You made my mind up, flew to Glasgow and bought one and drove it back to wales. Same spec you have here, loudest thing on the motorway was the heater blower. I’m in love with it so far, king of the road.
As a retired chauffeur I agree with you wholeheartedly Matt. I drove the exact same specification on numerous occasions, the client always appreciated being transported in this stylish, well appointed, and comfortable motor. I can even confirm that, as demonstrated one March heading up to Beverley at 3:00 am, it makes a good snowplough! Around Beverley the snow was up to the top of the wheel arches and it didn’t miss a beat. Great review as usual, you’re just missing the black suit!
I had an 07 mk2 A8 4.2TD and covered 300K miles in 6 years, regularly drove down to Italy in one go. In that time, other than headlight build replacements and servicing, nothing went wrong. At about 300K, a rear brake light cluster failed and rear suspension arms replaced... At high speeds the A8 was really well balanced and very refined for long journeys. I Bought an A6 Allroad, 3.0l and missed the comfort... The 4.2td is such a great engine, smooth power from tick over. The A6 3.0L with EGR and all the emissions was less refined. I had it remapped and blocked off the EGR, smoother, much more power and better economy... indecently quick. However, still not a match for the A8... A8 4.2td highly rated by me.
We special ordered our 2013 A8L in May of 2013 and still have it in our garage. We absolutely love this vehicle! It’s quiet, comfortable, powerful, extremely fast and has been absolutely reliable. We have the 4.0 twin turbo engine which delivers excellent gas mileage and outstanding performance while maintaining a relatively quiet attitude unless you spool up both turbos! In 10 years, we had to replace a vanity mirror light switch and everything else has been routine yearly maintenance. The car still looks and drives like it’s brand new! Other than outdated technology (particularly the GPS), it’s got all the bells and whistles Audi offered including the top B&O system which is fantastic!
@@Atombender To cut a long story short ....fancied a change ..all set to buy an Audi S5 then they changed it to a diesel after i had placed my order I didnt want a diesel in a sports car ......ended up in a V6 diesel Velar instead !
Me, watches every High Peaks video, gets half way every time and jumps straight on Autotrader as the car (whatever car 😂) makes total sense for my new passion project!!! I’m either weak willed/easily swayed or Matt is the worlds greatest salesman
This was the review that decided me. I've bought a 4.2 tdi D4. It only has about 50k miles and is superb. It's 10 years old but looks and drives like new. Thanks Matt. By the way, you dodged a bullet with your decision over becoming an airline pilot!
How do you feel about the car? I always wanted one of these, since for me they seem like perfect blend of luxury and sportiness, while still being uncensored. But am afraid of possible maintenance costs, and breakdowns.
@@imeprezime1069 Hiya. I really like the car. Although it's by far the oldest car I've ever owned, it's also one of the nicest I've ever driven. It manages almost 40 mpg on the motorways, doing about 70ish mph. Local trips see the mpg plummet as it doesn't change into top gear until about 65mph. I've had no big bills so far and with the build quality as it is, hopefully I won't get any. If you can afford a slightly newer one, then do so, as they made the cars even better from about 2013 until this model (D3) ended in 2017. Enjoy. I don't think you'd regret it :)
@J Scott Yes, it's great. I've had it for over a year now and covered about 15k miles. No nasty surprises and it does about 38mpg on the motorway. I've got a bluetooth dongle from Invery so i can stream music and Audible from my phone. The last iteration, from c2014 to c2017 would be the best option but they are a lot more expensive. If you can find a low mileage pre-facelift like mine, I think you'd be very happy with it. Good luck.
A great video, I’m 77 years old and retired, but I had one of these cars before I retired and I agree with everything you said about it. I had many luxury executive cars, but this was the best, it never got keyed and did not attract attention. Keep up the good work, I love your channel and presentation style. Cheers Peter
My husband has an 06 plate D3, 4.2 tdi v8 with 156000 miles on it. just passed its MOT, no advisories, 38mpg on the motorway, 23mpg round town. Superb car. £6.5k two years ago.
The problem with Audi is that most people cannot tell an a4 from a6 from an a8 from a Passat. The A8 simply doesn't look the money and maintenance issues sink it in the resale market.The thing I enjoy most about Matt's videos is the modern car juxtaposed against a background of 300 year old homes.
My dad got a 2010 A8 4.2 tdi in September, it’s such a technically impressive car but it doesn’t shout about it, and I love that about it! Makes a ridiculous amount of torque and is so quiet on the motorway. A 2.0 A4 would’ve been a much more sensible car but it’s not as good value as an A8 and it wouldn’t put as big a smile on your face!
Brilliant review! Before 2 months I bought myself a facelifted 2014 A8 4.2 TDI short wheel base. And it is simply brilliant, especially if you are younger and you are looking for a big executive saloon, the A8 is the most youthful of its competition I would say:) It’s an absolute joy to drive, especially with its 385hp and 850nm! And mine has all of the niceties( adaptive stop and go cruise control, active lane assist, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, quilted leather seats, heated and cooled and with a brilliant massage function, black alcantara headliner and soo many other stuff! The point is if you find a example with nice extras, go for it. This A8 blends understated elegance, comfort and dynamism in a very balanced package. As for reliability, mine has 110,000miles, but it has a full service history and it is fine, although some parts are more expensive than its competitors. For example my right exterior mirror didn’t fold, so I was expecting that it just needed a new electric motor and it would be fine, as in my s class and 7 series that I have owned, but I had to buy a new mirror because the electric motor is a part of the mirror, so when it breaks you have the change the whole thing:) But besides those small things it isn’t really more expensive to maintain than an average car. Cheers!
