Audi A8 D3 faces costly upkeep after 20 years

A look at the 2007 Audi A8 D3 facelift that blends classic luxury with rising maintenance and tax costs.

Audi A8 D3 Gets Shed Debut After 20 Years

The review centers on a late model of the Audi A8 D3, a generation the brand updated in 2007 with more space and a refreshed look. It uses a 3.2 FSI V6, marketed as 3.2 but without quattro, which means it relies on a Multitronic CVT instead of a traditional automatic. CVTs are known for issues like vibration and hesitation, especially in older cars, and this example with around 125,000 miles carries a baggage of potential repairs. The car’s updates include a roomier cabin and boot, a feature-rich but aging interior, and the original MMI system, bi xenon headlights, adaptive air suspension, and DVD navigation that feel dated next to modern tech. On the road, the car achieves a 0-62 mph time in the mid 7 seconds, and fuel economy sits around 29 mpg in mixed driving, with higher numbers possible in gentle use.

Nostalgia pulls strong when a luxury sedan from the 2000s is handed a second life, but the price of that romance has risen. The A8 D3 stands out for its aluminum construction and early forays into digital cabin tech, yet its parts availability and repair costs can erase the value of nostalgia for everyday ownership. The push from Audi toward a more powerful, more efficient future has left the D3 as a reminder that luxury can age with dignity but not without cost. In today’s market, older luxury cars often struggle to balance charm with practicality, making the A8 D3 a conversation piece more than a daily ride.

Highlights

The balance between history and practicality is a constant test for classic luxury models.