Audi A8 Hire UK: 340HP Executive Flagship Saloon Self-Drive

The Audi A8 is the executive flagship saloon in the Audi range, competing directly with the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class and Jaguar XJ. The current fourth generation D5 A8, launched in 2018 and updated in 2021, uses a spaceframe body constructed primarily from aluminium, a material choice that keeps the kerb weight to 1,945kg despite a body length of 5,172mm. The 55 TFSI specification uses a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 340HP and 500Nm of torque through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. The 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds from a car of this size and weight reflects the efficiency of the lightweight spaceframe construction. Adaptive air suspension is standard across all UK A8 specifications and provides a variable ride height across a 90mm range, lowering at speed and raising for rough terrain or high kerbs. The A8 is also the first production car to offer Level 3 autonomous driving capability in markets where regulation permits it, though this feature operates within legal limits on UK roads in the same way as other advanced driver assistance systems.

The A8 interior

The A8 interior is the most technology focused cabin in the current Audi range. The front occupants face a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.1 inch upper MMI touchscreen with haptic feedback, paired with an 8.6-inch lower screen for climate and vehicle settings. There are no physical buttons on the centre console. The rear passengers in SWB specification have 931mm of rear legroom, which places the A8 among the most spacious rear cabins in the executive saloon segment without extending to LWB dimensions. Optional rear-seat entertainment adds two 10.1-inch tablets to the front seatback panels with streaming connectivity. The Bose or Bang and Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System are available as factory options. The ambient lighting system offers 30 colour settings controlled from the rear seat touchpads. For a self-drive hire where the driver also wants to use the rear seat on occasion, or for a hire where a second driver takes turns, the A8 provides both an engaging front cabin and a genuinely comfortable rear.

The A8 on UK roads

The A8 is built for exactly the kind of driving a UK hire typically involves. On motorways the adaptive air suspension in comfort mode provides a ride quality that suppresses road noise and surface imperfection to a level that makes long distances feel shorter. The 340HP V6 provides unhurried but capable motorway pace. The quattro system gives confident wet weather traction on UK A-roads. In urban environments the progressive steering and the reversing camera system make parking a 5,172mm saloon more manageable than the length suggests. For executive travel between London and regional cities, airport transfers with luggage, or any journey where arriving in a composed and well specified saloon matters, the A8 covers the requirement without the size or cost of a Bentley.

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Audi A8 self-drive hire requirements

To hire the Audi A8 with Starr Luxury Cars you will need a full UK or EU driving licence held for a minimum of 3 years, no more than 6 penalty points, and be at least 25 years of age. A refundable security deposit is required at the time of booking. Standard packages include 100 miles per day. Additional mileage can be pre-purchased at the time of booking.