Audi A8

The Audi A8 is a large luxury automobile built by Audi to replace the V8 model as their flagship offering. Although the Volkswagen Phaeton, long wheelbase Jaguar XJ8 and Lexus LS 430 compete in the same size and price category as the A8, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series are often thought to be its primary rivals. On most versions, Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard.

Model Information

The A8 debuted in Europe as a 1994 model, although it wasn't until 1997 that it became available in North America. Unlike the V8 model which was built on an existing steel platform, the A8 debuted on Audi's then-new D2 platform, an all aluminum "Space Frame" which helped to significantly reduce unsprung weight without being any less rigid. A second generation version of the A8 became available worldwide in 2003, now riding on an upgraded D3 platform.

In addition to being the world's first car built on an entirely aluminum platform, updates to the car in 1997 included the addition of six interior airbags, making the A8 the first vehicle to be so equipped.