Are you yearning for unrivalled luxury on the road? Brace yourself for the ride of a lifetime with the game-changing new Audi A8. In this buying guide, we unveil its secrets that premium car manufacturers don't want you to know; we reveal how this automotive masterpiece redefines what luxury means in the 21st Century. You'll discover the startling truth about the Audi A8 that will leave competitors like the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class, Jaguar XJ, and Lexus LS in the dust. So take advantage of it; keep reading!
Why consider the Audi A8?
If you're in the market for a full-size luxury Saloon that blends style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, the Audi A8 is the premium executive car you're looking for. This luxury flagship of Audi offers top-of-the-line features with a sophisticated and timeless design. Here's everything you need to know about buying an Audi A8.
Table of Contents
What Awards has the Audi A8 won?
The A8's recent string of awards is a testament to its overall excellence. It is a luxury car with the best performance, technology, and design. For those seeking a luxury car that has it all, the Audi A8 stands as the perfect choice, evident from the accolades it has claimed.
Here are some of the awards that the Audi A8 has won:
- Auto Trophy
- Best Full-Size Luxury Saloon
- German Car of the Year
- International Engine of the Year
- Motor Trend Car of the Year
- North American Car of the Year (finalist)
- Top Gear Car of the Year
- What Car? Car of the Year
- World Car of the Year (finalist)
- World Luxury Car of the Year
- Top Gear Car of the Year
- North American Car of the Year (finalist)
- World Car of the Year (finalist)
- German Car of the Year
- Auto Trophy
- International Engine of the Year
- World Luxury Car of the Year
- Top Gear Car of the Year
Exterior Features
Regarding the new Audi A8, Audi has brought an innovative design philosophy to the pinnacle of its lineup, which is available in both the standard and long-wheelbase variants.
The body's flowing lines showcase all the significant strides they have made since the previous generation. At the back, state-of-the-art OLED taillights extend across the full breadth of the A8, offering a unique animation when engaging the lock and unlock functions.
Meanwhile, the broad, commanding grille at the front creates a potent impression for all onlookers.
Some of the key exterior highlights include:
- 20-inch Alloy Wheels
- Adaptive Windscreen Wipers with Integrated Washer Jets
- Chrome Exterior Window Surrounds and Door Handle Inserts
- Electrically Adjustable, Heated and Folding Door Mirrors with LED Side Indicators
- HD Matrix-design LED Headlights with Audi Laser Light
- High Gloss Black Radiator Grille with Chrome Detailing
- LED Rear Lights with Dynamic Light Sequencing and Dynamic Indicators
- OLED Rear Lights
- Power-operated Boot Lid
- Sculpted Body Lines and Athletic Stance
Enhanced Exterior Profile
The A8's profile sets it apart from any other luxury Saloon, with its equilibrium of proportions radiating both skill and elegance. Its robust yet sleek form makes a standout statement, subtly hinting at the engine's powerful performance that effortlessly lies beneath.
Interior Features
Having your sanctuary is incomparable, and the new Audi A8, with its elongated body and ample cabin space, offers you even more than its predecessor. Every detail, from the seat upholstery to electrically opening and closing air vents to haptic touchscreen controls, is crafted for understated elegance and comfort. The A8L goes a step further, featuring a Rear Seat Remote that allows you to control various functions like activating the rear heated seats via an intuitive touchscreen.
Some of the key interior highlights include:
- Audi Virtual Cockpit
- Bang & Olufsen® 3D Premium Sound System
- Executive Package
- Four-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated and Ventilated Front and Rear Seats
- MMI® Navigation with MMI® Touch Response
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Rear Window Sunshades
- Valcona Leather Interior
- Wooden Inlays
Performance & Engines
A potent lineup of engines powers the Audi A8, starting with the base model's 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 335 horsepower. If you crave more power, the A8L 60 TFSI model offers a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that generates 453 horsepower. The S8 variant also pushes the power limit with a staggering 563 horsepower from a tuned-up version of the 4.0-litre V8.
