Must you have a large, expensive and complicated luxury sedan that’s ready for action, 365 days a year? Of course you must. And if all-weather confidence, loads of gadgets and world-class luxury are to be part of the package for your next used posh-rocket, the Audi A8 makes a fairly great degree of sense—functionally speaking.
This enormous five-seater packed plenty of space, 8 or 12-cylinder power and Quattro All Wheel Drive (AWD) on all models—meaning the A8 could eat any of Mother Nature’s nastiest winter conditions for lunch.
The last-generation A8 was on sale in the Canadian marketplace from 2004 until 2010, during which time it underwent several updates and facelifts. End of the day though, the A8 was exhaustively engineered to deliver a world-class motoring experience, confident all-season operation, and boatloads of luxury and sophistication.
Motivation for most units came from a proven 4.2 litre V8 engine with between 330 and 350 horsepower, depending on the year in question. A six-litre W-12 engine was also available with 450 horsepower. A limited run of S8s, with a 450 horsepower V10, was also offered.
The compact W-12 engine was also a relative rarity in the marketplace, so the review will focus mainly on models with the V8 powerplant. A six-speed automatic handled power delivery with either engine.
Shopping used? Look for all the bells and whistles. Dynamic xenon lights, navigation, premium audio, a power trunk, power or motorized everything and even adaptable air suspension were all on board. A full driver computer, memory seating trimmed in ‘Valcona’ leather and radar-guided cruise control could all be fitted, too.
Note that the A8 was available in a standard wheelbase, as well as an extended ‘A8 L’ model that added space between the front and rear seats.
Owners say, not surprisingly, that a sense of style, status and exclusivity attracted them to the A8, while a long list of safety features and the confidence of Quattro AWD helped seal the deal. A tremendously comfortable and upscale cabin, generous trunk and overall performance were praised, too.
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| 2004 Audi A8 (Photo: Audi) |
This enormous five-seater packed plenty of space, 8 or 12-cylinder power and Quattro All Wheel Drive (AWD) on all models—meaning the A8 could eat any of Mother Nature’s nastiest winter conditions for lunch.
The last-generation A8 was on sale in the Canadian marketplace from 2004 until 2010, during which time it underwent several updates and facelifts. End of the day though, the A8 was exhaustively engineered to deliver a world-class motoring experience, confident all-season operation, and boatloads of luxury and sophistication.
Motivation for most units came from a proven 4.2 litre V8 engine with between 330 and 350 horsepower, depending on the year in question. A six-litre W-12 engine was also available with 450 horsepower. A limited run of S8s, with a 450 horsepower V10, was also offered.
The compact W-12 engine was also a relative rarity in the marketplace, so the review will focus mainly on models with the V8 powerplant. A six-speed automatic handled power delivery with either engine.
Shopping used? Look for all the bells and whistles. Dynamic xenon lights, navigation, premium audio, a power trunk, power or motorized everything and even adaptable air suspension were all on board. A full driver computer, memory seating trimmed in ‘Valcona’ leather and radar-guided cruise control could all be fitted, too.
Note that the A8 was available in a standard wheelbase, as well as an extended ‘A8 L’ model that added space between the front and rear seats.
Owners say, not surprisingly, that a sense of style, status and exclusivity attracted them to the A8, while a long list of safety features and the confidence of Quattro AWD helped seal the deal. A tremendously comfortable and upscale cabin, generous trunk and overall performance were praised, too.
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| 2004 Audi A8 (Photo: Audi) |