| Overall Rating |
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| Description |
| Recommended. A luxurious super-saloon featuring clever aluminium construction and the reassurance of standard Quattro four-wheel drive. Slightly bland looks but excellent standard equipment and predictably brilliant build quality. |
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| Handling |
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| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
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| Best Models |
| 3.7 Quattro |
| Worst Models |
| None |
| Replacement |
| 2010* |
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| Road Test |
| Don't let the scaled-up A4 styling fool you. The A8 is genuinely massive, both outside and in. The cabin is light, airy and spacious. Ergonomics are good, although some of the switchgear feels slightly old-fashioned by modern standards, especially the heater controls. Many control functions are delegated to a turn-and-click knob, dubbed MMI, which takes some getting used to, although is far better than BMW's i-Drive. Rear seat space is generous and the boot in huge by class standards. Two V8 petrol engines are available from launch - in 3.7 and 4.2 litre flavours - both offering extremely rapid performance through the standard-fit six-speed automatic gearbox. Handling is responsive if not quite up to the excellence of the Jaguar XJ or BMW 7 Series and the ride can get crashy on the larger optional alloy wheels. Other versions follow later, including a 4.0 litre V8 turbodiesel and a 6.0 litre petrol W12. |
| Positive Points |
- Elegant and more discreet than an S Class
- Lightweight alloy body enhances V8 performance
- Roomy, refined and very well appointed
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| Negative Points |
- Looks too similar to the previous A8
- High insurance and servicing costs
- Not popular in UK, so depreciation is heavy
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