Well done Matt. Excellent review. I have had my 2014 A8L 4.2TDi SE Executive for a couple of months now and cannot fault it. It is simply the best car I have ever owned. It has more grunt than a herd of pigs, but in 2,000 miles of mixed motoring it has averaged 38mpg. The comfort is superb and as you say, "like a deserted library" at motorway speeds. Keep up the good work. Cheers Pat.
I was thinking about this yesterday when I was driving a 2015 Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel, and even though i haven't driven the A8 I was wondering why anyone would want anything else other than an XJ. It was a fantastic car. 😎
Great review as always, no bull straight to point. I’m like you , just the A8 and keep looking at them as an understated luxury machine. How much was this one. Keep up the good year
Thank you for your input. Having a V8 2015 A8 L delivered via CarMax in a few days. Black exterior (think its high gloss, not metallic), Burnt Orange leather, similar colored alcantra door panels, beautiful natural matte wood, and every option on the list, 43k miles, $38K. The interior is breathtaking. Perfect condition inside and out. first car I've been truly excited about. Steal felling a bit guilty...so luxurious, but I'm a bit disabled and i can drive this car so comfortably. Cannot drive many.
The D4 platform is indeed very polished and thought out. I used to have a 3.0TDi D3. Then upgraded to the D4 S8 Plus. Hand on heart, even after nearly 2 years of ownership, it always puts a huge smile on my face and I always take the scenic route.
As you know, I recently purchased a Jag XJ Portfolio. I really love it! Mind you I am still finding out about things, the reason I mention this is that the Audi has a very sensible placement of the seat adjustment controls, mine are situated in a tight space between seat and door - can’t change the settings without opening the door. As you correctly pointed out, using the stereo and auxiliaries white driving is distracting and possibly downright dangerous, but in the Jag, mode and volume.are on the steering wheel. The start button is in a silly place as well. I still think I made the right choice though, and IR.D.
@Wooly Chewbakker Join the club! The design sets it apart from all competitors, it’s British and always draws attention. I am always being asked about running costs and reliability. It’s a thoroughbred, It will need maintenance, but it’s a beautiful luxury car- that is what you are buying. Richard D
I wish all car dealers were like this telling you all the good points and bad hes a great guy and I do enjoy watching his shows so keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍👍
I have a 2011 standard wheelbase A8 se executive 3.0D with around 80k - bought for £11k two years ago, my first Audi always had BMW 5 or 7’s previously. I genuinely love it, so fast and refined yet averages mid 40mpg or 50mpg on a slow cruise. Bought it as I thought it looked better than the S class or BMW equivalent 2011 models. Everything you say in the review I can vouch for and agree the gear-lever design is about the only think I’d change too!
Couldn’t agree more. Loved my D4 Black Edition that I leased. These are now a very cheap car for what they are. I used to drive across Europe in total comfort after an early Eurotunnel jaunt. I had the 3.0 TDi which was fine coming from an E60 535d LCi. I imagine the 4.2 TDi is even better but they are rare. Great opening comments!
The extra front end weight of the 4.2 makes it less relaxing to drive. Since using the additional power would mostly be illegal or dangerous, their is little point. If you weigh up all the differences, including running cost and maintenance, almost every one of them starts to look like a disadvantage. Unless you are in the market for a RR or Bentley, stick with the 3.0 TDI and spend the money that you save on a nice holiday.
Matt, I part exchanged my 2016 A8 for my 2014 Range Rover sport. Like you, I'm a RR fanboy, but the A8 was a better car. Comfort, smoothness, refinement. All better on the A8. Brilliant cars and very, very reliable.
I must fess up (again) bought a barn find 2002 D2 S8 4.2 Quattro ....I love it FSH until 2015 when it was left on a farm, best £2000 buy so far, I’ve put my video on TH-cam Barnfind S8 . Excellent video .....there’s a 2002 top gear review, A8, the S class, 7 series & a Jag ....Clarkson loves the A8 ....in his summing up but then says ....sadly it doesn’t say S Class on the badge & in this category...class rocks
What sort of classy introductions do you have on _your_ TH-cam channels, "unknown" (so appropriate) and "millinutz" (probably appropriate, also)? Post a link to them and we can see whose channel is the most successful. Dumb idiots.
My 2.7 litre twin turbo Quattro A6 was in the shop a lot, luckily under an extended warrenty, but I loved driving it. I'd love an A8 TDI but diesels are few and far between here in the colonies.
Great review mate, i'll start with that. Just bough a 10 plate 4.2tdi one. Has individual paint and comfort seats, night vision and few other stuff, about 17k of extras on it. Sits just over 47k on the clock and drives amazing, will pick it up this coming week. Paid 16k for it which I believe it does worth it. Had a BMW f10 which I sold few days ago, a 520d, and this 4.2tdi 'scares' me, haha. Great cars, cant wait to drive it.
