Best Audi A8 Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The design of the Audi A8 is sleek and modern, with a low profile and slim headlights. This car also features an advanced suspension that separates the body from the wheels, which provides a smoother ride for passengers. It has a height of 58.5 inch and has many other features to make the driving experience more pleasurable.

There are three bike rack types: hitch, roof and trunk. All these racks can be installed on your Audi A8.

Consider these before buying an Audi A8 bike rack:

  • How much are you willing to spend? Be ready so spend $500-$1,000 on hitch and roof racks. Trunk racks can be bought for under $200, even premium models,
  • At the same time, trunk racks can scratch your car whereas hitch and roof racks don’t have such risks. So it is unclear whether you will be able to save money buying a trunk rack,
  • Not all non-standard bikes (lady’s, fat-tire, kid’s, etc.) will fit all racks so check the compatibility,
  • How many bikes do you need to carry? If it is 3 bikes or fever, then all rack types can get the job done. 4 bikes and more will require either a hitch or roof racks (4 separate placeholders),
  • Hitch racks are the easiest to use. They don’t block trunk access and it is easy to load bikes on,
  • Your bikes expensive and you care about them a lot? Then buy a zero frame contact rack to avoid scratches on the frame,
  • What is most important is that not all racks will fit your Audi A8. Don’t worry, I have checked the compatibility for all racks in the rating.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click on my links (I would really appreciate it). Anyway, all ratings are not paid directly or not and are based on my personal experience. I hope you will enjoy the products. Thank you!

Best Audi A8 hitch bike racks

The best way to transport your bikes outside your Audi A8 is with the help of a hitch rack. It will be very easy to load bikes. Moreover, due to the tilt function that most models have, you will be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded.

Kuat NV Base 2.0 (2+2) – Best hitch rack for super heavy bikes

  • Audi A8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 52 lb (23.6 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

Kuat NV Base 2.0 is one of the smartest hitch-mounted bike racks on the market. It’s a great solution for carrying all types of bicycles, including e-bikes, and it installs without the need for a hitch adapter. You can carry two bikes or four bikes with an add-on rack, and Kuat has installed several features in this rack that make it super easy to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Even though it is quite expensive rack you won’t regret,
  • It is super sturdy since it is designed for really heavy bikes,
  • It is easy to install but keep in mind that rack itself is pretty heavy (52 lb empty),
  • Easy to load bikes and access trunk with bikes loaded (thanks for tilt function),
  • This rack is definitely recommended for bike enthusiasts,
  • Designed to carry really heavy bikes. That’s why it is made from steel and rather heavy itself. For not too heavy bikes it might be an over-kill.

PROS

  • Top-notch quality materials
  • No assembly required
  • The most sturdy rack on the market
  • Can carry super heavy bikes and most bike types
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
  • Proper clearance between bikes and no frame contact
  • This rack won’t damage your car
  • Goes in two receiver size versions (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Compact when not in use
  • Negligible mileage reduction

CONS

  • Quite pricey
  • Keep in mind that this rack quite heavy (52 lb empty)
  • The hitch receiver must be either 1.25″ or 2″

Thule EasyFold XT (2)- Premium hitch rack for 2 bikes

  • Audi A8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2
  • Max bike weight: 65 lb (29.5 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 130 lb (59 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″ (4.7″ with an adapter)
  • Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ both compatible (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

Get the best of both worlds with the Thule EasyFold XT. The aluminum and plastic material construction make it super lightweight & simple to fold up into a compact size. With the hitch receiver (1.25″ or 2″ hitch receiver), you can easily and securely haul 2 bikes at once without any worries of damaging your bike frame & it also includes foam blocks to protect your bike’s finish.

Key Takeaways

  • Great choice if you are not on a budget (very high quality overall and many useful features so it is worth the money),
  • No hitch or bikes wobbling,
  • This rack is very easy to use (both bikes mounting and access of the trunk) so it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who will use it often,
  • Perfect choice for not fat-tire heavy bikes,
  • I would not recommend it for fat-tire bikes since it won’t be much space between bikes,
  • I would not recommend it for carbon frame and other expensive bikes as it might leave scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials (rust-resistant)
  • Super easy to install (no assembly required)
  • Bikes and rack itself are very sturdy
  • Has additional taillights and license plate frame
  • No risk of damaging your car
  • Won’t reduce your mileage much
  • Bike rack to the receiver lock included
  • Can carry really heavy bikes
  • Bike loading ramp (no heavy lifting required)
  • Foot pedal tilt (trunk access with bikes mounted)
  • Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers
  • Compact since it is fully foldable

CONS

  • Quite expensive
  • Bikes to the rack locks are not reliable
  • Clearance between fat-tire bikes could be better
  • Frame contact (not recommended for expensive bikes)

Yakima FullSwing (4) – Premium hanging hitch rack

  • Audi A8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 4
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 56 lb (25.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 2″
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

Yakima FullSwing is one of the most versatile hitch racks on the market! It’s perfect for transporting your bikes & gear to any location. The FullSwing does 20% more than most racks, so you can carry 4 bikes in a compact design. With Yakima’s patented QuickDraw system, you’ll be ready to go in seconds. Hitch FullSwing to your car or truck and load your bikes.

