Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the A8. The facelift might only be minor, but it’s worked wonders on the exterior. What was once just a big Audi is now something with real presence. The changes are undoubtedly subtle, but add up to a far more convincing car.

Inside it’s glorious. The dashboard is imposing yet accessible, richly inlaid with incredibly polished wood, and all put together with some excellent ergonomics. The fold-out infotainment screen is unobtrusive in use and delightfully discrete when out of use, while the controls mounted low on the centre console are a doddle to use.

You’ll also not struggle to get comfortable, with at least 20 different adjustments available for the front seats.

It gets less convincing in the rear, where legroom is borderline unacceptable – you’ll find more in a Ford Mondeo. Boot space is also tight, something that’s surprising given the Audi’s size.

It is good to drive though, with the firm suspension allowing you to really lean on the car in bends. It’s not particularly engaging, but the sheer level of grip available is impressive. The sacrifice is that there’s a too much feedback from potholes and expansions gaps, the latter thudding through to the cabin rather noisily.

A lot of A8s will end up on the chauffer circuit, where it’s probably a less than ideal choice given its space and ride limitations. However, get behind the wheel and the excellent interior ambience and quality, combined with a drive that could almost be described as sporty, makes it a viable proposition for small business owners who want to have a real prestige model sitting outside their office.

The Low Down…..

…..and what it costs