2006 AUDI A8

The Best

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car makes me look forward to going to work. I've owned BMW and Acura and this car is above and beyond. I am now a Audi fan for life.

Officially switched from BMW to Audi

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After owning two BMW 3-series for the last 14 years, I decided to go with one of the large, luxury sedans. Was considering the 5 and 7 from BWW and the E-class Benz. Then I drove a friends A6 and was blown away. Added the A6 to the list and started looking. Decided to 'check out' the A8 and I was immediately sold. Nothing else compared after that. The A8 was extremely hard to find, but the one I landed on was nearly perfect - just about every option available and only 27k miles! LOVE this car.

Best Sedan In its class

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have been wanting an A-8 for years and finally ran across one worth buying. Depreciation is heavy in the first 3 years but this is the best sedan in its class by far. The MMI is awesome and extremely easy to figure out for a non-tech guy. I have owned Lexus, BMW, and Acura and would not go back. This is the car to own if you can afford one.

The 2006 A8 Got Me to Switch

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Let me preface this review with I am a BMW guy. Having owned 5 of them (3's, 5's and 7's) it has been my brand of car for years...until I needed to replace my 2001 740i Sport. The new 7 just leaves me cold and I am not an MB guy. May I just say that my new SWB Gray/Black A8 has simply blown me away. This is without question the nicest interior in any car costing less than a Bentley Continental and the fit and finish is the most perfect I have seen in any car. The exterior is sleek and aggressive and I love the new Audi schnoz.. The car rides beautifully and handles superbly. The controls are perfect, the shift paddles are fun and the MMI is awesome. I have my new dream car, sorry BMW.

3 Years Of Great Driving!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After 3 years this car is fantastic! Cabin more luxurious and refined than Lexus or S class.MMI a marvel once fully learning its operation(took months).Car's electronics are capable of doing much more then what was required in the past. The Audi solution is logical. The secondary display in the instrument cluster contains most information you need when accessing phone, destination and radio functions via the controls on the steering wheel. Buttons on the console to control the MMI display are conveniently positioned below the armrest. Voice command,slower than scrolling, works for many functions (would like available commands displayed on screen instead of system reciting).Replac

Overrated

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had a series of Mercedes S- Classes and a Lexus LS430. This car gets good press for great ergonomics. In my opinion it is ergonomically below average. The MMI is terrible. Cup holder is shallow and when the cups interfere with the MMI controls. Nav system is a piece of junk. Can't see out the rear window unless you have the dealer remove the rear headrests. Ride is brittle on concrete roads. Seat controls are confusing. Engine is noisy. The user interface on the Lexus is a 9.5, and a 5.0 on the Audi. Fit and finish are very good, seats are comfortable.

Best Large Luxury Sedan in the World

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Chose the car for its room (I'm 6'11) but have come to love its interior, handling/ride, quality, styling and power. The more I drive it, the more I love it. Would not trade it to drive a Maybach, large Bentley or Rolls. BMW 750IL doesn't even come close.

Audi A8L

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Car has been flawless through almost 2 years of ownership. Love the stealth factor, car is totally amazing. Friends refer to it as the James Bond car, for all it's gadgets and features.

Love my Audi A8L

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned every major brand of luxury car and without question, this is the finest. The fit and finish is exceptional. The interior surrounds you in the finest wood and leather and the attention to detail in the interior trim is second to none. The exterior styling always draw attention whereever we go. We have had the car for 18 months and it has been trouble free. Several times my wife and I have been stuck in traffic and we have commented "so what" this car is one of the most comfortable places we could be. The car has plenty of power and actually feels like a much smaller car in the way it handles. This is my first Audi and I highly reccomend it.

An Ideal Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is a unique blend of soft, smooth ride without the swaying of some cars. This car also exhibits oustanding handling and acceleration. I also own a MB E320. The interior in this car is beautifully fit and finished. The driver's seat is perfectly contoured and 12 (16?) way adjustable.The controls are logically arranged and are easy to use. The MMI eliminates a clutter of dials and buttons,and is easy for an average person to use (unlike the MB 320 computer which is impossible). Do yourself a favor and consider this car for your next vehicle.

Great Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This was the third Audi I've bought from this dealer. Great service, and we were totally happy with the transaction. The car is built like a bank valult and drives very responsively, even more responsively than my 2002 A6 4.2 sedan, which is also a great car. Creature comforts are amazing. The massaging seats are a plus, and seat heating is easy to set and change. Cupholders are OK, but do not quite accommodate the fancy Audi leatherette cups we also bought. They are too tall for the holders. Technically, I have not yet mastered the Navigation or the phone, but we are getting there. A truly great car, indeed.

