2003 Audi A8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

$62,860 to $67,860

Original MSRP

expert review

4.0

avg user rating

It may not be all flash on the outside, but inside its utilitarian German exterior, the Audi A8 is all about splendor and high-end treatment. This full-size sedan puts the luxe in luxury. We spend so much time in our cars, why not enjoy the experience? Audi will take care of the expert performance and engineering.

In preparation for a redesign in 2004, there was little done to alter the 2003 Audi A8. Both the base and longer A8L trims featured the same 4.2-liter, 310-hp V8 engine and 5-speed Tiptronic clutchless auto/manual transmission. New in 2003 was a Premium Package that added A8L standard features to the base model, such as heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, 17-inch tires, tire pressure monitor, ski bag, power rear sunshade, and xenon headlights. The 5-inch longer A8L meant a little bit more head and legroom for backseat passengers, plus a few more creature comforts and conveniences, such as a navigation system and a parking alarm that alerted the driver to obstacles while backing up. A solar sunroof, which stored up energy that powered a ventilation fan while the car sat in the sun was only offered on the longer A8L.

The 2003 Audi A8 gets rave reviews from owners for its out-of-this-world comfort and luxury that you don't find standard on comparable models. The sedan is roomy enough to stretch out or conduct business (an Office package features a fold-down desk and minibar), and the instruments and controls are well-laid out. The A8 performance is first-rate, offering a smooth and quiet ride within a sturdy aluminum frame that's light enough to make the most of the V8 engine. Owners feel safe while still having fun behind the wheel. The quattro AWD feature is unsurpassed. Repair costs and frequent visits to mechanics for lots of little problems annoy Audi A8 owners. They also complain that the navi system screen is too small to be of use, and cupholders are poorly designed.

Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team

Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2003 Audi A8

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by Safet A

Jan 21, 2012

The audi a8 is a great car. The acceleration is great, braking isnt bad as well as the handling. The quality of the car is amazing and there hasnt been any problems with it and i dont belive there will be for a long time. Its very fun to drive the car because of the power of the engine. It has a powerful 310HP V8, 4.2L engine. The gas mileage in the city is around 15 and highway is roughly 21. 0-60 is approx. 7 seconds.Jan 21, 2012

2003 Audi A8 Pricing

Original MSRP

$62,860 to $67,860

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Audi A8 price trends

Trims & specs

2003 Audi A8 quattro AWD

Original MSRP: $62,860

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

CD changer: 6 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Exterior Features

Paint: special factory paint

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

2003 Audi A8 L quattro AWD

Original MSRP: $67,860