Should You Buy an AUDI A8? (Test Drive & Review MK3 3.0TDI A8L) 

"Drive it up to big Ben without being treated like a sex offender" 🤣🤣🤣

You went through the whole video without saying "that's all the car you'll ever need"!

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!

Had 3 A8s .....loved them all . Massively underrated .

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.

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

Here, on the continent, we usualy forget the Jag XJ instead of the A8

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!

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!

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.

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.

As Jason Statham would put it: “Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.”

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.

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

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

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!

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 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. 😎

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!

Excellent review, very professional and informative. Well done.

Your microphone wire cracked me up waving about. Nice review Matt, luxury car at affordable price.

FINALLY, I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VID...

Great car and great review! The weather is pretty good while making video I guess 🌧

Great video again Matt, thats one cracking motor for sure

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.

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

Look at you with the sponsorships! My man! Congrats! Now you need a new 2021 “Explorer” to celebrate! Haha! Good work homey!

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.

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

Would love to see an Audi A5 2013+ review!!!! Great stuff, keep up the good work.

Thanks uploader. Interesting stuff

The new intro is nice👌🏽 nice refresh

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!

Awesome as always Matt 👍

Funny this comes up; rewatched the whole Transporter trilogy this weekend

Another great video Matt and what a smashing car, I loved the reference to the Lexus lol Take Care "thumbs up"

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..

Brilliant video.. thanks Matt

Great stuff, not a lot of ads. Thanks

My dad had an old 3.7 MK2 and we all loved it.

Great review 👍🏼👍🏼

Yes, because you can run down peasants and just shout “diplomatic immunity” in a South African accent out the window 👍🏻

I appreciate your knowledge of cars

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.

Excellent as always Matt.

Fantastic Video, thx!

Funnily enough I walked by an A8 same year earlier today and wondered what it would be like to own. You’ve answered that. Cheers 👍

Great review! Bit of an eye opener!

preferred the clean og intro tbh, that was classy

"Needle-less to say". I think I've learned most of my dad jokes from you, Matt. Keep 'em coming. 🤣🤣🤣

I'm really impressed with this Audi Matt ! unfortunately out of my range I'm afraid 😨 but great content as usual 👌

Another great vid👍

Great video!

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.

Totally agree.. this is one of the best cars on the planet! Great review! I would go for the S8 personally 😊

Deserted library. =D Brilliant as always!

The A8L is truly a drivers car! I've purchased the D3 and a d4 and there's nothing like the captain's chair

Like your new intro and sign off. Been wanting to do you a logo for ages but now there's no need. 👍 Not sure where the sunset in the high peaks looks like that though all your vids seem to be in the rain 😂

As always great review, very nice car, always liked the S8’s, right I’m off to scan Autotrader!

High praise indeed, if it was tempting you to chin off the RR

I love the look of this car and I prefer this interior to the new version.

great review i love mine .

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.

A great review. I had an A8 SE Executive and it was brilliant. Quiet but deceptively fast.

Good review 👍. If I find some change at the back of the sofa, I'll go for Audi S8.

Just bought an a8 sport swb based on this review big fan of them, cheers 🤝👌

firt time seeing a video by you, could listen to you all day. love the sarcasm. great video.

Great vid as always.

Great review as usual I've Always loved the A8 👏 I've got the NEW S4 Diesel it's a dream to drive and very very quick 😀 I've had a few Audi's. There on another level

Love this review good choice of cars you have been reviewing- the Audi A8 petrol variant especially the hybrid, I believe must be a figment of imagination last year June I looked for one until September and gave up! Don’t do enough miles for a diesel and you have horror stories if diesels are not used around particulate filters. Cheaper for some reason than its rivals you mention the A8 comes fully loaded in comparison to say a TT where heated and electric seats come as extras. The Dynamic mode in my opinion makes a lot of noise for no particular reason so do agree this car doesn’t really like to be chucked around as you can a S class. You have invigorated me to resume my search for a hybrid A8

Well now I know what I’ll be doing for the rest of the week on auto trader

Love these reviews thanks. Now trying to decide over the A8 or A7...mmm...the comfort over long drives is so tempting...

Cheers, lovely car and very good vid great info.

Really good presentation. Great car. Congratulations

Great review, great car.

Another great review. 👍🏻

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.

Nice car Matt with a great diesel engine and I enjoyed your video as always

I like your video before even watching it 🙌🏻🙌🏻

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!

It chassis rigidity that helps with ride quality, not flex. Allows the suspension to do it's job, flex adds secondary reverberations.

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.

He just sold me this car and I don’t even drive. What a great reviewer!

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...

We had the old 2002 A6 Quatro(2.5 bi-turbo) with 330,000 miles on it...fab car.

great job as usual

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 !

Amazing machine 🤩

Matt, every car I see you review, I want to buy it, my imaginary garage is nearly full

Borrowed a 12 plate A8 3.0 tdi Quattro recently for the weekend, very impressed , to me it felt solid like a large suv , but lighter to drive if that makes sense, love the way the infotainment can disappear , only downside for me, the length ! 🚢

Love these cars, all types A8.

Awesome channel great knowledgeable guy

Great Vlog Dear Sir !!................. Bless

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!

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.

Nice review

a real stunner indeed, not surprised you were taken by it.