DecodedCars2005 Audi A8
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD, L 4dr Sedan AWD, L W12 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl, 6.0L 12-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 199.2–204.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,288–4,729 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 13% below the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Audi A8 is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (4.2L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 199 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 13% worse than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 199.2 in | 74.8 in | 56.7 in | 115.7 in | 63.8 / 63 in | 4,288 lb | 56/44 |
| L 4dr Sedan AWD | 204.3 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 120.9 in | 63 / 62.6 in | 4,398 lb | 56/44 |
| L W12 4dr Sedan AWD | 204.3 in | 74.8 in | 57.5 in | 120.9 in | 63 / 62.6 in | 4,729 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -13% | $4,550 | 494 |
| A8 L | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -1% | $4,550 | 494 |
| A8 L | 6.0L 12-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -17% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Audi A8 under the current (2011+) test program.
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Audi A8.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Audi A8 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Audi A8 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Audi A8 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Audi A8. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A8 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A8 | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 A8 | 22 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 6 |
| 2020 A8 | 23 | 208.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 3 |
| 2019 A8 | 22 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2018 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 A8 | 22 | 202 in | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2016 A8 | 28 | 202 in | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →