, offering supremely comfortable seats for all passengers. The Luxury package adds ventilation and massage for the outboard rear seats so even backseat occupants are treated to a first-class experience. 

　　But the ride quality can feel decidedly unrefined on less than perfect roads. It can be too soft over dips and crests, resulting in wallowy body motions, but then too firm over potholes and rough surfaces. Other negatives include a climate control that has to work a bit harder than it should have to in a car of this status and more road and engine noise than we'd expect.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below