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2006
Audi A8

Starts at:
$68,130
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New 2006 Audi A8
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn 4.2L quattro Auto
    Starts at
    $68,130
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 4.2L quattro LWB Auto
    Starts at
    $72,090
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 6.0L quattro LWB Auto
    Starts at
    $118,190
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas W12
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Notable features

4.2-liter V-8 rated at 335 hp
Six-speed Tiptronic automatic
10 airbags, including knee airbags
Standard- or extended-length body
W-12 engine available

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Easy maneuverability for its size
Ride comfort
Interior space, especially in A8 L
Refinement

The bad

Excessive downshifting on upgrades
Fuel economy
Price

Expert 2006 Audi A8 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Audi’s redesigned flagship sedan debuted as a 2004 model. The redesign included an all-new aluminum body that promised 60 percent better structural rigidity than its predecessor was developed. Audi’s third-generation space frame uses fewer components and weighs 300 pounds less.

A slightly lower-priced, shorter-wheelbase model was added for 2005; the long-wheelbase version is designated A8 L. A tire-pressure-monitoring system became standard for 2005.

In mid-2005, a Sport package that included 19-inch wheels and an adaptive air suspension became available. All 2006 A8s get a new single-frame grille, adaptive front lights, a rain sensor and Audi’s parking system with a graphic display.

Audi’s 335-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 includes five valves per cylinder. An adaptive four-setting air-spring suspension features continuous shock-absorber damping control, and it also permits speed-dependent lowering of the body for increased directional stability. Permanent quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

An A8 L 6.0 quattro sedan with a 450-hp W-12 engine went on sale in late 2004 and is now named the A8 L W12.
(Skip to details on the: A8 L W12)

Exterior
Audi describes its top sedan as “a harmonious combination of clarity and sporting character, grace and elegance.” The A8 L rides on a 121-inch wheelbase, which is 5.1 inches more than the base A8. The low front end features a short overhang, and the back has a high tail. A high belt line that rises toward the rear highlights the A8’s sporty appearance.

The A8 L’s rear doors are 5 inches longer than those on the shorter-wheelbase version for easy entry and exit. For 2006, five-spoke alloy wheels hold standard 18-inch tires, but 19-inch tires are available in the Sport package.

Interior
Five people fit inside the A8 and A8 L. The driver faces a multifunction four-spoke steering wheel and uses an electromechanical parking brake.

Fine wood trim extends to the sides of the interior and complement Valcona leather upholstery. Power front seats can be equipped with massage, heating and ventilating functions. The premium Bose surround sound system includes a CD changer and 12 speakers. Audi Exclusive packages for 2006 A8 models include contrasting black piping and unique wood trim.

Under the Hood
Audi’s 4.2-liter V-8 produces 335 hp and drives a six-speed-automatic transmission that permits Tiptronic manual gear selection and a Dynamic Shift Program that reduces the number of gear changes needed. All A8s have quattro all-wheel drive.

Safety
Standard equipment includes antilock brakes and 10 airbags, including knee airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, and side curtain-type airbags.

Driving Impressions
Instead of being flamboyant, Audi’s flagship sedan is civilized and refined and accomplishes most things in a manner that’s close to flawless. Luxury and maneuverability are the A8’s strongest attributes.

On narrow two-lane roads, this full-size sedan whips from one curve to the next with ease. Going precisely where you steer, it stays beautifully flat while cornering and responds immediately to driver inputs.

The ride is elegantly smooth, and the A8 displays total control. You get an abundant rush of energy when the pedal is pushed, but considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgrades. Fortunately, those downshifts are smooth and prompt.

The A8 L has abundant backseat legroom, but foot room is more limited. Visibility in all directions is good.

A8 L W12
Late in 2004, Audi introduced a variant of its flagship A8 sedan with a W-12 engine rather than the usual V-8. Initially known as the A8 L 6.0 quattro, the top-level sedan was the first model to wear Audi’s new, prominent grille. Rated at 450 hp, its 6.0-liter W-12 engine mates with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This was the first production car in the world to use LED technology, which promises extremely low power consumption, for its daytime running lights.