Simply awesome... best of the class

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Getting straight to the point, I have owned BMW 7 series, Lexus 430 and Mercedes S series vehicles.The Audi A8L is undoubtably the most complete car I have ever owned (compared to the others). Yes, you lose a little performance to the BWM (very little, almost hard to notice), the perceived elite status of the Mercedes (notice I said perceived...but not realized in the ownership experience)and the softness/comfort of the Lexus. Now for tag line, if you want completeness, with very little compromise to the perceived strengths of the other three purchased the Audi A8L. The true and most complete athlete of the class. I may own an Audi A8L for many years to come.

MB 550 vs. the Audi A8L 4.2

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I love my A8L the MMI is perfect and easy to use, the Bose stereo is so much better than my MB Harmon Kardon stereo. The 4 wheel drive is nice to make a 4 when you make a u-turn.

Lexus and Mercedes Move Over!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After years of being afraid to purchase a German luxury car I finally decided to start looking at them again. Having driven a Lexus LS for many years I was looking to get something more driver oriented. The A8L was the car that stood out. I love this car!! The quality of the interior is amazing, the MMI sysytem is super easy to work and the handling is superior to the Mercedes S550 and the Lexus LS430. In bad weather the Quattro All-Wheel-Drive is very self assuring and I'm able to get everywhere I need to go. This is the car to have. I'm very very happy and satisfied with my purchase.

Outstanding

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Prior cars include Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. I don't know how I will feel three years from now, but after the first month I am blown away by the quality, style, performance, comfort ane ease of driving this car. The CD changer is in a far away place because the car is so wide and comfortable. Visibility, is a little tighter than what I am used to, but that gives it the style part! If you are considering a sedan in this price range, please do yourself a favor and take a look at the Audi. It opened my eyes, and I feel great about my decision! I look forward to enjoying it some more. JF

German Perfection for all of us!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Just bought this beauty! Coming from MB500 and other Euros, I found this A8L to be an absolute perfect match for me. 83K loaded out the door, 17k less than the new MB550. 2nd day I owned her it snowed like crazy and I passed a Lexus like it was standing still. Wow what power and how about that "can't feel it transmission" Drove them all and choose the style that drops your jaw. Had to get the "L" because at 6'3'' have to go all the way back, and the kids still can stretch out. Love it, without a doubt it's he best.

The Best Luxury Car Ever!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned several luxury cars in the past few years. I just finished my 2nd lease of a Lexus LS430. This time around I was looking for something a little more exciting to drive but did not want to give up the ride quality and quietness I had grown used to. I also wanted a car that handled much better. A friend suggested the A8L. I am so thankful he did. This is the best luxury car I have ever owned! The handling superb and the fit and finish of the interior and quality of materials is far better than the LS 430 I just turned in. For those out there looking for a great luxury car listen to me; The Audi A8L is the car you want no questions asked! (And free maintenance is wonderful!)

Great But...

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

For some reason I felt it was time to replace my 01 BMW 740iL which I consider to be one of the best looking cars ever. New 7 series did not appeal much to me. My A8L has significant blind spot when changing lanes in heavy traffic. I enjoy the technology and the MMI offers many useful functions but I often take my eyes off the road to operate. Voice command and steering wheel buttons help a bit. Changing radio stations is cumbersome. The Nav is not as complete as my BMW. It often gets me to a street but not to exact location. The new grill adds distinction but previous looked better to me. Minor complaints only. Car is comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The interior really is beautiful.

Glad we selected the A8

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Audi management seems to understand that quality and performance will be rewarded. We tried many of the competitive cars in this class and chose the A8 for its performance with Quattro technology and the best interior of its peers. It is also nice to drive a best-in-class car without the haughty stigma attached. If we had the opportunity to drive over 130mph daily I would have considered the M5 (even though I don't like the body as much as the A8). But now with the S8 on the way it may be a moot point. An amazing day to day car. (Note: Unless you are riding in the back seat, skip the L version. The MMI is relatively easy to use. Get the premium package if you can.)

A8L is the best!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The 2006 A8L is an awesome car, it's my first Audi and will by no means be my last! I drove the MB S500, and was turned off by the BMW 7 series' awful exterior and interior styling, so I went to Audi and fell in love with the A8L, great engine, the interior is exquisite and huge, and the exterior is refined but at the same time aggressive on the front end, a perfect design by Audi, it's the best looking car on the road in my opinion. In the 3 months I have had the car I've had only one problem with the car, the MMI computer system went out suddenly one day and it took 3 days to get a new computer installed by the dealer, they say that this is a VERY rare occurance and I'm not concerned by it

" A Real Treat"

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Leased a 2006 A8L for 36 mo. It was a pleasure from day one. I've had 750 BMW in the past, but there is no contest between the 2 cars. Appearance, ride, all the well thought out trinkets made for a great product and pleasure to have. Mileage around town 15mpg and on the road (70-80mph) 24- 26mpg, not so bad. Try one, you can't go wrong.

