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2018 Audi A8 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Audi A8 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Crisp, pristine cabin
  • Potent acceleration

Cons

  • Lags behind in available technology
  • Competitors offer more driver-assist features
  • Cargo space is limited

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 26 highway, 19 combined

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2018 Audi A8 is available with a V8 and 20-inch wheels

Audi’s A8 flagship sedan represents the sixth year of the third generation, featuring a long, sleek body style and an impeccable cabin. Sophisticated and streamlined, the 2018 A8 offers a decent amount of power, too, in the form of a standard supercharged V6 and available turbocharged V8. Drivers seeking fuel efficiency will be more interested in the 3.0-liter V6, which gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined; with the V8 that number drops to 19 mpg. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

Built with a U.S.-only long-body style, the stateside A8 is longer and more limousine-like than the rest of the globe’s standard body. The 2018 A8 is available in two trims, each corresponding to the engine size and appropriately named 3.0T and 4.0T. Every A8 comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

While the A8 is luxuriously appointed, absent from the features list are modern technologies, such as smartphone integration and even USB ports. Those looking for the latest tech should seek out the 2019 and newer Audi A8.

All Audi A8 years

What is new for the 2018 Audi A8?

  • A8 trims have been upgraded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.

2018 Audi A8 trims

Curious how Audi A8 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

L:

  • 450-hp, 444-lb-ft of torque 4.0L
  • 333-hp, 325-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Sunroofs
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • View our Audi A8 L inventory

What We Like:

Power and acceleration: A8 3.0T models are powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 making 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque and the 4.0T trims are equipped with a turbocharged 450-hp 4.0-liter V8 good for 444 lb-ft. All lean muscle, the A8 handles like a smaller, sportier car and leaps off the line with a gentle nudge of the gas pedal.

Ride comfort: While the standard seats are quite plush, cradling the body and absorbing typical bumps on an average road, there’s an even better option for luxury-level comfort. The available 22-way adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage deliver a spa-like ride to smooth out any commute. They're standard in the 4.0T model.

Sharp handling: For a large sedan, the 2018 Audi A8 handles corners like an NFL running back. Audi’s electric steering is notably stellar, responding to driver input intuitively. Somehow, the A8 defies gravity and feels much lighter on its feet than its competitors in the full-size sedan segment. Brakes are strong, inspiring confidence and balancing the powerful acceleration.

What Needs Improvement

Technology: Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and even USB ports are noticeably absent in the A8, even as an option. For this model year, the A8 is equipped with the previous-generation multimedia interface. That’s unfortunate, as other Audi models in the lineup were built with newer technology that matches the competition in this segment.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Audi A8 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

RepairPal reliability rating

2
Average

RepairPal gave the Audi A8 an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Audi A8 38th out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi A8

Audi A8 features and specs

Curious how Audi A8 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

L 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Supercharged Engine
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear A/C Seat(s)
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Seat Massagers

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

333

Torque (ft-lbs)

325

Engine type

Supercharged Gas

Fuel capacity

21.7

Wheelbase

122.9"

Overall length

207.4"

Width

76.7"

Height

57.9"

Leg room

F 41.4"/R 42.9"

Head room

F 37.2"/R 39.1"

Front tires

P255/45HR19

Rear tires

P255/45HR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Audi A8 FAQ

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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