Matt, you are the most decent car reviewer on youtube. Super real, this video is the reason I bought myself an A8L 3.0 TFSI . I live in Houston Tx , ergo the petrol engine. Always a pleasure to watch your videos
(For naming info, Audi uses "D" for this class car, D1=Audi V8, D2= Series 1 A8 etc) I have a D2 S8 (2002) and that is the one to have from that era. I also have a daily driver 2011 D4 S8 4.2 V8 TDI which is epic. 360BHP 35mpg (on a run). It also have £25K of extras including £6K B&O stereo, special colour, extended leather etc. It also has all the safety features. I have no idea what I could replace it with for less than £100K. Mine actually cost over £100K when new. I've had it 3 years and I bought it for £17K. Amazing car.
I bought a 2019 A8 S-line with the 350bhp petrol engine as a one year old ex demo and did my standard 15 min. commute; after a couple of months an engine warning lamp informed me that, due to short journey times, the oil needed to be changed (expensive) and I was shocked to find emulsified oil under the oil filler cap. My ownership ended a week later!
Lovely car great review. I was lucky and got the S class 3.0 diesel a 2006 model with 29.000 miles one owner, I paid £10,000 and kept it for Three and half years, sold it for £8.000 a lovely car.
Would love another film on The Famous Mercedes S Class long wheel base sometime. The civilised one, diesel 320 Bluetec. Now getting harder to find in acceptable condition , with less that 100,000 on the clock.
You hit it out of the park yet again, I'm struggling to find a replacement for my BMW 730d and would probably have gone for a leggy L405, as XJ's have aged badly. I'd written off the A8 as a wooden boat but you've changed my mind, for some reason they now now look very attractive. You have the ability to give an honest car review from an ownership perspective filled with common sense and dry humour that is so bloody refreshing. I love variety please keep it up.
Another great review. Big execs suffer chronic depreciation from new. I think second hand buyers are put off by potential running costs. Makes them brilliant value used buys, if that is your thing.
I have had 2 A8's and an early S8 all have been great. Things to watch out for, timing chain is an engine out job around £2k at a specialist, mega bucks at a main dealer. Chain the gearbox oil every 40 - 50 thousand miles. They have been known to go at around 80 thou without this. Great cars
I have driven the A8 as a diplomatic/royalty driver. The vehicles also driven apart from Range Rovers and Jag XJL. I loved my A8’S I had top spec. Loved it. I
Hi Matt. Due to lockdown and mid life crisis and the media love of all things electric I decided I needed a V8 in my life and came across the A8 and later your channel for an honest opinion. I was hooked. I did buy a V8 but it was inspired by one of your other videos. tbc..
May I offer you a compliment? What a refreshing car channel. Real human emotion attached to a love of cars. Well done. Cheers from Toronto I love this car, but it is really expensive to fix if you have a major problem.
Had every mark of the A8 excepting the current one...theyre all lovely and got better with each update...fantastic cars, but although I loved each one at the time, they don't seem to age well in the looks department, just my opinion...great review! Thankyou
Great car.. I have one same as this. No complaints. Ur fuel figures might be a bit on the optimistic side.. More like 30mpg but still I wont change it for many years. Great review
@@surajisagoodboy Brilliant, love it, had it 3 years now, not had much go wrong with it, 1 front airbag replaced, that cost around £250, the air pump had a leak, that cost around £40 to get repaired, i have an oil and filter change about every 6 months, had to spend £400 last week on 2 new front tyres and 2 front upper track rods i think it was, and 4 wheel tracking, have the MOT coming up end of june, but i expect it to pass again with no problems, i hope so anyway lol, i put £30 of diesel in every 7 days roughly, mainly do short journeys every day, theres a few things wrong with it that need fixing but can't be bothered to just yet, the flip up screen is broke, just clicks away and have to push it up by hand, i have the brass parts kit to fix it, but have'nt yet, the rear lights have come apart at the seams so let rainwater in, a few other minor things i can live with, for now :), and of course, the 5.9 sec 0-60 is nice :).
Ive had the A and now the S8 of this generation, the gear selector you overcome quickly, when I first got mine I did what you said, but now its second nature you don't think about it, the 3.0 diesel will get over 50mpg on a motorway run, it really is a brilliant engine, equally the V8 in the S will see 37mpg, its an altogether different beast mind you!
A friend of mine just bought a 57 plate A8 3.0 TDi (LWB) with only 106K miles on the clock. FSH for only £3,800 and the seller even filled the tank up with diesel. Car is in near mint condition. Fantastic bit of kit.
Hi there I am to think that the Audi A8 is probably one of the best cars you can buy on the planet I look exceptionally well well-built good value for money cheers Phil from Newark PS Don't Forget they used an Audi A8 in running on the best films around as a getaway car
I love this generation of A8. Almost as beautiful as the second generation. Audi is the best when it comes to making subtle and elegant yet muscular looking sedans.
Great car, had a 2008 A8L, drove to Germany in one day super comfortable will look for another, I did like the L version especially with son at 6’2 tall !
After this review I've purchased one. You're costing me a fortune. That's S Class, Jaguar XF and 6 series and now A8 thanks to your real world reviews. Next video please.
I had a 2004 A8 that I bought in 2014 and it was a lovely car to drive, very solid and sure-footed, one or two electrical gremlins aside it was very reliable, I do miss it.
