Audi A8 50TDI Saloon 2023 Review

Is the Audi A8 any good

Audi A8 – Audi released the premium A8 saloon late last year and it cuts an imposing presence. Big, athletic, sleek, and stylish, the A8 is everything a prestige saloon should be.  Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro 2023 front 1 It comes in two versions, a normal wheelbase, and an extended wheelbase version. We drove the A8 50 TDI quattro.

This comes with 217kW of power and a healthy 600Nm of torque driving through the brilliant quattro all wheel drive system and an eight speed Tiptronic transmission.

The beauty of this combination will see the A8 go from 0-100kmh in under 6 seconds, have a top speed of 250kmh and ADR economy of just 6.7L/100K

All this is a luxury limousine that has a familiar Audi interior. This means well laid out with excellent driver ergonomics and functional.

The seats cocoon the occupants both front and back and allow you to consume huge distances arriving feeling relaxed.

Both models come well equipped as standard, but for those buyers that want more Audi has cleverly bundled together some appealing option packs.

The A8 sits alongside the practical Q8 as the pinnacle of the Audi range and choosing between them is a problem I would love to have

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro is priced from a touch under $203,000 plus the usual costs

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro 2023 reverse camera

More details on the Audi A8 can be FOUND HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE AUDI A8 RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

More Audi A8 50 TDI thoughts

  • Its big, like the RS e-tron GT, but different
  • The A8 has a more subtle style. More conservative shall we say.
  • However, the front grill and LED matrix headlights still exude pure class.
  • Sitting inside the A8, occupants are cocooned in absolute luxury and comfort.
  • The heated front massage seats are particularly good.
  • Driver ergonomics are familiar and excellent.
  • A8 is jam packed with little luxuries like ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, leather everywhere.
  • There is also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Rear seats are comfortable and have enough room for taller passengers. There is a smaller screen control panel.
  • There is always the A8L for those that want the limousine like leg room.
  • Driving the A8 is both powerful and economical. The economy on the freeway got down to 6.0L/100k. That’s good for a car this size.
  • The big diesel allows more than adequate performance.
  • For a big car the A8 is responsive to driver inputs as you would expect from an Audi.
  • Its like riding on a cushion of air when inside.
  • Yet it will respond like a sports saloon when Dynamic drive mode is selected.
  • There is a clever ski port for storage, but the boot is long and relatively deep.

What is good?

  • Elegant and subtle design
  • Comfortable and sumptuous interior
  • Refined motoring
What is not so good?
  • Can feel large in small suburban car parks.
  • No full size spare
  • Audi pre sense can be a touch intrusive

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro 2023 central screens

Also look at.

The big Audi sits in rarefied air.

Big luxury saloons, once the pinnacle of luxury, are now for the chosen few.

Buyers could look at the Lexus LS500, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes Benz S450, BMW 740I, or even the Genesis G80.

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro 2023 front 2

Audi A8 50 TDI Final thoughts

Its big yet subtle and stylish.

Sumptuous interior cocoons the occupants.

Powerful yet economical, the A8 is ideal for long distance travel in Australia. You arrive feeling refreshed and relaxed.

It heralds a past era where the big sports saloon was the pinnacle of motoring. I sometimes miss those days.

I love it and its dam near perfect.

The big question is would I choose the A8 or the Q8. Why not have both.

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro 2023 engine

Audi A8

Model   

A8 50 TDI

Model Price $201,375 MLP*
Engine 3.0L V6 TDI Euro 6
Drivetrain Eight speed Tiptronic Quattro
Battery Capacity / type N/A
Power 210.0kW @ 4000rpm
Torque 600Nm @ 1750-3250rpm
Range (WLTP) / ADR 1242Km max / 1000km on test
Range on test 740km
Economy / efficiency 6.6L/100k / 6.6L/100k on test
Fast Charge**/ Home N/A
Safety Not tested
CO2 Emissions 174g/km
0-100kmh/Top Speed 5.9 secs / 250km/h
Servicing 12mth / 15,000km service plan
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km
Roadside Assist 5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

** Using a 270kW fast charger from 10-80%

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro 2023 front seats

Overall Rating    

91/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 9
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 9
Style / Appeal 9
Technology/connectivity 10
Value for Money 9

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro 2023 profile

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 5190mm
Wheelbase 2998mm
Width 1945mm
Height 1512mm
Wheels 20×9.0 Alloy
Tyres 265/40 R20
Max ground clearance Up to 131mm
Wading Depth N/A
Approach N/A
Rampover N/A
Departure angle N/A
Turning Circle KTK 12.5m
Boot Min N/A
Boot Max 505L
Kerb Weight 2095kg
Battery weight TBC
Payload (kg) 615kg
GVM (kg) 2710kg
GCM 5010kg
Towing Capacity 2300kg
Tow Ball rating N/A

Audi A8 50 TDI Quattro 2023 rear quarter 1

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

  • 9.1/10
    Overall Rating - 9.1/10
9.1/10

Summary

Audi A8 50 TDI Final thoughts

Its big yet subtle and stylish.

Sumptuous interior cocoons the occupants.

Powerful yet economical, the A8 is ideal for long distance travel in Australia. You arrive feeling refreshed and relaxed.

It heralds a past era where the big sports saloon was the pinnacle of motoring. I sometimes miss those days.

I love it and its dam near perfect.

The big question is would I choose the A8 or the Q8. Why not have both.

Car Finance
About Rob Fraser 2506 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.