What is it?
The D5 A8 received its mid-life facelift in 2022 with revised headlights, a wider Singleframe grille, and updates to the MMI infotainment. Australian range runs from the 55 TFSI quattro V6 MHEV at $253,900 plus on-roads, through the 60 TFSI quattro V8 MHEV, to the 420 kW S8 flagship at $355,900 plus on-roads. quattro AWD and the 8-speed tiptronic are standard.
The lineup runs from A8 55 TFSI quattro at $253,900 plus on-roads, through to S8 at $355,900 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
quattro AWD standard across the range with no rear-drive-only base. S8 delivers genuine performance pace with limousine refinement. Restrained, understated styling reads as design confidence rather than flash, and the long-wheelbase 60 TFSI L offers rear-cabin space close to the S-Class.
Dual-screen MMI has lag and fingerprints, and the S-Class and 7 Series feel a generation newer inside. D5 is the oldest platform of the three German flagships, no PHEV variant is offered for Australia, and the e-tron GT cannibalises some of the brand-flagship cachet.
Should you buy the A8?
Reasons to buy
- quattro AWD standard across the range with no rear-drive-only base. S8 delivers genuine performance pace with limousine refinement. Restrained, understated styling reads as design confidence rather than flash, and the long-wheelbase 60 TFSI L offers rear-cabin space close to the S-Class.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2018), full driver-assist suite.
- 505 L boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- Dual-screen MMI has lag and fingerprints, and the S-Class and 7 Series feel a generation newer inside. D5 is the oldest platform of the three German flagships, no PHEV variant is offered for Australia, and the e-tron GT cannibalises some of the brand-flagship cachet.
- You want the newest infotainment platform (Mercedes-Benz S-Class), a sharper drive (BMW 7 Series or Porsche Panamera), a PHEV option (Panamera E-Hybrid), or a cheaper hybrid limo with similar refinement (Lexus LS 500h).
- The 60 TFSI L is the buy if you can stretch, the S8 is one of the great sleepers on sale, and the base 55 TFSI makes sense only if badge alone is the goal.
- Top trim climbs to $355,900 plus on-roads.
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