- Refined V8 petrol engines
- Quattro system provides excellent traction
- High quality interior fit and finish
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Underpowered 2.8-litre V6 engine
- Firm ride
- High maintenance costs
Review: Audi D2.I A8 (1995-99)
Overview
Released in May 1995, the Audi D2 Series I (D2.I) A8 was a large, luxury sedan. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Audi D2 A8 range initially consisted of 2.8 and 4.2 variants, powered by 2.8- and 4.2-litre engines (though the latter was also fitted with Audi’s ‘quattro’ four-wheel drive system). In 1996, the 2.8 variant was effectively replaced by the 3.7; from 1997, the 4.2 variant was fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission.
| Variant | Year | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 | 1995-96 | FWD | 2.8-litre AAH V6 | 4sp auto | 128 kW at 5500 rpm | 250 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| 3.7 | 1996-99 | FWD | 3.7-litre AEW V8 | 5sp auto | 169 kW at 5500 rpm | 315 Nm at 2700 rpm |
| 4.2 | 1995-96 | quattro | 4.2-litre ABZ V8 | 4sp auto | 220 kW at 6000 rpm | 400 Nm at 3300 rpm |
| 1997-99 | quattro | 4.2-litre ABZ V8 | 5sp auto | 229 kW at 6000 rpm | 400 Nm at 3300 rpm |
Dimensions and body
Compared to the Audi D1 V8 , the D2 A8 was 173 mm longer (at 5034 mm), 66 mm wider (1880 mm), 20 mm taller (1440 mm) and had a 179 mm longer wheelbase (2882 mm). Furthermore, the D2 A8 had an aluminium monocoque whereby the aluminium body panels also had a load-bearing function – this design provided a more rigid structure and minimised mass.
Suspension
The Audi A8 had four-link front suspension with double wishbones and independent, trapezoidal link rear suspension.
quattro
The Audi D2 A8’s quattro four-wheel drive system utiltised a self-locking Torsen centre differential and provided a 50:50 front:rear torque in normal conditions. If traction was lost, however, torque could be redirected to the front or rear axle (up to 80 per cent for the latter). Furthermore, both the front and rear differentials had an electronic differential lock which could enable cross-axle torque transfer at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi D2 A8 2.8 included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. The A8 3.7 and 4.2 were further equipped with traction control.
Features: Audi A8 2.8
Standard features for the Audi A8 2.8 included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker stereo with six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power mirrors and windows, an alarm and immobiliser.
Features: Audi A8 3.7 and 4.2
Compared to the 2.8, the Audi A8 3.7 and 4.2 were further equipped with a power sunroof and self-levelling suspension system, while the 4.2 was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels.
Review: Audi D2.II A8 (2000-03)
Overview
Released in January 2000, the Audi D2 Series II (D2.II) A8 introduced a new 4.2-litre V8 engine and subtle cosmetic updates. The new V8 engine had five valves per cylinder (previously four), an increased compression ratio (from 10.8:1 to 11.0:1), low-friction roller cam followers for the valve gear, adapted timing for the variable intake camshafts and a three-stage variable intake manifold. Visually, the D2.II A8 could be identified by its revised front mask with larger, clear headlights, revised grille and lower front valance.
In October 2000, a long wheelbase Audi A8 was introduced and the standard wheelbase A8 was discontinued. For the long wheelbase models, the rear doors and wheelbase were extended by 128 mm (the latter to 3010 mm); as a result of moving the rear seat forward by 60 mm, rear seat legroom increased by 68 mm and headroom was also improved.
| Variant | Year | Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 | 2000 | quattro | 4.2-litre AQF/AUW V8 | 5sp auto | 228 kW at 6200 rpm | 410 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 4.2 LWB | 2000-03 |
Safety equipment
Compared to its D2.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Audi D2.II A8 was initially unchanged. For the A8 LWB, however, standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and seatbelt with pretensioners and load limiters for all seats.
Features
Compared to the A8, the Audi A8 LWB featured an eight speaker ‘Symphony II’ sound system with a six-disc CD player, satellite navigation system, heated front and rear seats, driver’s seat memory settings, xenon headlights with washers, a power adjustable steering column, power folding and heated door mirrors, double glazed glass, powered rear blinds and tyre pressure monitoring.
A8 LWB
Released in October 2000, the A8 LWB was fitted with a ten speaker stereo and added a power adjustable steering column, rear blinds, double glazed glass, a satellite navigation system, xenon headlights and heated front seats.
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