Key Takeaways

  • This rack is rather pricey but it has innovative features and really well made,
  • The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will be wobbling a bit,
  • Easy to load bikes and access the trunk with bikes mounted,
  • This bike rack can carry most bikes (except for heaviest models), but I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes because it will inevitably live scratches or even small dents.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself is very robust
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes
  • Easy trunk access with bikes mounted
  • Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks included
  • Can’t damage your car
  • Great aerodynamics (little mileage reduction)
  • Compact when not in use (folds up)

CONS

  • Quite expensive even though it is a premium brand
  • Bikes will be wobbling (tie them up)
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes will require an adapter (sold separately)
  • No clearance between bikes (will be hitting each other)
  • Fits only 2″ receivers

Best Audi A8 roof bike racks

Roof racks are also great for Audi A8. They look modern and futuristic and will provide sturdiness. Moreover, Audi A8 is not too tall so loading\unloading won’t be a hassle for most people.

Thule FastRide – Elegant roof rack which is super robust

  • Audi A8 compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: fork
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 7.3 lb (3.3 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

The Thule FastRide is a bike rack that can carry almost any bike under 40lb. Made from aluminum, this bike carrier is strong and easy to install. Securing the bike by the fork, not the frame, ensures that your bicycle won’t be scratched.

Key Takeaways

  • This rack is really well made (premium quality materials on top of good design overall)
  • Zero wobbling since a bike will be secured by its fork (most reliable mounting),
  • You are supposed to lift a bike up. Moreover, the front wheel must be removed,
  • This rack is truly universal since it fits most bikes. Especially it is good for expensive and carbon frame bikes as it won’t leave any scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials
  • Won’t take much time and effort to install
  • It is as sturdy as you can get (both rack and bike)
  • Can carry most bikes (women’s, kid’s, fat-tire, etc.)
  • Easy trunk access (does not block it as some hitch or trunk racks)
  • Does not cover taillights and license frame
  • No frame contact mounting (no scratches on your bikes)
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Looks beautiful

CONS

  • Pricey (keep in mind that you have to have crossbars to install it)
  • Mounting bikes on the roof is not that easy
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • You have to remove the front wheel each time
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Thule ProRide XT – Premium roof rack for not expensive bikes

  • Audi A8 compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: frame
  • Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
  • Max wheelbase: 48.6″ (123.5 cm)
  • Downtube diameter: 0.87” to 3.15” (round shaped only)
  • Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes

The Thule ProRide XT is the premium bike carrier. It’s made from high quality aluminum and fits only Thule crossbar systems. This bike carrier can carry most bikes up to 44 lb and secures a bike by the frame. It has multiple adjustments for a perfect fit to any vehicle and folds flat for storage when not in use!

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality roof bike rack,
  • The ease of use highly depends on your physical conditions,
  • I would not recommend this rack to carry expensive bikes because of frame contact mounting (will scratch your bike),
  • Fat-tire bikes require an adapter (sold separately).

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • You don’t have to remove the front wheel
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Can carry relatively heavy bikes
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not cover license plate and taillights
  • Low risk of damaging your car
  • Looks modern and fancy

CONS

  • Quite pricey considering it requires crossbars
  • Not that easy to load a bike
  • Won’t fit fat-tire bikes out of the box
  • Frame contact mounting will leave some scratches
  • Does not fit all crossbars
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Best Audi A8 trunk bike racks

Not all trunk racks fit Audi A8. Moreover, this rack type can scratch your Audi A8 if improperly installed.

Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most cars

  • Audi A8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 6

Saris Bones EX is the revolutionary, easy-to-install rack that will make your daily commute more convenient and less stressful. The Saris Bones EX has been designed to enable you to carry up to 2 or 3 bikes, with a weight limit of 35 lb per bike. With this product, there’s no need for a trailer hitch or crossbars and can be installed in just minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Best-seller trunk rack with a good reason for that (fits most cars and decent quality overall),
  • Don’t expect it to be very sturdy (some wobbling is inevitable),
  • Quite easy to easy overall, but keep in mind that trunk access will be blocked,
  • Fits most bikes under 35 lb (an adapter will help with kid’s and women’s bikes),
  • I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes (especially carbon frame) since it will cause scratches.

PROS

  • Reasonable price
  • Easy to install
  • Fits most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Compatible with most cars (universal)
  • Quite compact
  • Won’t affect mileage much

CONS

  • Don’t expect it to be super sturdy
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Blocks trunk access
  • Very easy to steal (both rack and bikes)
  • Bikes will be hitting each other (expect scratches)
  • There is some risk of damaging your car

Hollywood F2 Over-The-Top (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack but a bit pricey

  • Audi A8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 21 lb (9.5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 6

The Hollywood F2 gives you a fast, safe way to take your road or mountain bike with you. It’s perfect for camping, exploring the wilderness, or just hitting the trails on a sunny day.

Key Takeaways

  • The quality is premium but there are cheaper premium models,
  • The rack is sturdy once installed (though bike will wobble a bit which can be said about all trunk racks),
  • Fairly easy to use (except for first installation),
  • Can carry most bikes under 35 lb (kid’s, women’s and other rounded frame bikes require an adapter),
  • This rack is not recommended for carrying expensive bikes since there is basically no clearance between bikes which will result in scratches.

PROS

  • The rack is quite sturdy
  • Fits most bike types under 35 lb
  • Requires nothing to be installed (neither a trailer hitch nor crossbars)
  • Manageable mileage reduction

CONS

  • A bit pricey
  • The instructions are unclear
  • Bikes will wobble a bit (“feature” of all trunk racks)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Blocks trunk access
  • Very easy to steal
  • Bikes will scratch each other (problem of all trunk racks)
  • Some risk of scratching your car