Audi says the A8 L W12 “accommodates four in supreme luxury.” Standard equipment includes keyless entry and engine start-up, a navigation system, four-zone automatic climate control, a front and rear Parktronic parking system, and electric sun shades for the rear and side windows. For 2006, A8 L W12 sedans get distinct rocker panels and a standard wood-segment steering wheel. Back to top

2006 Audi A8 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Audi’s redesigned flagship sedan debuted as a 2004 model. The redesign included an all-new aluminum body that promised 60 percent better structural rigidity than its predecessor was developed. Audi’s third-generation space frame uses fewer components and weighs 300 pounds less.

A slightly lower-priced, shorter-wheelbase model was added for 2005; the long-wheelbase version is designated A8 L. A tire-pressure-monitoring system became standard for 2005.

In mid-2005, a Sport package that included 19-inch wheels and an adaptive air suspension became available. All 2006 A8s get a new single-frame grille, adaptive front lights, a rain sensor and Audi’s parking system with a graphic display.

Audi’s 335-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 includes five valves per cylinder. An adaptive four-setting air-spring suspension features continuous shock-absorber damping control, and it also permits speed-dependent lowering of the body for increased directional stability. Permanent quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

An A8 L 6.0 quattro sedan with a 450-hp W-12 engine went on sale in late 2004 and is now named the A8 L W12.
(Skip to details on the: A8 L W12)

Exterior
Audi describes its top sedan as “a harmonious combination of clarity and sporting character, grace and elegance.” The A8 L rides on a 121-inch wheelbase, which is 5.1 inches more than the base A8. The low front end features a short overhang, and the back has a high tail. A high belt line that rises toward the rear highlights the A8’s sporty appearance.

The A8 L’s rear doors are 5 inches longer than those on the shorter-wheelbase version for easy entry and exit. For 2006, five-spoke alloy wheels hold standard 18-inch tires, but 19-inch tires are available in the Sport package.

Interior
Five people fit inside the A8 and A8 L. The driver faces a multifunction four-spoke steering wheel and uses an electromechanical parking brake.

Fine wood trim extends to the sides of the interior and complement Valcona leather upholstery. Power front seats can be equipped with massage, heating and ventilating functions. The premium Bose surround sound system includes a CD changer and 12 speakers. Audi Exclusive packages for 2006 A8 models include contrasting black piping and unique wood trim.

Under the Hood
Audi’s 4.2-liter V-8 produces 335 hp and drives a six-speed-automatic transmission that permits Tiptronic manual gear selection and a Dynamic Shift Program that reduces the number of gear changes needed. All A8s have quattro all-wheel drive.

Safety
Standard equipment includes antilock brakes and 10 airbags, including knee airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, and side curtain-type airbags.

Driving Impressions
Instead of being flamboyant, Audi’s flagship sedan is civilized and refined and accomplishes most things in a manner that’s close to flawless. Luxury and maneuverability are the A8’s strongest attributes.

On narrow two-lane roads, this full-size sedan whips from one curve to the next with ease. Going precisely where you steer, it stays beautifully flat while cornering and responds immediately to driver inputs.

The ride is elegantly smooth, and the A8 displays total control. You get an abundant rush of energy when the pedal is pushed, but considerable downshifting occurs on even moderate upgrades. Fortunately, those downshifts are smooth and prompt.

The A8 L has abundant backseat legroom, but foot room is more limited. Visibility in all directions is good.

A8 L W12
Late in 2004, Audi introduced a variant of its flagship A8 sedan with a W-12 engine rather than the usual V-8. Initially known as the A8 L 6.0 quattro, the top-level sedan was the first model to wear Audi’s new, prominent grille. Rated at 450 hp, its 6.0-liter W-12 engine mates with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This was the first production car in the world to use LED technology, which promises extremely low power consumption, for its daytime running lights.

