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.
Running lights just gave up the ghost as well as the "audible" LIGHTS ON alarm. Flashers, 4 ways, brake lights, backup all work fine...just no front , side marker or rear lights. Was given 24 hour warning ticket but now can't find out if I need a 4 prong or 6 prong and there don't appear to be any 6's in Canada...I am visiting from USA and therefore can't drive home to US at night?? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Canada requires automatic daylight running lights as soon as the engine starts. Is this ia programmable function at the computer level?
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
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front 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: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · 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: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Sunroof: solar panel
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent