2008 Audi A8 Trims and Specs

Powered by a 4.2-liter, 350-hp V8 that gets 325 ft-lbs of torque, the 2008 Audi A8 Base combines power with luxury in a full-size sedan. A 6-speed Tiptronic transmission with sport-shift, revised steering, and an adapative air suspension with four settings improves handling, along with the quattro all-wheel drive that includes a limited-slip center differential. 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires help with road grip. 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, a tire monitor, traction and stability control, and dual front, side, and knee airbags (and side curtain bags for the back row) earn high safety ratings and are joined by three new safety features. These include standard turn signals in the exterior mirrors and an optional lane-departure alert in the form of a vibrating steering wheel, along with a blind-spot warning system in the rearview mirror. Other standard equipment in the 2008 A8 Base includes xenon headlamps, automatic and adaptive headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and foglights.

Power doesn't come only in the engine. The interior of the 2008 A8 Base features 10-way power front seats with memory settings, power tilt and telescopic steering, power-folding mirrors, and three front power outlets. Other conveniences include Valcona leather, heated front seats, a voice-activated navigation system, a trip computer, external temperature display, dual-zone climate control, remote entry, a garage opener, and wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls for the 6-CD changer. Satellite radio is also standard. A power sunroof opens up the feeling of space in the 199-inch sedan. The trunk holds a decent 15 cubic feet of cargo and comes with tie-downs, a net, and a power-operated trunk lid. Intermittent wipers with heated washing fluid, tinted glass, front and rear reading lights, and wood and aluminum interior trim round out the four-star luxury features in the 2008 A8 Base. Options include a Sport Package that adds 20-inch wheels, a sport suspension, and shift paddles. Other options are upgraded audio, adaptive cruise control, power rear shades, a ski sack, and a solar-powered fan that cools the car when parked.

New wheel and taillight designs adorn the outside of the 2008 Audi A8 L, the full-size luxury sedan whose L stands for five extra inches of length in the wheelbase. This means five more inches of rear legroom over what you get in the A8 Base. The roomy sedan also features a 15-cubic-foot trunk with tie-downs, a cargo net, and a power trunk lid. Under the hood breathes a 350-hp, 4.2-liter DOHC V8 with variable valve timing and a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. The 2008 A8 L rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and the quattro all-wheel drive comes with a mechanical center and limited-slip center differentials. An adaptive air suspension features four settings to adjust ride height, and this gets revised for 2008. Though not yet rated for safety, standard equipment includes new mirrors with turn signals, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, a tire monitor, automatic headlights, xenon lamps, cornering lights, foglights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags for both rows are standard, along with innovative knee airbags. A rearview camera is optional.

Luxury trimmings are similar to the base, with 10-way power front seats with memory settings, heated Valcona leather seats, full power features, including power tilt and telescopic steering, a 6-CD player with wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, voice-activated navigation, and dual-zone climate control. Intermittent front and rear wipers and retractable mirrors provide extra safety features. Also included are a sunroof, trip computer, compass and temperature display, remote entry, a garage opener, security system, heated mirrors and washer fluid, and alloy and wood accents. For entertainment, you also get satellite radio and an iPod connection, as well as Bluetooth capability. Extras include a new lane-departure warning via a vibrating steering wheel and a blind-spot alert via LED lights on the rearview mirror. Other available options are adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from the car in front, a Sport Package (20-inch wheels, sport suspension, and sport seats), Alcantara leather, and power sunshades.

A heavy dose of power makes this full-size luxury sedan a lot of fun to drive. The 2008 Audi A8 L W12 features a 48-valve, 6.0-liter, 450-hp DOHC W12 engine, achieving 428 ft-lbs of torque. Paired with a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, the engine's power is helped by the W12's lightweight aluminum body. Handling is improved with the quattro all-wheel-drive system that comes with mechanical center and limited-slip center differentials. An updated four-setting adaptive air suspension and a quicker steering ratio improves overall handling. In addition to 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, dual front, front-side, knee, and side curtain airbags, a tire monitor, and traction and stability control, the W12 gets mirrors with turn signals, an optional new lane-departure warning system, and blind-spot alert. Also standard are larger 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, adaptive cornering lights, xenon lamps, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and daytime running lights.

Like the A8L, the 2008 A8 L W12 is 204 inches in length, adding five more inches of legroom for backseat passengers. The W12 also gives rear passengers controls for audio and climate, along with power rear seats. It gets thicker glass for better sound insulation, providing a more comfortable ride. This comfort comes from heated leather seats, 10-way power front seats, memory settings for the seats, wheel, and mirrors, power tilt and telescopic steering, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a 6-CD player, remote entry, trip computer, voice-activated navigation system, a sunroof, satellite radio, Bluetooth capability, three power outlets, intermittent front and rear wipers, and heated retractable mirrors. The W12 upgrades from the L by offering remote start, power rear sunshades, a DVD player with remote control, and a Bose audio system. Leather, wood, and aluminum accents decorate the doors, dash, wheel, and shifter. Options add adaptive cruise control, 20-inch wheels, upgraded leather, and a solar-powered fan to keep the car cool while parked. A W12-only option is a small refrigerator in the trunk.