Audi says the A8 L W12 “accommodates four in supreme luxury.” Standard equipment includes keyless entry and engine start-up, a navigation system, four-zone automatic climate control, a front and rear Parktronic parking system, and electric sun shades for the rear and side windows. For 2006, A8 L W12 sedans get distinct rocker panels and a standard wood-segment steering wheel. Back to top

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first)
Dealer certification
125-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.9
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • Luxury and performance. Perfect

    It's looks nice on the outside better on the inside lol. Vehicle is a pleasure to drive handle and performs .. This used car made understand my next purchase lol
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This car was the best Audi i have ever owned

    It has a tv at the back of the front seats for the kids in the back to be comfortable and to relax very nicely!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • most comfortbale and powerful car ive ever owned

    i love fast sports cars but most of them aren't comfortable and the ride isn't smooth. But this car is not only powerful, its the smoothest car i've ever ridden. the interior is very well kept and its very classy. if you want a fast car and something that rides smooth as well i highly recommend this one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A Car for the Car connoisseur. Bentley based.

    As a second owner, bought one as a low-mile estate car coming up on timing belt, tires, and air suspension rebuild. that said, I absolutely LOVE this car. Its not an economical car decision - its one of passion for absurd luxury and road worthiness, in all weather conditions and types of road (except pothole filled roads). Car has an appetite for new parts, but I feed it willingly. Built on the Bentley Flying Spur Chasis, you will even find the Rockwell Space Design logo on the frame from it's high-engineering inception. ALL aluminum. quatro awd that scoffs at super-cell rain and it tames twisty mountain roads like no car Ive ever driven. extremely well footed. This car is sport luxury at its finest. Prior owner spent $120K for the first 60k miles, with a big smile on his face. I do nearly all maintenance/repairs myself now and have gotten over the fear. part prices are higher, but it's worth it. it will ruin you and not only make you critical of a mercedes or any other luxury sedan, it will make their owner even more critical of their other sedan. Im so happy to have bought one of these. Its the finest car purchase decision Ive made. I will put 100K+miles on this and source another one. 2006 was the last timing belt model, dont trust the factory tensioner to go 120K - the belts last longer than the tensioner systems now - including the timing chain systems. List of items repaired: suspension arms - eats uppers every 30K, lowers 70K. air struts, compressor, rear ebrake computer, battery. eats factory rotors but its worth it for the performance, wiring harnesses in headlights have biodegradeble coating that flakes off - but the adaptive system steers light the direction you are turning, its really really good on late night mountain roads or crawling through a neighborhood needing illumination turning into driveways. Soft-close doors are way cool, but you cant get a jealous person to stop from slamming them - a butler is needed to close their door, and it seems fitting to have one for this car. chilly air conditioned seats, heated seats that roast you if needed. heated rear but no AC for passenger rear seats (W12 might), there is no nicer back seat - its a car for newly weds to drive away in, and shows well in wedding day photos. minor gripes - why didnt audi make an audio jack for this car? a bluetooth-FM transmitter is the under-$100 way to stream, but its a pain when travelling long trips due to interference. The MMI bluetooth interface is only for phone - which works well. I hardly ever use the NAV. at 100K/12 years the headliner foam is going out, common. The intake manifold torque plane vacuum pots have an ABS plastic linkage that breaks at 70K, oil changes work best with a vaccum pump from the top. AC pump is on at all times the climate control is on - and you need to top off freon each year - this also lowers fuel economy running that pump. Stereo system is one of the best ive heard - it has fiber optic lines running back and forth from the dash to trunk - they really went overboard on the stereo system -- but left off a 1/8" jack. Only recommended to a friend that can work on their own car or has $20K in reserve for repairs, which a semi-honest shop could consume pretty quickly. The A8L is a car of excess and passion, not economy and penny pinching.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Reliable, Flashy, and Comfortable Vehicle

    Excellent vehicle.....I bought it used at 97k miles. This was my everyday car, which I would really recommend to only use a fancy car like this for special occasions or on weekends. I end up driving it from Georgia to California, stayed in California for a year, driving around and had no issues. I then drove the car back to Georgia where I end up selling it a few months later to a buyer who was very happy with the vehicles performance and all of the extra bells and whistles that the car has to offer.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Incredible car...but beware

    Most incredible driving experience...smooth, powerful, but you need tech skills or know someone who has them to help you fix it, or you'll spend a fortune in repairs.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable luxury car i've ever owned !

