Launched in `2010`, the A8 D4 (`Type 4H`) keeps the aluminium `ASF` logic but presents itself as an even more hushed, more digital and more polished luxury saloon than the D3. Against a BMW 7 Series, it aims less for dramatic effect than for very high-grade ride quality, helped by its air suspension and a genuinely disciplined body shell. Used examples often feel reassuring on first contact, but that ease can hide expensive components if maintenance was neglected.
The market mainly revolves around the `3.0 TDI V6 250`, the `4.2 FSI 372` and the `4.2 TDI 350`, all paired with the `8-speed ZF`, usually `quattro`, and dense comfort electronics. More powerful or rarer versions do exist, but in practice the key budget makers are the `8HP` gearbox, the air suspension, the 12 V battery, the `MMI` and the way the engine was used. A good D4 must therefore be bought on mechanical and electronic coherence, not on prestige alone.