Transmission
These powertrains are then paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system, which delivers excellent handling and grip in various driving conditions. Adaptive air suspension fits the A8 to enhance ride quality, providing a smooth ride on the motorway or tackling rough terrains.
Pure Comfort and Convenience
The Audi A8 offers first-class comfort with an elegant and refined interior. This luxury Saloon has spacious seating for 5 people, while the A8L model offers extra passenger seat legroom. These seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, with optional ventilation and massage functions for the front and rear seats.
MMI Infotainment System
The A8 is not only about comfort but convenience too. A standout feature is the MMI infotainment system with dual touchscreens, which control everything from climate control to navigation. The system is intuitive and responsive, with support for Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto® and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety
Safety is a significant selling point for the Audi A8. Audi designed it with a plethora of advanced safety features, including front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and Audi Pre Sense Front which includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional features that you can add include a surround-view parking camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Technology
When it comes to technology, the A8 is ahead of its time. Its flagship status within the Audi range means it gets the latest and greatest technology. This technology includes the Audi Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays information like speed, navigation, and media in high-definition directly in front of the driver, to name just a few.
The Audi A8 is also the first mass-produced vehicle engineered explicitly for highly automated driving. A prime example is the Adaptive Cruise Assist, which employs sensors and vehicle data to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead - even when traffic abruptly halts. When the traffic flow resumes, your car smoothly accelerates to your preset cruising speed. The system's sensors also aid in keeping you centred within your lane. It's just one of the numerous pioneering innovations found in the new A8 designed to handle routine tasks - so you're free just to enjoy the drive.
Some of the plethora of features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Crosswind assist
- Dynamic all-wheel steering
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Night vision assist
- Pre-collision assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Road departure mitigation
- Rollover mitigation
- Side assist
- Side airbag curtain
- Side impact protection
- Top safety pick+ (IIHS)
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
Responsive Touchscreen
The new A8's interior is sleeker and more intuitive, replacing conventional buttons and dials with a seamlessly integrated 10.1-inch touchscreen. However, this isn't your run-of-the-mill touchscreen — it's responsive to your touch, delivering tangible haptic feedback.
Every time you touch a control on the screen, you'll hear an audible click and even feel a vibration in response, as if interacting with a physical control panel. This enhancement simplifies and humanises the navigation of your controls, allowing you to maintain your focus on the road.
What is the Audi Virtual Cockpit?
The Audi Virtual Cockpit is a digital instrument cluster that displays information like speed, navigation, and media in high definition directly in front of you behind the steering wheel.
Customisable Cockpit
The information you require is continuously evolving, as does the Audi Virtual Cockpit. The most recent iteration swaps out the conventional dashboard for a crystal-clear 12.3-inch LCD display, capable of customisation at the touch of the view button on your multi-functional steering wheel.
Consequently, you can select the Classic view, featuring a pronounced speedometer and tachometer, or opt for the Infotainment view instead. The latter brings you forward functions such as media or the navigation map, all rendered in sharp 3D graphics and intricate detail.
Audi has conveniently placed everything you need to know before your eyes.
Rear Lights
For the first time, OLED lighting debuted as an option in the rear lights of the Audi A8. Lighter and less energy-consuming than standard LEDs, they're crucial to Audi's forward-thinking vision. Audi can also incorporate more OLEDs for brighter illumination thanks to their slim shape.
The Audi A8's rear lights now feature unique lighting animations, all thanks to the added versatility of OLEDs. Whenever you lock and unlock the car, the lights display a signature pattern, lighting up from inside to outside and then from outside back to the inside. This enhancement increases visibility but adds a distinctive touch to your Audi A8's presence.
Price
While the Audi A8 comes with a premium price tag, buyers are investing in top-notch quality, performance, and technology. For up-to-date pricing, please see our Audi A8 Pricing page.
Upholstery
The Audi A8 boasts luxurious upholstery, merging unparalleled comfort with meticulous craftsmanship to give you that superior driving experience.