Understated car. Get a 4.2L engine and you will see most brands still sitting at traffic lights when you pull away. Much more comfort and gadgets than other brands. Why would you buy a Maserati, for example! Just the badge, I assume. Soft closing doors, keyless entry-close +start engine, television, 4x4 driving (security) as standard (Quattro) loads of leg room and massive booth too. This is now, since 2006, the fourth A8L I have had.
Another underrated car was the VW Phaeton with massive depreciation but the brand badge was its let down I gather. I think at the Audi A8 and A6 level for an older second hand car, Lexus makes more sense because of the reliability and service costs.
My (2004 4.0TDI Quattro) A8 was the biggest let-down of any car I’ve had; the build quality was epic and the upgraded leather divine, but the steering feedback is better on a Logitech G25 gaming wheel and it was the only car that I’ve ever owned with air suspension that amplified road noise and imperfections rather than muffling them. Maybe it was a bad one, but compared even to the L322 that was its stable mate at the time, the ride quality was pants! Your (excellent as always), review has me tempted to try a later one however...
As a family man I simply love my Audi A6 avant and the vast amount of space it offers. When space isn't as important the A8 3.0tdi will be my target car. Thanks for the review Matt and confirming my next choice if car. 👍
Head room /windscreen is a little low, I removed my sun visor for a better view. I have a SWB 4.2FSI w/roof racks for surf boards, and added a hitch for my bikes= true sport utility. And run '10 L322 for winter, towing & offroad. I can have both for the $ of one L405.
I sold my 66 plate A8 sport 3.0 tdi last year which I got pre reg and was an awesome vehicle superbly built and ultra reliable. I have an A7 50 tdi now which has more tech but build quality isn’t as good ! These cars just don’t get old
You made my mind up, flew to Glasgow and bought one and drove it back to wales. Same spec you have here, loudest thing on the motorway was the heater blower. I’m in love with it so far, king of the road.
May I ask as to how have you found the car now you have it a while. Service etc.
You're the king of your back yard kiddo
@@jjb4531 run along, the adults are talking
@@Papatroll talking to yourself more like. Now be quiet kiddo
How has the car been for the last 2 years? I am interested but put off by reliability fears
As a retired chauffeur I agree with you wholeheartedly Matt. I drove the exact same specification on numerous occasions, the client always appreciated being transported in this stylish, well appointed, and comfortable motor. I can even confirm that, as demonstrated one March heading up to Beverley at 3:00 am, it makes a good snowplough! Around Beverley the snow was up to the top of the wheel arches and it didn’t miss a beat. Great review as usual, you’re just missing the black suit!
The knowledge of having AWD is a great selling point over the others
Hello, I'm thinking of becoming a chauffeur, i would like some pointers.
@@antoniomweenejunior283 driving license and an ability to let another adult talk to you like a child
You went through the whole video without saying "that's all the car you'll ever need"!
Close: 8:01
@@DiscoFang Hahah
He did say the diesel was "all the engine you'll ever need!"
I had an 07 mk2 A8 4.2TD and covered 300K miles in 6 years, regularly drove down to Italy in one go. In that time, other than headlight build replacements and servicing, nothing went wrong. At about 300K, a rear brake light cluster failed and rear suspension arms replaced... At high speeds the A8 was really well balanced and very refined for long journeys. I Bought an A6 Allroad, 3.0l and missed the comfort... The 4.2td is such a great engine, smooth power from tick over. The A6 3.0L with EGR and all the emissions was less refined. I had it remapped and blocked off the EGR, smoother, much more power and better economy... indecently quick. However, still not a match for the A8... A8 4.2td highly rated by me.
"Drive it up to big Ben without being treated like a sex offender" 🤣🤣🤣
We special ordered our 2013 A8L in May of 2013 and still have it in our garage. We absolutely love this vehicle! It’s quiet, comfortable, powerful, extremely fast and has been absolutely reliable. We have the 4.0 twin turbo engine which delivers excellent gas mileage and outstanding performance while maintaining a relatively quiet attitude unless you spool up both turbos! In 10 years, we had to replace a vanity mirror light switch and everything else has been routine yearly maintenance. The car still looks and drives like it’s brand new! Other than outdated technology (particularly the GPS), it’s got all the bells and whistles Audi offered including the top B&O system which is fantastic!
Had 3 A8s .....loved them all . Massively underrated .
What happened to them?
He found out that the beemer 7 is even better
@@GrumpySalmon nah
@@Atombender To cut a long story short ....fancied a change ..all set to buy an Audi S5 then they changed it to a diesel after i had placed my order I didnt want a diesel in a sports car ......ended up in a V6 diesel Velar instead !
@@GrumpySalmon At the time when I liked the 7 series in the early ninety's I couldn't afford one !
Me, watches every High Peaks video, gets half way every time and jumps straight on Autotrader as the car (whatever car 😂) makes total sense for my new passion project!!! I’m either weak willed/easily swayed or Matt is the worlds greatest salesman
Same here!!
Not just me then.
This was the review that decided me. I've bought a 4.2 tdi D4. It only has about 50k miles and is superb. It's 10 years old but looks and drives like new. Thanks Matt. By the way, you dodged a bullet with your decision over becoming an airline pilot!
Pleased to hear it! Enjoy your car 😉
How do you feel about the car? I always wanted one of these, since for me they seem like perfect blend of luxury and sportiness, while still being uncensored. But am afraid of possible maintenance costs, and breakdowns.
