Presented in `2002`, the A8 D3 (`Type 4E`) keeps the aluminium `ASF` idea but pushes the technological dimension much further with `MMI`, adaptive air suspension, an electric parking brake and electronics everywhere. Against a BMW 7 Series, it is less about styling shock and more about technical demonstration. On the used market it can still feel very modern, but that is exactly what makes it risky to buy without a solid file.
The heart of the range first revolves around the `3.7 V8`, the `4.2 V8 335`, then the `3.0 TDI V6 233`, which becomes the real heavy-mileage version. All of them force you to inspect the `6-speed ZF`, the air suspension and the condition of the electronics before discussing trim or upholstery. The D3 can be an excellent long-distance car, but it does not tolerate delayed servicing, chronically weak batteries or half-finished diagnostics on systems that were already complex at the time.
