Audi A8 vs Volkswagen Passat
What's the difference?

Audi A8

—

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Volkswagen Passat

$17,950 - $52,990

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 Audi A8

2023 Volkswagen Passat

By James Cleary

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Refinement
Quality
Value

Roomy interior
Confident and powerful on road
Great tech

Dislikes

Big turning circle
No folding rear seat
No front door bottle slots

Classic Euro seats ... aka hard on the backside
Missing some charging ports in rear
Expensive servicing costs

2023 Audi A8 Summary

Audi’s flagship is the A8, a long, luxurious sedan where being driven is often as important as doing the driving.

To put this ultra-premium machine in context, it competes with other German heavyweights like BMW’s 7 Series and, of course, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as Porsche’s Panamera. Not to mention the Lexus LS or Maserati’s Quattroporte.

What’s life like at the top of the Audi pyramid? Stay with us to find out.

View full pricing & specs

2023 Volkswagen Passat Summary

I'm calling it - the Volkswagen Passat is the forgotten hero of station wagons.

It's surprisingly large while retaining the creature comforts and understated styling of old-world glamour.

Then enters the R-Line. A badge that diehard Volkswagen enthusiasts know is synonymous with sporty performance and handling.

However, it can be overlooked for its more affordable rivals, the Mazda6 and Skoda Octavia wagons.

But does affordability take it out of the running for the family market? Or is this the answer for the drivers who don't want to compromise on performance but still have a kid (or three) to throw in the back?

I've been hauling my little family of three around town this week to see what the big blue wagon could do.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Audi A8 2023 Volkswagen Passat

Verdict

The Audi A8 swims in a luxury car shark tank where those paying the big dollars expect top-shelf everything. It delivers a serene driving experience whether you’re in the front or the back, in a superbly engineered and executed luxury sedan package. Not perfect, but very, very impressive.

Verdict

I so enjoyed driving the Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line. It's a roomy wagon that should fit a lot of different types of families. It still has sporty performance that will entice even the most reluctant family car buyer, so don't be turned off by its large proportions! I really like the comfort, convenience and handling of this one, so it gets an easy 8.0/10 from me.

My kid thought the blue colour was cool and loved having so many things to play with in the back seat. His only complaint was about the heavier doors but he still managed. He gives it an 8.0/10, too.

Audi A8 vs Volkswagen Passat What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A8 vs Volkswagen Passat
What's the difference?