@@imeprezime1069 Hiya. I really like the car. Although it's by far the oldest car I've ever owned, it's also one of the nicest I've ever driven. It manages almost 40 mpg on the motorways, doing about 70ish mph. Local trips see the mpg plummet as it doesn't change into top gear until about 65mph. I've had no big bills so far and with the build quality as it is, hopefully I won't get any. If you can afford a slightly newer one, then do so, as they made the cars even better from about 2013 until this model (D3) ended in 2017. Enjoy. I don't think you'd regret it :)
@J Scott Yes, it's great. I've had it for over a year now and covered about 15k miles. No nasty surprises and it does about 38mpg on the motorway. I've got a bluetooth dongle from Invery so i can stream music and Audible from my phone. The last iteration, from c2014 to c2017 would be the best option but they are a lot more expensive. If you can find a low mileage pre-facelift like mine, I think you'd be very happy with it. Good luck.
@paulcurran5117 hows the car after a year now ,any mechanical issues?
A great video, I’m 77 years old and retired, but I had one of these cars before I retired and I agree with everything you said about it. I had many luxury executive cars, but this was the best, it never got keyed and did not attract attention. Keep up the good work, I love your channel and presentation style. Cheers Peter
Here, on the continent, we usualy forget the Jag XJ instead of the A8
And now, we can forget the Jaguar XJ altogether unfortunately :(.
@@jaffaorange3809 crap design no wonder
@@tonywellington7854 "crap design"? 😐
@@zsb707 the last Jag XJ is crap design
@@tonywellington7854 I'm sure that's an expert's opinion ...
My husband has an 06 plate D3, 4.2 tdi v8 with 156000 miles on it. just passed its MOT, no advisories, 38mpg on the motorway, 23mpg round town. Superb car. £6.5k two years ago.
Matt, the other problem with LWB versions is that even if you arrive for an appointment on time, the back end is always late 😁
😂
The A8 car chase in Ronin was filmed near me in Gréolières, France. Great sounding car.
Thats right!
One of the best sequences on film, superb!
Remember it...mainly for super sexy Natasha
Great film.
Wasn't it an S8?
The problem with Audi is that most people cannot tell an a4 from a6 from an a8 from a Passat. The A8 simply doesn't look the money and maintenance issues sink it in the resale market.The thing I enjoy most about Matt's videos is the modern car juxtaposed against a background of 300 year old homes.
My dad got a 2010 A8 4.2 tdi in September, it’s such a technically impressive car but it doesn’t shout about it, and I love that about it! Makes a ridiculous amount of torque and is so quiet on the motorway. A 2.0 A4 would’ve been a much more sensible car but it’s not as good value as an A8 and it wouldn’t put as big a smile on your face!
Brilliant review! Before 2 months I bought myself a facelifted 2014 A8 4.2 TDI short wheel base. And it is simply brilliant, especially if you are younger and you are looking for a big executive saloon, the A8 is the most youthful of its competition I would say:) It’s an absolute joy to drive, especially with its 385hp and 850nm! And mine has all of the niceties( adaptive stop and go cruise control, active lane assist, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, quilted leather seats, heated and cooled and with a brilliant massage function, black alcantara headliner and soo many other stuff! The point is if you find a example with nice extras, go for it. This A8 blends understated elegance, comfort and dynamism in a very balanced package. As for reliability, mine has 110,000miles, but it has a full service history and it is fine, although some parts are more expensive than its competitors. For example my right exterior mirror didn’t fold, so I was expecting that it just needed a new electric motor and it would be fine, as in my s class and 7 series that I have owned, but I had to buy a new mirror because the electric motor is a part of the mirror, so when it breaks you have the change the whole thing:) But besides those small things it isn’t really more expensive to maintain than an average car. Cheers!
And have you found tyres to be more expensive?
Jaguar XJ is youthful looking, arguably much better looking than the A8
Well done Matt. Excellent review. I have had my 2014 A8L 4.2TDi SE Executive for a couple of months now and cannot fault it. It is simply the best car I have ever owned. It has more grunt than a herd of pigs, but in 2,000 miles of mixed motoring it has averaged 38mpg. The comfort is superb and as you say, "like a deserted library" at motorway speeds. Keep up the good work. Cheers Pat.
I was thinking about this yesterday when I was driving a 2015 Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel, and even though i haven't driven the A8 I was wondering why anyone would want anything else other than an XJ. It was a fantastic car. 😎
I’m glad the seats aren’t similar to a stage coach
Great review as always, no bull straight to point. I’m like you , just the A8 and keep looking at them as an understated luxury machine. How much was this one. Keep up the good year
Thank you for your input. Having a V8 2015 A8 L delivered via CarMax in a few days. Black exterior (think its high gloss, not metallic), Burnt Orange leather, similar colored alcantra door panels, beautiful natural matte wood, and every option on the list, 43k miles, $38K. The interior is breathtaking. Perfect condition inside and out. first car I've been truly excited about. Steal felling a bit guilty...so luxurious, but I'm a bit disabled and i can drive this car so comfortably. Cannot drive many.
Good choice! Enjoy
As Jason Statham would put it: “Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.”
The D4 platform is indeed very polished and thought out. I used to have a 3.0TDi D3. Then upgraded to the D4 S8 Plus. Hand on heart, even after nearly 2 years of ownership, it always puts a huge smile on my face and I always take the scenic route.
