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2018 Audi A8

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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Select a Trim
2018 L 3.0T 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro LWB Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $82,500
2018 L 4.0T Sport 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro LWB Sedan Price:   -  From $92,000

Overview

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.

Audi A8

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.

Trims levels correspond to engine choice:

Audi A8

3.0T

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.

Audi A8

4.0T

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.

Get your price on an Audi A8 »



author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

The full-size 2018 Audi A8 flies the brand’s flag high. It's an elegant sedan with the power and high-end amenities to match. When outfitted with an available V8 engine and rear seat executive trim, the A8 proves its worth. But prices can climb quickly, easily reaching six figures when fully equipped.

Best Value

The 2018 Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan with room for five and has standard all-wheel drive. Audi provides a standard supercharged V6 or a turbocharged V8 engine and pairs both with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Every model comes well equipped, offering such features as a full-leather interior, heated front seats, navigation, a Bose audio system, and a sophisticated interface. The current A8 is actually the long-wheelbase version, which was previously known as the A8 L.

  • Model: 2018 Audi A8 3.0T
  • Engine: 3.0-liter supercharged V6
  • Output: 333 hp / 325 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: 19 City / 29 Hwy
  • Options: Executive Package ($9,150, high beam assist, 20-inch, five-spoke-blade-design wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view camera system, 22-way power and heated front comfort sport seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, and a rear-seat pass-through)
  • Base Price: $83,475 (including a $975 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $92,625

Performance

No matter which engine you choose, you’ll find generous power at the ready. We selected the standard 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, as it's more than capable to move this large sedan with authority. The twin-turbocharged V8 is certainly enticing, but most people may find it superfluous and costly.

In any event, the standard engine makes 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, good enough to move this lightweight sedan from zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep up with this engine, working nearly seamlessly in the background. We found the A8 light and agile.

Working in this sedan’s favor is the brand’s laudable all-wheel-drive system, dubbed Quattro. It splits power at a 40/60 ratio front to back, but it can also send up to 60 percent of its power to the front axle, when needed. If driving dynamics are important to you, an available Sport Package adds a rear sport differential, a variable ratio steering rack, an air suspension, and summer tires.

All models have Drive Select, an electronically controlled system that oversees engine and transmission responses, suspension feel, and steering weight. Choose between Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic modes to find the level of driving engagement that suits you best. Select the driving engagement you want, but you should know that the electric power steering rack tempers driving enjoyment somewhat.

Style

The 2018 Audi A8 has a handsome yet conservative design. However, the look has aged and its competitors have newer designs. We like the A8’s drawn-out shoulders and elegant LED headlights, but beyond that, the canvas simply blends in.

Step inside and the narrative changes dramatically. You can tell that Audi’s designers poured their hearts into the interior, with upscale materials everywhere. This means leather, wood, and aluminum are in abundance, yet are carefully applied throughout the cabin. The few soft plastics present simply blend in.

The cockpit is driver-centric and the front seats are quite comfortable. With the available Executive Package, the rear compartment may offer the most enjoyable seats in the cabin. With this arrangement, it has the look and feel of a limousine, German style.

The Best and Worst Things

We’re glad that Audi made the long wheelbase standard with the A8. Even without the Executive Package, the rear compartment is amazingly comfortable and roomy. However, Audi is a step behind the competition when it comes to self-driving technology. We think this deficiency will be resolved when the all-new A8 debuts in 2019.

Right For? Wrong For?

Whether you have a chauffeur or not, the Audi A8 offers a level of comfort befitting a full-size luxury sedan. Consider this model if you want maximum comfort without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the A8’s dated design may not be sufficient enough for everyone’s tastes. You can either wait for the new model or look closer at the competition from Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, or BMW.

The Bottom Line

The consumer market for full-size luxury sedans may be small and dwindling, but a market remains nevertheless. The 2018 Audi A8 hits all of the necessary highlights, while providing a comfortable ride and superior driving dynamics. It isn’t the most modern model in the segment, but that may not be enough to dissuade some shoppers from taking a closer look.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.0L V-6 / 333 HP / 325 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 8-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time Quattro All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
19 / 29 / 24 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.0L V-6 / 333 HP / 325 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time Quattro All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
19 / 29 / 24 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Multi-link
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Aluminum
Fuel Tank
21.7 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$83
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
14.2 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
122 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
207.4 "
Exterior Width
76.7 "
Exterior Height
57.9 "
Front Headroom
37.2 "
Rear Headroom
39.1 "
Front Legroom
41.4 "
Rear Legroom
42.9 "
Front Shoulder Room
59.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.8 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,464 Lbs.
Wheel Base
123 "
Turning Radius
20.8 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
19.0 " Silver Aluminum / 20.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 21.0 " Painted Aluminum / 20.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Heated, Power Remote Driver, Power Remote W/tilt Down Passenger
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome / Black
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Dual Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket / Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(12-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(12-way Power)
Front Armrests
(12-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center / Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats
Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
14 Bose
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
4
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Audi Pre Sense Basic Forward Collision Warning / Audi Pre Sense Plus Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Audi Side Assist Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Audi Active Lane Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High-beam Assistant Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Front And Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
12 Months / 10,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

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