You can choose from one of 4 interior upholstery options. These include:
- Seats: Beige, Dashboard: Black-Black, Carpet: Black, Headliner: Pastel Silver
- Seats: Black, Dashboard: Black, Carpet: Black, Headliner: Silver
- Seats: Beige, Dashboard: Black-Black, Carpet: Black, Headliner: Pastel Silver
- Seats: Cognac Brown-Cognac Brown, Dashboard: Black-Black, Carpet: Black, Headliner: Pastel Silver
Alloy Wheels
The Audi A8's 4 alloy wheels options display a striking design and superior strength, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and road performance.
These include:
- 19 Inch x 9.0J 5-arm polygon design Audi Sport cast aluminium, matt titanium-look, gloss-turned finish alloy wheels
- 20 Inch x 9.0J 10-spoke Y design forged alloy wheels
- 20 Inch x 9.0J 10-parallel-spoke design forged contrasting grey alloy wheels
- 20 Inch x 9.0J 5-arm turbine design Audi Sport cast aluminium, magnesium-look, gloss-turned finish alloy wheels
Paint Colours
The Audi A8 offers you diverse paint options, allowing for personalised elegance that mirrors both your style and sophistication.
- Brilliant Black
- Daytona Grey
- District Green Metallic
- Firmament Blue Metallic
- Floret Silver Metallic
- Glacier White Metallic
- Impala Beige, Pearl Effect
- Manhattan Grey Metallic
- Moonlight Blue, Met
- Mythos Black Metallic
- Ultra Blue
- Vesuvius Grey, Metallic
Audi A8 Models
Audi A8's range of models caters to various tastes, ensuring dynamic performance, unparalleled luxury, and innovative technology.
Three main models make these up, including:
- Audi A8 Sport
- Audi A8 S Line 50 TDI
- Audi A8 Black Edition 50 TDI
Audi A8 Sport Key Features
The Audi A8 Sport's key features comprise a high-performance engine, athletic design, adaptive suspension, and advanced driver aids.
When it comes to the built-in features, these consist of the following:
- 18 Inch x 8.0J 5-V-spoke design forged alloy wheels
- Adaptive air suspension
- Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter
- Comfort contour seats in Valcona Leather
- LED headlights with rear OLED lights
- Swerve assist
- The Sport trim highlights include the following;
- Turn assist
Audi A8 S Line Key Features
When it comes to the Audi A8 S Line's main attributes, these can include its sporty exterior accents, S Line embossed seats, dynamic steering, and enhanced suspension.
In addition to the Sport trim highlights, the S Line also includes the following;
- 20 Inch x9.0J 5-twin-arm alloy wheels
- Comfort contour seats in sports look with Valcona Leather
- HD matrix LED headlights with dynamic light presentation
- Privacy glass with Acoustic double glazing
- S line exterior style pack
Audi A8 Black Line Key Features
Now when it comes to the Audi A8 Black edition, it boasts a stealthy, sophisticated aesthetic with its glossy black finish and matching interior details.
In addition to the S Line trim highlights, the Black Edition trim also includes the following;
- 20 Inch x 9.0J Audi Sport 5-V-spoke star design black alloy wheels
- Black exterior door mirrors
- Black exterior styling package
- Piano black inlays
What Standard Features Can Come With an Audi A8?