I have sat in the S8 and it was an absolute blast! Have fun with your Plus version :)
As you know, I recently purchased a Jag XJ Portfolio. I really love it! Mind you I am still finding out about things, the reason I mention this is that the Audi has a very sensible placement of the seat adjustment controls, mine are situated in a tight space between seat and door - can’t change the settings without opening the door. As you correctly pointed out, using the stereo and auxiliaries white driving is distracting and possibly downright dangerous, but in the Jag, mode and volume.are on the steering wheel. The start button is in a silly place as well. I still think I made the right choice though, and IR.D.
I love the XJ. Its a beautiful car
@Audi8 they’re not unreliable
@Wooly Chewbakker Join the club! The design sets it apart from all competitors, it’s British and always draws attention. I am always being asked about running costs and reliability. It’s a thoroughbred, It will need maintenance, but it’s a beautiful luxury car- that is what you are buying. Richard D
The A8L is truly a drivers car! I've purchased the D3 and a d4 and there's nothing like the captain's chair
I love the look of this car and I prefer this interior to the new version.
Exactly
Reminds more of a plane cockpit with all the buttons compared to the current boring screens.
@@Dynamoduck-nf4ws yes looks so much more interesting. Plus the new design the front looks crap as well
@@Dynamoduck-nf4ws absolutely. No character I think. God I sound old 😂
Yes, because you can run down peasants and just shout “diplomatic immunity” in a South African accent out the window 👍🏻
DEEPlomateeec immunitaaaaay!!
Has just been revoked.
What an epic comment!!!
This reference is on point
You could not even give me a perking teeket
I wish all car dealers were like this telling you all the good points and bad hes a great guy and I do enjoy watching his shows so keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍👍
I have a 2011 standard wheelbase A8 se executive 3.0D with around 80k - bought for £11k two years ago, my first Audi always had BMW 5 or 7’s previously. I genuinely love it, so fast and refined yet averages mid 40mpg or 50mpg on a slow cruise.
Bought it as I thought it looked better than the S class or BMW equivalent 2011 models.
Everything you say in the review I can vouch for and agree the gear-lever design is about the only think I’d change too!
They're great cars aren't they
Couldn’t agree more. Loved my D4 Black Edition that I leased. These are now a very cheap car for what they are. I used to drive across Europe in total comfort after an early Eurotunnel jaunt. I had the 3.0 TDi which was fine coming from an E60 535d LCi. I imagine the 4.2 TDi is even better but they are rare. Great opening comments!
The extra front end weight of the 4.2 makes it less relaxing to drive. Since using the additional power would mostly be illegal or dangerous, their is little point. If you weigh up all the differences, including running cost and maintenance, almost every one of them starts to look like a disadvantage.
Unless you are in the market for a RR or Bentley, stick with the 3.0 TDI and spend the money that you save on a nice holiday.
Matt, I part exchanged my 2016 A8 for my 2014 Range Rover sport. Like you, I'm a RR fanboy, but the A8 was a better car. Comfort, smoothness, refinement. All better on the A8. Brilliant cars and very, very reliable.
It chassis rigidity that helps with ride quality, not flex. Allows the suspension to do it's job, flex adds secondary reverberations.
Just bought an a8 sport swb based on this review big fan of them, cheers 🤝👌
How is it going man any major issues ?
I must fess up (again) bought a barn find 2002 D2 S8 4.2 Quattro ....I love it FSH until 2015 when it was left on a farm, best £2000 buy so far, I’ve put my video on TH-cam Barnfind S8 .
Excellent video .....there’s a 2002 top gear review, A8, the S class, 7 series & a Jag ....Clarkson loves the A8 ....in his summing up but then says ....sadly it doesn’t say S Class on the badge & in this category...class rocks
Yes he would, the man who abused Reliants 😅😃
preferred the clean og intro tbh, that was classy
I agree with you... An expensive car being introduced with a cheap intro.
@@millinutz yh this feels like an intro from TH-cam in 2007
What sort of classy introductions do you have on _your_ TH-cam channels, "unknown" (so appropriate) and "millinutz" (probably appropriate, also)? Post a link to them and we can see whose channel is the most successful. Dumb idiots.
@@millinutz Cant see anything wrong or un-classy about having brief bit of music in the intro.
@@nickturner2813 you all right mate? Want to take a deep breath? Jesus. Some people get triggered over nothing
Excellent review, very professional and informative. Well done.
A great review. I had an A8 SE Executive and it was brilliant. Quiet but deceptively fast.
Totally agree
High praise indeed, if it was tempting you to chin off the RR
My dad had an old 3.7 MK2 and we all loved it.
My 2.7 litre twin turbo Quattro A6 was in the shop a lot, luckily under an extended warrenty, but I loved driving it.
I'd love an A8 TDI but diesels are few and far between here in the colonies.
Funny this comes up; rewatched the whole Transporter trilogy this weekend
In the States, the only way I could be mistaken but the only way you could get an A8 is in long wheelbase again I could be wrong.
You're right.
Great review mate, i'll start with that.
Just bough a 10 plate 4.2tdi one. Has individual paint and comfort seats, night vision and few other stuff, about 17k of extras on it.
Sits just over 47k on the clock and drives amazing, will pick it up this coming week. Paid 16k for it which I believe it does worth it.
