Audi A8Overview

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The third generation of the A8, which showcases the true evolution of the Audi brand, was first unveiled in 2009. Since its introduction, the four-door sedan has continued to redefine the idea of premium luxury with a focus on a number of performance and technology enhancements. Engine options now include the 3-liter TDI, the 4.2-liter TDI and the 420-horsepower 4-liter TFSI that features Audi’s cylinder-on-demand technology. Other advancements include Audi’s radar-based adaptive cruise control and a night vision assistant that detects pedestrians.

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The second generation of the Audi A8 used the Volkswagen Group's D3 platform and saw the addition of the top-of-the-line W12 model, which featured Audi’s new grille. A turbocharged direct fuel injection V8 was also added during a period in which Audi started showing significant improvements in overall quality. The A8 also saw the addition of the 315-horsepower 4.2-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) V8, and new technology features like Audi Side Assist, which detects cars in the A8's blind spots and Audi Lane Assist, which alerts drivers when they drift into adjacent lanes.

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The first generation of Audi's A8, which did not become available in the U.S. until 1997, featured the Volkswagen Group D2 platform with an all-aluminum platform known as the "Audi Space Frame." The big sedan was available in front-wheel drive with power from a 2.8-liter V6 or a 3.7-liter V8; or with all-wheel drive and a 4.2-liter V8. The introduction of the A8 marked a major turning point for Audi, however, the upmarket flagship did suffer from some quality issues associated with the brand during this period.