Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi A8 review - the world's leading limo? - Audi A8 MPG and running costs

High-tech and slick inside and out, the A8 is an impressive luxury car - if not quite as compelling as an S-class

Evo rating
RRP
from £69,100
  • Hugely intelligent tech, excellent comfort, nimble for its size
  • Doesn't feel quite as special as an S-class

With only two engines currently available you won’t need to burn many calories on deciding which model will best suit your idea of low running costs.

On fuel consumption, CO2 and related taxation alone, the diesel looks to be the better pick: both standard-wheelbase and LWB 50 TDIs are capable of 50.4mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle, with CO2 of 154g/km. That will result in a £515 first-year VED bill and £450 a year thereafter, owing to a list price of over £40,000. BIK for 2018-2019 is 34 per cent.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In contrast, the petrol 55 TFSI (again irrespective of wheelbase) achieves 36.7mpg combined and 175g/km of CO2. Its own tax figures are £830 in first-year VED and £450 thereafter, and 35 per cent in BIK for 2018-2019. In other words, the petrol will cost you more both to fill and to tax.

There are no solid indications on the horizon as yet how taxation and systems like the London congestion charge may change relative to petrol and diesel models, so for the time being the diesel - which also costs less to buy than the petrol - looks like the more affordable car to run.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation
MST Ford Escort front
News

MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation

Costing a tenth of most made-new classics, the MST Mk1 Sports is comparatively accessible
8 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused
Aston Martin Vantage S front
News

New Aston Martin Vantage S revealed – Ferrari Amalfi rival is more powerful and focused

With a bump in power output among myriad detail changes, the Vantage S could be the ultimate driver’s Aston
8 Jul 2025