Had a BMW f10 which I sold few days ago, a 520d, and this 4.2tdi 'scares' me, haha. Great cars, cant wait to drive it.
Matt, you are the most decent car reviewer on youtube. Super real, this video is the reason I bought myself an A8L 3.0 TFSI . I live in Houston Tx , ergo the petrol engine. Always a pleasure to watch your videos
Thank you. I appreciate the support
LS460 and A8 are my two favourite in the executive land barges
(For naming info, Audi uses "D" for this class car, D1=Audi V8, D2= Series 1 A8 etc) I have a D2 S8 (2002) and that is the one to have from that era. I also have a daily driver 2011 D4 S8 4.2 V8 TDI which is epic. 360BHP 35mpg (on a run). It also have £25K of extras including £6K B&O stereo, special colour, extended leather etc. It also has all the safety features. I have no idea what I could replace it with for less than £100K. Mine actually cost over £100K when new. I've had it 3 years and I bought it for £17K. Amazing car.
I bought a 2019 A8 S-line with the 350bhp petrol engine as a one year old ex demo and did my standard 15 min. commute; after a couple of months an engine warning lamp informed me that, due to short journey times, the oil needed to be changed (expensive) and I was shocked to find emulsified oil under the oil filler cap. My ownership ended a week later!
Matt, every car I see you review, I want to buy it, my imaginary garage is nearly full
Lovely car great review. I was lucky and got the S class 3.0 diesel a 2006 model with 29.000 miles one owner, I paid £10,000 and kept it for Three and half years, sold it for £8.000 a lovely car.
I appreciate your knowledge of cars
We had the old 2002 A6 Quatro(2.5 bi-turbo) with 330,000 miles on it...fab car.
Would love another film on The Famous Mercedes S Class long wheel base sometime. The civilised one, diesel 320 Bluetec. Now getting harder to find in acceptable condition , with less that 100,000 on the clock.
Well now I know what I’ll be doing for the rest of the week on auto trader
@Ross Bourne yup
You hit it out of the park yet again, I'm struggling to find a replacement for my BMW 730d and would probably have gone for a leggy L405, as XJ's have aged badly. I'd written off the A8 as a wooden boat but you've changed my mind, for some reason they now now look very attractive.
You have the ability to give an honest car review from an ownership perspective filled with common sense and dry humour that is so bloody refreshing.
I love variety please keep it up.
"XJ's have aged badly"? I don't think so 😐.
@@zsb707 And your opinion means......
@@Salubrious101 It's important that your opinion means.......
@@zsb707 You got me 😂😂😂😂
Another great review. Big execs suffer chronic depreciation from new. I think second hand buyers are put off by potential running costs. Makes them brilliant value used buys, if that is your thing.
I have had 2 A8's and an early S8 all have been great. Things to watch out for, timing chain is an engine out job around £2k at a specialist, mega bucks at a main dealer. Chain the gearbox oil every 40 - 50 thousand miles. They have been known to go at around 80 thou without this. Great cars
I have driven the A8 as a diplomatic/royalty driver. The vehicles also driven apart from Range Rovers and Jag XJL. I loved my A8’S I had top spec. Loved it. I
Hi Matt. Due to lockdown and mid life crisis and the media love of all things electric I decided I needed a V8 in my life and came across the A8 and later your channel for an honest opinion. I was hooked. I did buy a V8 but it was inspired by one of your other videos. tbc..
May I offer you a compliment? What a refreshing car channel.
Real human emotion attached to a love of cars. Well done.
Cheers from Toronto
I love this car, but it is really expensive to fix if you have a major problem.
Thank you!
Would love to see you make a video with the 4.2 v8 😮
Thank you!
Had every mark of the A8 excepting the current one...theyre all lovely and got better with each update...fantastic cars, but although I loved each one at the time, they don't seem to age well in the looks department, just my opinion...great review! Thankyou
FINALLY, I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VID...
Would love to see an Audi A5 2013+ review!!!! Great stuff, keep up the good work.
I’ve got a 2017 A8L. Aside from an issue with my air suspension, it’s been problem free.
Great car.. I have one same as this. No complaints. Ur fuel figures might be a bit on the optimistic side.. More like 30mpg but still I wont change it for many years. Great review
Nice shirt Matt! Dressed appropriately for the vehicle.
Hahaahhaahahahaha. Audi likes hoody dress and small green packages...
@@SLR-722 remapped A3’s do yes. Not the A8L. That’s a car for a man, not a boy.
@@MattDXN M A N I A C
Haha I thought so too
@@HighPeakAutos sorry mate, couldn't resist it.......th-cam.com/video/tqXrAHuLksU/w-d-xo.html
The "diplomatic, ministerial look" essential for your local used car dealer lol
He just sold me this car and I don’t even drive.
What a great reviewer!
It like parking a canal boat!!
I really miss my D3 A8, great cars and very underrated. Would love another but would go for the 4.2 V8 TDI rather than the 3 litre I had.
exactly what i did :)
@@johnthorley8162 how's the experience?
