Buyer’s Guide: 2008 Audi A8/S8

NEW FOR 2008:

– Refreshed styling includes new A8 grille, square front fog lamps, chrome door handle strips, rear taillights with LED design, and new mirrors with integrated LED turn signals
– Interior changes: all models use leather/aluminum gearshift knob, new engine start/stop button, additional aluminum trim, and all A8 models use S8-style instrument cluster needles
– More direct steering on 4.2 models
– Comfort package on 4.2 models for reduced road noise
– New wheel styles
– New standard equipment on all models: SIRIUS Satellite Radio, heated steering wheel and Premium Package of parking system with rear-view camera, Advanced Key, power open and close trunk, electric rear and manual side sunshades, heated rear seats and power door close assist
– Equipment deleted: first-aid kit, 12-volt trunk outlet and tilt sensor
– A8L adds rear vanity mirrors
– Two new Audi Exclusive packages
– Heated steering wheel now includes shift paddles
– Exterior colours: Cherry Black pearl effect, Savana Beige metallic and Ice Silver metallic added; Light Silver metallic discontinued
– Interior colours: Cardamom Beige replaces Sand Beige, Linen Beige replaces Crème Beige; new Espresso Brown and Espresso Brown/Light Gray/Amaretto; S8 Gray Vavona wood replaces Gray Birch wood; Beige Birch wood replaces Honey Birch wood

For 2008, the Audi A8 and S6 models undergo numerous changes, including a mild facelift and several new items as standard equipment.

The A8 line-up consists of the A8, in regular or A8L long-wheelbase configuration, with a 4.2-litre V8; the W12, in long-wheelbase only, with a W-configuration 12-cylinder engine; and as the regular-wheelbase S8, with 5.2-litre V10. All use a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode and Quattro all-wheel drive.

Features on the A8 include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, speed-sensitive steering, adaptive air suspension, heated power-folding auto-dimming mirrors with reverse tip-down, heated washer nozzles, Advance Key, power sunroof, self-levelling bi-Xenon headlamps with washers, front and rear fog lamps, LED puddle lights, heated leather-wrapped multifunction wheel with power tilt and telescopic, cruise control, power rear sunshade, manual side sunshades, 16-way heated leather seats, heated rear seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power trunk open and close, garage door opener, six-CD Bose surround sound stereo, iPod interface, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free telephone preparation, eight-colour driver information screen, rain-sensing wipers and voice-activated navigation system.

The A8L adds illuminated rear vanity mirrors.

The A8L W12 adds a central console for four-passenger seating, 19-inch alloy wheels, side door acoustic security glass, four-zone automatic climate control, power side sunshades, front ventilated and massage seats, power rear seats, Alcantara headliner, leather-trimmed dashboard, ski sack, and unique to the W12, a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system.

The S8 builds on the A8 and adds 20-inch alloy wheels, sport adaptive air suspension, brushed aluminum mirrors, 16-way power sport seats, and Alcantara headliner.

The A8 is Audi’s flagship sedan, in two lengths that make it suitable for personal use or as a limousine. The S8 takes it to a new level of performance with sport-tuned suspension that puts it at an all-wheel level few other vehicles can approach.