    Plenty of leg room at the front and back of the vehicle ! real fun to drive ! has everything from cooling , heated and massage seats to powerful engine and air suspension which allows you to go through all kind of terrains !
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The Best Car I Have Ever Owned

    This was a perfect car in every way. Classy, powerful, very sporty to drive and great authority on the road. Very reliable. The best car I have ever owned.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Always comfortable to drive!

    Great power for when you need it! Surrounded by luxury and styling at all times. With Audi's amazing quattro all wheel drive system, this car drives amazingly during heavy rain or snow.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Owned it since it was new, can't let it go.

    Bought the car as a demo u it from a dealer, with 3400 miles on the odometer. Nearly ten years later, it has more than110,000 miles. Still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. The quality of this car is a delight. It's performance remains stellar, and the sounds it gives when accelerating are a thrill. In dynamic mode it corners like it's on rails. Though it's nearly 10 years old now, my daughter wants it to be her chauffeur car for her wedding. Room in back for me and my very tall brothers (we are all over 6'6"). Most important (for me) is that this car seems to have character. It's not just a tool to get around... It has personality. And it shouts excellence, especially in the interior. Cars have progressed since 2006. Some less expensive makes are faster, quieter, more efficient and even a bit prettier. But none that I've seen match the A8L in soulful driving. The downside, of course, is that parts for this baby are ridiculously expensive. I had a minor glitch in one headlight...$1900. Damage to the plastic lower bumper surround? $2100. Nonetheless, far more than worth it. The great memories we've had in this car will continue. I'm sold. Go get your new car... I'm sticking with my 2006.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Crazy About My A8L

    This is the first Audi I've owned. I never thought I would own another car for daily driving after driving an SUV since 1991, but this 2006 A8L has considerably more leg room than the 2003 Hummer H2 I previously owned and it gets 2-2.5 times better gas mileage. The power and handling are exceptional and the features are really cool. The only complaint I have with it is the weird electrical system such as the backseat dome lights staying on unless it is in the constant off position or the seat moving to my wife's seat position any time she gets into the car even when she doesn't push the key fob. I would definitely buy another Audi in the future. The German engineering is really good.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Panzer Tank with an Airplane Engine

    This car outperforms and out-handles every other luxury sedan out there and most sports cars too. This a is a NASCAR pretending to be a luxury car. Considering it's weight, the AWD allows you to take corners at highway speeds. Sideways drifting in 90 degree turns only over 80 mph. No difference in rate of acceleration at 35, 80 or 110 mph. Rides the same at 70 and 140 mph. Genius engineering in the control cluster, located on the center console directly where your right hand naturally rests. Superior 360 degree driver visibility as compared to any other car in its class. Handled better than my CRV or Lexus 330 in the snow. Due to the AWD, sliding in slippery conditions is limited and always in a straight line. If you love to drive and don't live in a city where you can drive a true sports car year round because of weather, this is the last car you will ever buy. GERMAN ENGINEERING at its finest!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Audi A8?

The 2006 Audi A8 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 4.2L (2 styles)
  • 6.0L (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Audi A8?

The 2006 Audi A8 offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2006 Audi A8?

The 2006 Audi A8 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2006 Audi A8 reliable?

The 2006 Audi A8 has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Audi A8 owners.

Is the 2006 Audi A8 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Audi A8. 95.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
  • Comfort: 5.0
  • Interior: 5.0
  • Performance: 4.9
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.4

Audi A8 history

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