2012 Audi A8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Audi A8, already held in high regard as the automaker’s flagship in the full-size luxury sedan world, steps up its game even further for 2012. Performance, class and technological advances have been just a few of the vehicle’s trademarks in recent years, and Audi keeps marching forward with the 2012 Audi A8.
Audi pairs up performance and pampering just about as well as anybody in the game with the 2012 Audi A8, the experts note. They cite its acceleration and the comfortable ride it delivers, for either a jaunt around town or a cross-country cruise, and note that despite being a bit on the heavy side (even with an all-aluminum frame it pushes 4,500 pounds), it’s a fun car to drive.
Experts approve of the vehicle’s ability, helped by Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, to handle curvy roadways.
Fun to drive, fun to be driven around in. Heck, one reviewer points out that the individual seats in the rear of the 2012 Audi A8 L especially are so roomy and plush – options for the right-side seat include a footrest, while the lucky person on the left gets massage and recline functions – that both seats up front may end up going to the folks who draw the short straws. The A8, it seems, may singlehandedly eliminate the fight over riding shotgun.
Audi offers the A8 in three trims, the A8 Base, L and L W12. The Base and L are powered by a direct-injection 4.2-liter V8 that makes 372 horsepower with 328 lb-ft of torque and is good for 17 mpg city/27 highway. The W12 gets a 6.3-liter 12-cylinder engine, also with direct injection, at 500 hp. The A8 L rates 16/23 with the W12. The A8 L versions have an extended wheelbase that's 5 inches longer than the regular A8's. All come with an 8-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission.
Reviewers appreciate the classy yet understated looks of the 2012 Audi A8, but the high-tech goodies the manufacturer loads into the vehicle are the real eye and attention grabbers. The A8 L comes with heated front seats, powered everything and a navigation system. The navigation and sound systems can be controlled by voice commands or a touchpad, much like that of a laptop computer.
Audi sends the A8 out with a perfectly fine Bose sound system with an MP3 player, 6-CD changer and 12 speakers, but stereo aficionados can also opt for a Bang & Olufsen surround sound setup with a 1,400-watt amplifier and 19 speakers. A solar-panel sunroof, dual-pane security glass, ventilated and massaging seats, and a rear seat entertainment center with a pair of 10-inch screens and individual audio controls are among the other options.
Pampered enough? Some reviewers do think the tech attack is a bit overdone and running the ship, er, car – the 2012 Audi A8 has a shifter that is designed to simulate the throttle on a high-end yacht – can be almost overwhelming.
Audi long has scored well in crash tests and continues to address safety with the 2012 A8. It comes with 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, brake assist, traction and stability control, an in-trunk emergency release and a full array of airbags.
User reviews for 2012 Audi A8
Write a review2012 Audi A8 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · CD changer: 6 · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Remote control: audio and video · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brake width: 1.34 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.87 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Interior accents: wood · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power activated trunk/hatch: open and close · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: electric · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Locking differential: front
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Rear Seats
Heated: multi-level heating · Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Sunroof: solar panel
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 20 · Profile: 40 · Type: all season · Width: 265
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · CD changer: 6 · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Remote control: audio and video · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Beverage cooler: cooled storage compartment · Center console trim: alloy · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Interior accents: wood · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: electric · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Sunshade: rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: rear seat
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Locking differential: front
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: dual rear · Video monitor size: 7
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18
Rear Seats
Heated: multi-level heating · Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat: built-in · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat adjustments: lumbar · Upholstery: premium leather · Ventilated: front
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 20 · Profile: 40 · Type: all season · Width: 265
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · CD changer: 6 · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 630 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: electric · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 22
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20 · Locking differential: front
Engine
Alternator: 190 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in. · Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 22
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Sunroof: solar panel
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat: ventilated · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
