DecodedCars2006 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, L 4dr Sedan AWD, L W12 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl, 6.0L 12-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 199.2–204.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,288–4,729 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 12% below the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Audi A8 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (4.2L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 12% worse than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 A8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 A8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 199.2 in | 74.4 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 63.8 / 63 in | 4,288 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan AWD | 204.3 in | 74.4 in | 57.5 in | 120.9 in | 63 / 62.6 in | 4,398 lb | 56/44 |
| L W12 4dr Sedan AWD | 204.3 in | 74.4 in | 57.5 in | 120.9 in | 63 / 62.6 in | 4,729 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -12% | $4,550 | 494 |
| A8 L | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | +1% | $4,550 | 494 |
| A8 L | 6.0L 12-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -16% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Audi A8 under the current (2011+) test program.
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Audi A8.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Structure › Body › Door — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Audi A8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A8 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 6 |
| 2020 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 A8 | 22 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2018 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2016 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →