What's New
After last year's redesign, the 2020 Audi A8 is back with a couple big changes. A plug-in hybrid variant that pairs an electric motor with the 3.0-liter V6 engine joins the lineup. Meanwhile, a twin-turbocharged V8 is now available that allows the A8 go toe-to-toe with its chief rivals.
The A8 is one of the most technologically advanced cars on the road today, which allows it to live up to expectations as Audi's flagship sedan.
Choosing Your Audi A8
The A8 is available in two trims: A8 L and A8 L PHEV. The A8 L starts at $86,195 including destination, while the plug-in hybrid model costs $94,995 to start.
Engine Choices
The Audi A8 comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbo V6, designated as 55 TFSI by Audi. The newly-available 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (60 TFSI) is available for $11,600 extra. The new plug-in hybrid powertrain (60 TFSI e) adds an electric motor and a 14.1-kWh lithium-ion battery to go along with the V6.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph Time | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
3.0L Turbo V6 | 335 hp | 369 lb-ft | 5.6 seconds | 21 mpg |
3.0L Turbo V6 Plug-In Hybrid | 443 hp | 516 lb-ft | 4.9 seconds | 23 mpg |
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 | 453 hp | 487 lb-ft | 4.5 seconds | 18 mpg |
All three powertrains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. The A8 requires premium gasoline, which compounds its already poor fuel economy figures.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The A8 can seat up to five passengers. It stretches to 208.7 inches long, which is about 10 more than Audi’s new five-passenger Q8 crossover. Rear passengers receive an extensive 44.3 inches of leg room, but the impressive space results in a small trunk space. The A8's trunk only offers 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which drops to 10.4 in the plug-in hybrid.
Safety Features
All Audi A8 models come standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a system that pretensions the seat belts, closes the sunroof and windows, and activates the hazard lights if a critical driving state is detected.
That relatively humble list is disappointing, but more features are avaible through extra-cost packages. The Driving Assistance Package ($2,750) bundles adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and intersection assist.
Meanwhile, the Executive Package ($4,600) enhances safety with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a vehicle exit warning system, and a surround-view camera system.
Connectivity
The A8 comes standard with dual center touchscreen displays, a 10.1-inch upper and an 8.6-inch lower unit. The infotainment system is complete with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, HD radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and two front USB ports. Also standard is a 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system with a 16-channel amplifer and 730 watts.
The aforementioned Executive Package adds a wireless phone charger, a wireless signal booster, and a head-up display.
The base Audi A8 is a car where many would undoubtedly be sufficiently pleased. Standard exterior features include 19-inch wheels, full LED exterior lighting with dynamic turn indicators, power soft-close doors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a hands-free trunk.
Inside is where things are really taken to the next level. Occupants are treated to a panoramic sunroof, leather seating, four-zone climate control, wood and aluminum trim, and ambient interior lighting. The front seats are heated with 18-way power with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory functionality.
The $4,600 Executive Package really ups the ante. It includes chrome exterior trim, a heated steering wheel, dual-pane acoustic glass, more ambient lighting choices, and ventilated front seats with 22-way power adjustability – this in addition to the wireless charger, head-up display, and surround-view camera that were previously mentioned.
Rear seat passengers will hope that the $3,500 Rear Seat Comfort Package is selected, which adds heated and ventilated rear seats with massage capability, power outboard rear seats, heated rear door armrests and center console, and LED reading lights.
The plug-in hybrid A8 includes a few additional features over the gas-powered model. It receives a new front and rear fascia, a compact charging system, and a pre-condition interior, in addition to the hybrid powertrain.
The 2020 Audi A8 is a solid performer with an impeccable interior. Taking the base model and adding the Executive Package and Driver Assistance Package will undoubtedly leave drivers and passengers impressed, relaxed, and possibly not wanting to exit.