Driving the Audi A8 in Tenerife: A First-Hand Review

When you think of island driving, you might picture a small convertible or a compact hatchback squeezing through narrow village streets. We decided to take a different approach. We wanted to see what it is actually like to explore Tenerife in a flagship luxury saloon. The Audi A8 is a massive vehicle, designed primarily for executive transport on wide continental autobahns. Bringing it to a volcanic island with dramatic elevation changes and cliffside single-lane roads seemed like an interesting challenge.

Over the course of a few days, we drove the A8 across the varied microclimates and topographies of Tenerife. We wanted to find out if the supreme comfort of a large luxury car outweighs the practical difficulties of navigating old towns and mountain passes. From the sunny tourist hubs in the south to the misty forests in the north, we put the car through its paces in real-world island conditions.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Our journey began on the TF-1 motorway, which sweeps along the south coast of the island. This is where the Audi A8 feels entirely at home. The long, fast sweepers of the TF-1 allow the adaptive air suspension to iron out any imperfections in the tarmac. At highway speeds of 110-120 km/h, the cabin is whisper quiet. You barely hear the wind or the tires, making it incredibly relaxing after a long flight into Tenerife South airport. The steering is light but precise, and the car tracks straight with zero drama.

Things change when you turn off the motorway and head up the TF-21 towards Mount Teide. This road climbs relentlessly to an altitude of 2,100 metres. The air gets thin, and the temperature drops significantly as you ascend through the pine forests and into the lunar landscape of the national park. The Automatic 3.0 L model we drove handles the climb effortlessly. The turbocharged engine does not struggle for breath in the thin mountain air, and the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, keeping the car in the optimal power band without any jerky downshifts. The Quattro all-wheel drive provides excellent traction on the cooler, sometimes dusty asphalt near the caldera.

However, the real test of the A8’s size came when we tackled the TF-436 descending into Masca. This road is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and blind corners. Here, small cars absolutely have the advantage. The A8 feels uncomfortably wide on these sections. We found ourselves breathing in as local buses and descending rental cars squeezed past us. The steering, while accurate, cannot hide the sheer length of the wheelbase when trying to navigate tight switchbacks. You will often need to use the entire width of the road to make a turn, which is nerve-wracking when there is a sheer drop on one side and an oncoming vehicle on the other.

Up in the north, the Anaga forest roads present a different environment. These roads are twisty, often misty, and frequently damp from the low-hanging clouds. The all-wheel drive system is a huge asset here, providing confidence when the surface is slick with fallen leaves and moisture. The A8 grips well, but the heavy weight of the car means you cannot drive it like a sports car. You have to adopt a smooth, flowing driving style, braking early and letting the car settle into the corners.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The Audi A8 shines brightest when covering long distances or carrying passengers who expect the highest level of comfort. If your Tenerife itinerary involves driving from a luxury resort in Costa Adeje to a high-end restaurant in Santa Cruz, there is simply no better way to travel. The seats are exceptionally supportive, the climate control handles the intense midday sun with ease, and the ride quality is unmatched by standard rental cars. It turns a one-hour transit into a relaxing spa-like experience.

Where it does not shine is in tight spaces and old infrastructure. The sheer dimensions of the A8 make it a liability in historical town centres like La Orotava or Garachico. You will find yourself constantly monitoring the 360-degree cameras to avoid scraping the alloy wheels on high volcanic stone curbs. It is not a car you can simply toss into a gap in traffic. Every manoeuvre in a busy town requires planning and patience. If you plan to spend most of your time exploring remote beaches via dirt tracks or visiting tiny mountain hamlets, this car will frustrate you.

Practical notes

Parking is perhaps the biggest daily challenge when driving an Audi A8 in Tenerife. In resort areas like Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas, street parking is notoriously tight. The blue-line meters mark paid parking zones, but the painted bays were clearly designed for much smaller vehicles. The A8 often overhangs the lines, leaving it vulnerable to passing traffic. We highly recommend using underground parking garages, though even then, you must be cautious of tight ramps and narrow turning circles.

Fuel consumption is another factor to consider. While the 3.0-litre engine is efficient for its size on the motorway, climbing the steep gradients of the TF-21 or navigating stop-start traffic in the resorts will drain the tank quickly. Fortunately, petrol stations are plentiful along the coasts and major routes, but you should always fuel up before heading into the Teno or Anaga rural parks, as stations are rare in those areas.

Luggage space is generous. The boot easily swallows four large suitcases, making it perfect for a family of four or two couples travelling together. The rear seats offer massive legroom, so adult passengers will never feel cramped, even if the front seats are pushed far back. This car suits affluent couples, business travellers, or families who prioritize safety, space, and a premium cabin environment over the ability to easily park outside a busy beachfront cafe.

Verdict

Driving the Audi A8 in Tenerife is an experience of two extremes. On the open coastal motorways and the sweeping roads up to the Teide plateau, it is a magnificent machine that isolates you from fatigue and provides a commanding view of the stunning volcanic scenery. It makes long days of exploring feel effortless.

Yet, you must be prepared to manage its size. The terrifyingly tight hairpins of Masca and the congested, blue-line metered streets of the southern resorts demand constant vigilance. If your Tenerife holiday is about luxury, relaxation, and visiting easily accessible locations, the A8 is a phenomenal companion. But if you want to dart down forgotten alleys and squeeze into the last remaining parking spot by the beach, you might find yourself wishing you had rented something half the size.

Where to book the Audi A8 in Tenerife

If this one sounds like your kind of drive, you can check dates and prices for the Audi A8 hire in Tenerife directly. Prefer to compare first? Browse all Audi rentals in Tenerife, economy car hire in Tenerife, car hire in Tenerife.