Audi's popular Q5 gets its first major overhaul this year, introducing an evolutionary look that hides the latest tech and engineering from Germany's premium all-wheel-drive specialists.
What's New for 2018
Audi has consolidated most of the 3.0T's options into the available Executive Package, which now includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and upgraded leather upholstery. Those items are now standard on 4.0T, and most remaining options have been combined into the new Executive Plus package. Audi has raised the base price of the 4.0T from $92,475 (including $975 in destination charges) to $92,975.
Choosing Your Audi A8
All Audi A8 models wear the L designation, to identify their 122.9-inch wheelbase – the short-wheelbase A8 was discontinued two years ago. The standard supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivers 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Buyers seeking exceptional performance can opt for a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 450 horsepower and 444 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, both engines are EPA-rated at 29 miles per gallon on the highway, and the V6 has just a slight advantage in the city, 19 mpg versus 18 mpg with the V8.
Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, while a standard adaptive air suspension keeps things comfy.
Priced at $83,475 including destination, the 3.0T is powered by the supercharged V6 engine. The long list of standard features includes an extended leather interior with wood trim, heated 14-way front seats with memory, power soft-close doors, navigation, power rear sunshades, a single-panel sunroof, and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Safety assists include parking sensors and collision mitigation with automatic braking. This year's expanded Executive Package ($9,150) tops off the 3.0T with just about everything else you could want: 22-way diamond-stitched front seats with ventilation and massage, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel with shift paddles, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, surround-view cameras, and 20-inch wheels.
For $92,975, the 4.0T delivers the turbocharged V8 engine, along with many of the 3.0T's options as standard (like the panoramic sunroof and upgraded front seats and steering wheel). The new Executive Plus Package ($4,750) adds everything else available on the 3.0T, plus these exclusive touches: automatic high beams, a rear controller for the front passenger seat, and power diamond-stitched rear seats with ventilation and massage.
Both models are eligible for a Black Optic Package ($1,000) with gloss black exterior trim and 20-inch titanium-finish wheels (21-inch available for $950 extra).
CarsDirect Tip
The 3.0T's Executive Package is more expensive this year due to its added content. Although the price seems steep, it essentially replaces all of last year's packages, so you'll actually pay a bit less for a fully loaded model. As for the 4.0T, its new Executive Plus Package only makes sense if you intend to carry rear passengers on a regular basis.
Audi's deals don't see any major changes for August. Shoppers may want to consider buying over leasing as most lease options aren't great values, especially on SUV models.... View All Audi Lease Deals
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