DecodedCars2008 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, L 4dr Sedan AWD, L W12 4dr Sedan AWD, S8 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 / 23 hwy
- Length
- 199.2–204.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,288–4,729 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 15% below the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 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 75 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 / 23 highway), 15% worse than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 A8 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 A8 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 199.2 in | 74.8 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 63.8 / 63 in | 4,288 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan AWD | 204.3 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 120.9 in | 63 / 62.6 in | 4,398 lb | 56/44 |
| L W12 4dr Sedan AWD | 204.3 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 120.9 in | 63 / 62.6 in | 4,729 lb | 56/44 |
| S8 4dr Sedan AWD | 199.2 in | 74.8 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 63.8 / 63 in | 4,586 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 / 23 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| A8 L | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -1% | $4,550 | 494 |
| A8 L | 6.0L 12-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -18% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Audi A8 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Audi A8 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW 7 Series | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi S6 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Audi S8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Jun 9, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V415000 · 536 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The sunroof glass on the affected vehicles may not be properly secured to the sunroof frame. As a result, the sunroof glass may detach from the car while driving.
- Risk
- If the glass detaches from the sunroof frame it could be come a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install additional adhesive between the sunroof glass and frame, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in August 4, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60C3.
Not every 2008 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 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 2008 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 →