What an Upgrade!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

I traded in my V8 Touareg for this SWB A8 with the same engine. More power and 1,000 pounds less equals joy at the pumps and on twisty backroads :) The MMI is overly done but you get used to it. The ride is superb, the interior is grand, and fit and build quality continues to set benchmarks. This car is so much more exclusive, better looking, and a better value than the all-too-common S-Class and 7-Series.

BYE BYE BMW!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned two BMW's (740il & 745li) I was accused of having an affair with my female BMW service advisor as I was visiting her every month with problems with my BMW. I finally said enough is enough and went to Audi and test drove the 2006 A8L. WOW!! What a vehicle. Not only has this car been wonderful to drive, the technology, using the MMI system is much easier to use then BMW's Idrive. I agree with the earlier review about the cup holders. They are small, and not well positioned. Every other aspect of the vehicle has surpassed my expectations!

World's Most Intelligently Designed Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The A8L is Audi's finest... and the class's finest. The car is immaculate, with alcantara inserts in all the right places, more than enough grunt, gorgeous, muscular, understated style, and nimble handling. There is not one problem with the saloon. I looked at the 750li also, but found it in one place to be too cold and business-like, where the A8L pampers you most: the interior. Both cars have powerful V8s, with the BMW being more powerful, but in a luxury sedan you must have a gorgeous interior.

My A8

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My previous Audi was a 2000 A6 4.2L. So this year, I decided to take a look at the A8L. I am thoroughly impressed would be an sad understatement!! By far, this is the most impressive luxury sedan available. It's roomy enough for 4 linebackers with more room to spare. The interior is impeccable, and the driving experience is more enjoyable every time I step into it. Happy driving.

Techno overkill

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 5

I do think it's the best looking car on the road.The ride and handling is exquisite. The fit and finish is flawless. Unfortunately the MMI is ill-conceived and annoying at best. You need to agree to a waiver every time you start the car; your bluetooth phone needs to be programmed every time you start the car; it's a two step process to change the setting on the heated seats; the radio is the most annoying requiring multiple steps for every function. I owned an A6 4.2 and I'd love to have those simple functions back. The folks at Audi need to realize less is more and technology should enhance the driving experience.

My 4th Audi is the absolute best ever!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

While the Audi A6 almost fits the bill, the A8 is quieter, tighter, and more fun to drive especially in Dynamic Suspension Mode. The A6 almost has things working while in the A8 all systems are flawless. Bluetooth, Voice command, MMI, steering wheel all work so well and are integrated perfectly- This will be my dream care in my daily life now and for years to come

Far better and exclusive

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The A8L is head and shoulders above the other cars I considered. The Mercedes dealer let me take an S500 for the weekend, the BMW dealer gave me a new 750iL. Both of them were much more common on the road than the A8. To match the A8's list of features, you have to add thousands of dollars of options to both the MB and the BMW. And you still don't get a car that looks as good or feels as good as the Audi.

What an amazing car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I just took delivery of a 2006 Audi A8 in quartz grey with a black interior with the standard wheel base. The car is amazing and I drove the length of Vermont yesterday. It performed beautifully on the highways and back roads and I am so glad that I chose this car.

Great Value for Money

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Having had enough of my Merc S55 which I was trading in a part at a time, I took a gamble on the Audi. The minute I sat in it I knew it was a classy car. I have done 15000 miles and aside from a few minor gripes (replaced power lift on trunk) it has performed wonderfully. Powerful, quiet and somewhat exclusive - you don't see many on the road. If you are in the 7- series, S-Class market, this will beat them hands down for the money. The relatively easy to use MMI is pretty intuitive and doesn't take long before you can navigate around all the features you need to with ease. The thing that amazes me the most is the roominess of the car. The rear is HUGE and appears bigger than my S class.

Best of Luxury

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Traded 2004 A8L on 2006 and really like the new features added. New front end look is great. Car is solid, quiet and fun to drive. Mileage is great for a big car.

Best Luxury Auto

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The fit, finish, and ride are all superb! The V-8 is smooth as silk, and the all-wheel drive handles any road condition 12 months a year. Anyone looking at MB and BMW need to compare with the A8. After doing so, the obvious result wil be the Audi. This is my opinion from a past MB and BMW owner.