The A8 has been built using a high-strength aluminium frame structure into which large aluminium panels are integrated. Called the Audi Space Frame (ASF) it consists of a combination of aluminium extruded sections and castings so as to ensure minimum mass and maximum strength. The connections are formed by riveting as well as various welding techniques including MlG and laser welding and the particularly efficient laser-hybrid welding process. Laser welding allows large-area panels to be connected to the body structure particularly efficiently owing to the fact that the resulting linear joins achieve superior strength and rigidity values to punctual ones. The body of the A8 includes a total of 20 metres of laser connecting seams. Thus overall the body structure weighs just 215kg while the static torsional rigidity is about 60 per cent more than that of a conventional body.

The A8 features a four-link front axle which has been moved forward by 65mm for a much more favourable axle load distribution in order to benefit handling.

Weight-optimised components have been used to reduce unsprung masses at various places like in the subframe, eg, a new material made it possible to use sheet-metal shells with a greatly reduced wall thickness. This resulted in a 20 per cent reduction in weight in this area alone.

A trapezoidal-link rear suspension has been used with emphasis on low bump toe-in across full spring travel in order to enhance directional stability, steering precision and handling convenience.

The A8 features an adaptive air suspension, which resolves the classic conflict of objectives between the handling qualities of a sports car and the suspension comfort of a luxury class vehicle. In addition, the air suspension allows the speed-dependent lowering of the body. At highway speeds the lowering of the body also optimises the car's aerodynamic properties and thus reduces fuel consumption. At low speeds the adaptive air suspension establishes greater ground clearance if the driver so wishes.

The ground clearance can be varied between the motorway clearance of 95mm to a raised level of 145mm with a standard level (120mm) and a sport level (100mm) in between.

The Audi A8 rides on 17-inch 7-spoke aluminium alloys which sport unidirectional Dunlop SP Sport 9000 235/55 ZR17 99 Y rubber. Providing the stopping power are 323mm ventilated discs with dual-piston calipers up front while 269mm ventilated discs with floating calipers do duty at the rear. Parking is through an electromechanical brake which is activated by a switch on the centre console.