The Audi A8 has a huge amount of standard features. These include:
- 18 Inch x 8.0J '5-V-spoke' design forged alloy wheels (with 235/55 R18 tyres)
- 2-zone automatic air conditioning
- 24-litre AdBlue tank (diesel only)
- 3-seat rear bench with centre armrest
- 4-way electric lumbar support
- 48V Mild Hybrid
- 8-speed transmission with hill hold assist
- 82-litre fuel tank
- Adaptive air suspension
- Adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist
- Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist and turn assist
- Anti-theft alarm with tow-away protection
- Anti-theft wheel bolts and wheel loosening detection
- Audi Connect (3-year subscription)
- Audi Connect Safety and Service (e-call)
- Audi drive select
- Audi Music Interface
- Audi Phone Box with wireless charging
- Audi Pre-sense Basic
- Audi Pre-sense Front
- Audi Sound System
- Audi Space Frame®
- Audi Virtual Cockpit
- Audi Wireless Smartphone Interface
- Camera-based traffic sign recognition
- Chrome exterior package
- Comfort centre armrest continuously adjustable lengthways and in height, split for driver and front passenger; with fold-open storage compartments
- Comfort contour seats
- Convenience key
- DAB digital radio
- Electric front seats with memory function
- Extended pedestrian protection measures
- Exterior mirror housings in body colour
- Exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable, heated, folding, and automatically dimming with memory function and integrated LED indicator
- First aid kit with warning triangle
- Front and rear floor mats
- Front brake discs, callipers painted black
- Glove compartment cooling
- Head-up Display
- Heated front seats
- High Gloss Styling Pack
- High-beam assist
- ISOFIX child seat mounting for outer rear seats
- Leather gear knob
- LED headlights
- LED Interior Lighting Pack
- Lower inlays in dark matt brushed aluminium
- Metallic paint
- MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch
- OLED rear lights with specific rear light signature
- Operating buttons in black, glass look with haptic feedback
- Parking System Plus, front and rear sensors
- Power door closure
- Power-operated tailgate
- quattro® all-wheel drive with self-locking centre differential
- Reading lights
- Rear brake discs, callipers painted black
- Rear head rests
- Rear-view camera
- Seat belt reminder, electric contact in the buckle, advanced safety equipment
- Side airbags, front and rear, including head airbag system
- Silver Cloth headlining
- Striking accents in gloss chrome on the front, rear, and door handles provide high-quality contrast to the vehicle paint finish
- Sun visors with an illuminated vanity mirror on driver and front passenger side
- Twin spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles
- Tyre Repair Kit
- Upper inlays in fine grain ash, natural grey brown
- Valcona leather
- Windscreen with heat-insulating glass
How does the Audi A8 compare against its competition?
Compared to competitors, the Audi A8 shines with its advanced technology, superior comfort, and refined driving dynamics. It stands up well against the Mercedes S-Class, renowned for its luxury, and the BMW 7 Series, known for its sporty handling, by offering a balanced blend of luxury, performance, and innovative tech features.
We have compiled this handy table to help you understand the key differences.
| Key Metrics |
Audi A8 |
BMW 7 Series |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
Jaguar XJ |
Lexus LS |
| Horsepower |
210 kW to 414 kW |
360 kW to 420 kW |
230 kW to 590 kW |
224 kW to 298 kW |
264 kW |
| Torque |
369 lb-ft |
811 lb-ft |
384 lb-ft |
332 lb-ft |
367 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph |
5.3 seconds |
4.6 seconds |
5.7 seconds |
5.1 seconds |
4.9 seconds |
| Maximum Height |
1,519 mm |
1,544 mm |
1,516 mm |
1,448 mm |
1,460 mm |
| Maximum Width |
1,945 mm |
1,950 mm |
1,912 mm |
1,890 mm |
1,900 mm |
| Maximum Length |
5,302 mm |
5,391 mm |
5,289 mm |
5,090 mm |
5,235 mm |
How many people can the Audi A8 seat?
The Audi A8 can comfortably seat up to five people.
What safety features does the Audi A8 have?
The Audi A8 has numerous safety features, including front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Does the Audi A8 support Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®?
Yes, the Audi A8's MMI infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®.
Does the Audi A8 have an all-wheel drive system?
Yes, all models of the Audi A8 come standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.
What is the difference between the Audi A8 and the Audi A8L?
The primary difference between the Audi A8 and the Audi A8L is the size. The A8L is a long-wheelbase version, providing additional rear-seat legroom for your passengers.
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Final Thoughts on the Audi A8
The Audi A8 is a car that epitomises luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. If you value these attributes in a vehicle, then the A8 is for you. Its unique performance, luxury, and safety combination make it a standout option in the full-size luxury Saloon segment. As with any vehicle purchase, we recommend taking the Audi A8 for a test drive to ensure it suits your preferences and driving style.
Ready for the ride of your life? Schedule your Audi A8 test drive now!.