Used Audi A8 for sale: everything you need to know

If there was a time that the Audi A8 was more of a comfortable and handsome curiosity than a true player in the luxury car class, that time ended with the latest model, on sale since 2017, which is right up there with the all-conquering Mercedes-Benz S-Class in terms of quality, comfort, and sophistication.

Best of all, it’s still handsome like its predecessors, while the march of technological progress means it’s cleaner and more fuel-efficient than ever, despite being rapid and incredibly refined in all its guises. Naturally, you get Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system across the range, so the A8’s qualities don’t fade when the weather turns either.

The S-Class remains an exceedingly tough rival, as does BMW’s latest 7 Series, while the Range Rover offers its own brand of luxury in SUV guise rather than as a saloon. But both new and used, the A8 is now up there with the best.

Should you buy an Audi A8?

The original Audi A8 was a significant car for the German brand, as it debuted with an aluminium structure - the first car in its class to do so, and one of the first models on the market to be built from aluminium full stop. From this early start in 1994, the A8 has been through three further iterations, the most recent making its debut in 2017, and adding a long-wheelbase option to the mix.

While the A8 may still be technically intriguing, it’s also a better car than ever - and in our view, marks Audi finally being right up there with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as being a world-beating luxury car. It’s impeccably built, very comfortable indeed, packed with technology, and has a range of powerful and efficient engines that make it very difficult to ignore.

The styling might look a little like an enlarged version of the less prestigious Audi A6, but step inside and it has all the hallmarks of a true luxury car, from expansive space (especially in long wheelbase form) to top-quality materials.

The A8 makes sitting in the back a pleasure, but it’s pretty good from the front too. The dashboard is dominated by Audi’s Virtual Cockpit driver display and then a pair of touchscreens on the console. These can take a little time to master and can be a distraction, but are effective and easy to use once you’re familiar.

On the move it’s very quiet and refined, with smooth, effortlessly powerful engines working in tandem with standard air suspension to minimise noises and bumps as you swoosh along at speed. It’s not bad when asked to negotiate corners either, in the context of it being a large, long, and heavy luxury car - models with four-wheel steering can even feel surprisingly agile.

Audi has had to work hard to get the A8 to this level, particularly to compete with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class - the most formidable model in the luxury car class for more than half a century. The new BMW 7 Series is right up there too; the class has perhaps never been stronger. Left-field alternatives both new and used include the Range Rover, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, and Maserati Quattroporte, but most will make you compromise in quality and ability next to the Audi.

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What’s the best used Audi A8 model to buy?

There are no wrong answers here. Even in basic Sport trim the A8 is comprehensively equipped, and its smaller alloy wheels allow for an even smoother ride than those further up the range, while the S Line and Black Edition packages are primarily aesthetic. Sport trim also pairs with all three of the current engines offered, the 50 TDI, 55 TFSI, and 60 TFSI e.

Of those engines, the 50 TDI will do the job for most buyers, being both swift and very frugal. The petrol naturally is thirstier though is even quieter on the move, while the plug-in hybrid may be the choice for those who spend a lot of time in cities. The S8 is a bit of a black sheep: it’s very able, but doesn’t exactly transform this two-tonne beast into a proper sports car.

Used Audi A8 fuel economy and performance

• Audi A8 50 TDI: Powered by a 3-litre, turbocharged V6 diesel engine, the 50 TDI develops 286PS through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and like all A8s, it’s all-wheel drive. 0-62mph takes 5.9 seconds, and combined economy is up to 40.4mpg.
• Audi A8 55 TFSI: The 3-litre turbocharged V6 petrol in the 55 TFSI makes 340PS, and can get from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. Audi claims up to 31mpg combined.
• Audi A8 60 TFSI e: With a similar engine to the 55 TFSI but boosted by plug-in electric power, the 60 TFSI e has a combined output of 462PS, and a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds. Make use of up to 36 miles of electric range and it promises 148.7mpg combined consumption.
• Audi S8: The most potent A8 is the S8, using a 4-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8 with 571PS at its disposal. Despite weighing more than 2.2 tonnes, it can charge from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, and combined economy is 24.6mpg.

What used Audi A8 trim levels are available?

Like many cars in its class, the Audi A8’s trim levels are well-equipped across the board. The opening Sport line is something of a misnomer on its relatively modest 18-inch wheels and with plenty of silver and chrome trim, but S Line turns up the sporting appeal, while those after true performance can upgrade to the S8. Most A8s are also available in A8 L specification, referring to the long-wheelbase models.

• The Audi A8 Sport may be the entry point to the A8 range but it’s far from basic, with 18-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a pair of touchscreens for infotainment and interior features, adaptive air suspension, and leather seats, among dozens of other features.
• The Audi A8 S Line gets a sportier exterior appearance as well as 20-inch alloy wheels, acoustic double glazing, and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel in tandem with other S Line interior fittings - plus all the kit you’ll find in the Sport.
• The Audi A8 Black Edition is as per S Line spec, but gets a different 20-inch wheel design, a black exterior styling pack (to replace any chrome or silver elements).
• The Audi S8 Black Edition gets 21-inch alloy wheels as standard, painted black to go with the standard black exterior elements. S8 models also get a locking centre differential and a sports rear differential, predictive air suspension, and a head-up display.
• The Audi S8 Vorsprung adds a selection of optional packs as standard, digital matrix LED headlights, carbon mirror caps, extra Nappa leather inside, and a unique 21-inch alloy wheel design.

Used Audi A8 dimensions and boot size

The Audi A8’s dimensions are:

• Length: 5172mm (5320mm A8 L)
• Width: 1945mm (without mirrors), 2130mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1473mm (1488mm A8 L)
• Ground clearance: N/A

The Audi A8’s boot size is:

• 505 litres (390 litres 60 TFSI e)

Used Audi A8 road tax

The 60 TFSI e has the cheapest VED or ‘road tax’ rate of the A8 range, thanks to it being classed as an alternative fuel vehicle. New buyers won’t pay a penny with a sub-50g/km CO2 rating. With a list price of more than £40,000 though, it jumps up to £560 per year for the next five years, £10 less than the petrol and diesel models.

How much is it to insure an Audi A8?

The Audi A8 is a big and expensive car and has insurance group ratings to match. The petrol 55 TFSI and the diesel 50 TDI begin in group 44, while the 60 TFSI e jumps up to group 48. The S8, unsurprisingly, finds itself in the maximum group 50.

Read our full Audi A8 review