Review: Audi D3 A8 (2003-10)

Review: Audi D3.I A8 (2003-05)

Overview

Released in August 2003, the Audi D3 Series I (D3.I) A8 was a large, luxury sedan. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Audi D3 A8 range initially consisted of standard wheelbase 3.7 and 4.2 variants, powered by 3.7- and 4.2-litre V8 engines, respectively. In August 2004, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of long wheelbase 4.2 variants. All Audi A8 models were fitted with six-speed ZF automatic transmissions and permanent four-wheel drive (see ‘quattro’, below).

Dimensions

Compared to the Audi D2 A8 , the D3 A8 was 17 mm longer (at 5051 mm), 82 mm narrower (1894 mm), 4 mm taller (1444 mm) and had a 62 mm longer wheelbase (2944 mm). Compared to the D3 A8, the long wheelbase model had a 130 mm longer wheelbase and overall length (at 3074 mm and 5181 mm, respectively); the roofline was also raised by 11 mm (to 1455 mm). Compared to the D2 A8 , the D3 A8’s aluminium body achieved a 60 per cent increase in static torsional rigidity.

Suspension

The Audi A8 had four-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and self-tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension. Furthermore, the A8 was fitted with adaptive air suspension – consisting of four-corner air springs – which provided continuously variable shock absorber control and selectable ride modes (Auto, Comfort and Dynamic) for specific spring/damper characteristics.

quattro

The Audi D3 A8’s ‘quattro’ four-wheel drive system which utiltised a self-locking Torsen centre differential and provided a default 50:50 front:rear torque split. 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 D3.I A8 included dual front airbags (with two-stage inflation), front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features: Audi A8 3.7 and 4.2

Standard features for the A8 3.7 included 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, a nine speaker stereo with six-stack CD player, Multi Media Interface (MMI) with seven-inch LCD and DVD-based satellite navigation system, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, driver and front passenger memory settings (seats, mirrors, steering column, seatbelt height and head restraints), Bluetooth connectivity and car phone, directional bi-xenon headlights, front fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, steering wheel gearshift paddles, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, powered tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a power-operated park brake, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The A8 4.2 was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels and fingerprint-activated memory settings. Beyond this, A8 4.2 LWB added four-zone climate control air conditioning, fingerprint-activated memory settings, rear blinds, reading lamps and power sunroof.

Related links

• Specifications: Audi D3 A8 (August 2003)

Review: Audi D3.II A8 (2005-07)

Overview

Released in November 2005, the Audi D3 Series II (D3.II) A8 introduced a revised range and additional features. The range was initially expanded with the introduction of the 6.0 W12 variant; in 2006, the 3.7 was discontinued, but the range was expanded by the 3.2 FSI and 4.2 TDI. The full range is given in the table below.

Visually, the Audi D3.II A8 could be identified by its single-frame trapezoidal grille and upgraded headlights, within which the orange indicator bulbs could no longer be seen. The 6.0 W12 was also fitted with daytime LED running lights.

Features

Compared to its D3.I predecessor, standard features for the Audi D3.II A8 were extended to include a reversing camera. The 4.2 LWB was further equipped with a thirteen speaker 350 watt Bose stereo, including an eight-channel amplifier and high resolution digital signal processing, and hands-free car phone with charging cradle.

Compared to the standard A8, the newly introduced A8 6.0 W12 featured adaptive cruise control, adjustable and heated rear seats with massage function, rear coolbox, soft-close doors, a remote control unit for the MMI, two in-car phones, Alcantara roof lining, additional leather trim and tyre pressure monitoring.

The subsequently introduced 3.2 FSI, however, omitted satellite navigation and the reversing camera that was standard for the other variants.

Review: Audi D3.III A8 (2007-10)

Overview

Released in November 2007, the Audi D3 Series III (D3.III) A8 introduced more direct ‘Servotronic’ steering, revised shock absorbers and air suspension dampers (with lower-friction seals, new valves and retuned hydraulics), and improved noise insulation.

The Audi D3.III A8 could be identified by its updated grille with black high-gloss finishes, door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, LED tail-lights and new alloy wheel designs.

Safety equipment

Compared to its D3.II predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Audi D3.III A8 was unchanged, although Audi’s ‘Side Assist’ (blind spot monitoring) and ‘Lane Assist’ (lane departure warning) systems were available as options. 

Features

Standard features for the Audi A8 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI included 18-inch alloy wheels, a nine speaker sound system with a subwoofer and six-disc CD player, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, remote central locking with proximity key, push-button start, power windows, power mirrors with heating and folding functions, automatically dipping door mirrors on reverse, a power adjustable steering wheel (height and reach), driver memory settings (front seats, mirrors), an electrochromatic rear view mirror, an alarm and immobiliser.

The A8 4.2 and 4.2 TDI were further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, an in-car phone, TV tuner (analogue), reversing camera, directional headlights, finger print-activate memory settings and a power sunroof.

Finally, the range-topping A8 6.0 W12 was distinguished by its four-zone climate control system, adaptive cruise control, front seat massage function, power adjustable rear seats, heated front and rear seats, double-glazed glass and powered side and rear blinds.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Audi D3 A8