@@surajisagoodboy Brilliant, love it, had it 3 years now, not had much go wrong with it, 1 front airbag replaced, that cost around £250, the air pump had a leak, that cost around £40 to get repaired, i have an oil and filter change about every 6 months, had to spend £400 last week on 2 new front tyres and 2 front upper track rods i think it was, and 4 wheel tracking, have the MOT coming up end of june, but i expect it to pass again with no problems, i hope so anyway lol, i put £30 of diesel in every 7 days roughly, mainly do short journeys every day, theres a few things wrong with it that need fixing but can't be bothered to just yet, the flip up screen is broke, just clicks away and have to push it up by hand, i have the brass parts kit to fix it, but have'nt yet, the rear lights have come apart at the seams so let rainwater in, a few other minor things i can live with, for now :), and of course, the 5.9 sec 0-60 is nice :).
@@johnthorley8162 yup that seemed as enjoyable as reading your experience with the car. Have many trouble free and happy miles. Cheers
Ive had the A and now the S8 of this generation, the gear selector you overcome quickly, when I first got mine I did what you said, but now its second nature you don't think about it, the 3.0 diesel will get over 50mpg on a motorway run, it really is a brilliant engine, equally the V8 in the S will see 37mpg, its an altogether different beast mind you!
A friend of mine just bought a 57 plate A8 3.0 TDi (LWB) with only 106K miles on the clock. FSH for only £3,800 and the seller even filled the tank up with diesel. Car is in near mint condition. Fantastic bit of kit.
Bargain!
Hi there I am to think that the Audi A8 is probably one of the best cars you can buy on the planet I look exceptionally well well-built good value for money cheers Phil from Newark PS Don't Forget they used an Audi A8 in running on the best films around as a getaway car
A colleague bought one, 14 plate, 108000 miles on the clock, been owned by a chauffeur and full Audi service history. Great motor
I love this generation of A8. Almost as beautiful as the second generation. Audi is the best when it comes to making subtle and elegant yet muscular looking sedans.
Your microphone wire cracked me up waving about. Nice review Matt, luxury car at affordable price.
Gorgeous motor.
Fully loaded A8L 55TFSI petrol versions in the Middle East depreciate faster than Warp 10 so a good 2nd hand buy.
Great car, had a 2008 A8L, drove to Germany in one day super comfortable will look for another, I did like the L version especially with son at 6’2 tall !
I have an 2011 Audi A8 executive ,black metallic .drives superb ,good on fuel and turns a lot of heads as of condition 👍
I would love to send pictures of my 2011 D4 Audi A8 executive and you can judge how much I love my car
Nice i used to have an audi 100 CD. Very good drag coefficiency. I think Clarkson drove one too Scotland and back , very good on fuel 😀
After this review I've purchased one. You're costing me a fortune. That's S Class, Jaguar XF and 6 series and now A8 thanks to your real world reviews. Next video please.
Haha sorry. They’re great cars though
Love these cars, all types A8.
I had a 2004 A8 that I bought in 2014 and it was a lovely car to drive, very solid and sure-footed, one or two electrical gremlins aside it was very reliable, I do miss it.
"Needle-less to say". I think I've learned most of my dad jokes from you, Matt. Keep 'em coming. 🤣🤣🤣
Hahaha you're welcome
Have to agree with you on that 😂
Understated car. Get a 4.2L engine and you will see most brands still sitting at traffic lights when you pull away. Much more comfort and gadgets
than other brands. Why would you buy a Maserati, for example! Just the badge, I assume. Soft closing doors, keyless entry-close +start engine, television, 4x4 driving (security) as standard (Quattro) loads of leg room and massive booth too. This is now, since 2006, the fourth A8L I have had.
They're great cars. I agree, the 4.2 is superb
Good review 👍. If I find some change at the back of the sofa, I'll go for Audi S8.
I own one of these and I don't understand why you don't like the gear selector - I have never once selected the wrong gear? Don't see the issue at all
always loved the A8 after seeing it in Ronin.
Another underrated car was the VW Phaeton with massive depreciation but the brand badge was its let down I gather.
I think at the Audi A8 and A6 level for an older second hand car, Lexus makes more sense because of the reliability and service costs.
This is my favourite looking gen of the Audi A8
My (2004 4.0TDI Quattro) A8 was the biggest let-down of any car I’ve had; the build quality was epic and the upgraded leather divine, but the steering feedback is better on a Logitech G25 gaming wheel and it was the only car that I’ve ever owned with air suspension that amplified road noise and imperfections rather than muffling them. Maybe it was a bad one, but compared even to the L322 that was its stable mate at the time, the ride quality was pants!
Your (excellent as always), review has me tempted to try a later one however...
Matt considers selling Range Rover - 10 seconds later "Nah - not on your life" lol
For a second I thought you were wearing a tie but then realised it was the seat belt!
Awesome as always Matt 👍
Great video again Matt, thats one cracking motor for sure
As a family man I simply love my Audi A6 avant and the vast amount of space it offers. When space isn't as important the A8 3.0tdi will be my target car. Thanks for the review Matt and confirming my next choice if car. 👍
Brilliant video.. thanks Matt
Thanks!
Head room /windscreen is a little low, I removed my sun visor for a better view. I have a SWB 4.2FSI w/roof racks for surf boards, and added a hitch for my bikes= true sport utility. And run '10 L322 for winter, towing & offroad. I can have both for the $ of one L405.
I sold my 66 plate A8 sport 3.0 tdi last year which I got pre reg and was an awesome vehicle superbly built and ultra reliable. I have an A7 50 tdi now which has more tech but build quality isn’t as good ! These cars just don’t get old
They're great cars