2012 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Audi A8 is the arrival of the A8 L W12, a new long-wheelbase flagship with a 500-hp 6.3-liter W12 engine. The V8-powered A8 4.2 and A8 L 4.2 otherwise carry over without a major redesign.
About the 2012 Audi A8
3rd generation A8 (D4), second US model year after the 2011 redesign and before the later mid-cycle refresh.
Audi positions the A8 as a flagship luxury sedan for people who want high-end comfort without giving up a sense of control from behind the wheel. Its big selling points are the lightweight aluminum body, standard quattro all-wheel drive, strong powertrains, and a cabin filled with advanced tech. Compared with softer traditional luxury sedans, the A8 aims to feel more precise and more driver-focused while still delivering the space, quietness, and craftsmanship expected in this class.
The 2012 A8 range spans a driver-focused V8 sedan, a roomier long-wheelbase V8 model, and the new W12 flagship. Every version has all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic, while highlights range from an adaptive air suspension and handwriting touchpad to the W12 model’s full LED headlights, massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, and quieter dual-pane glass.
What changed, by category
2012 Audi A8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.2 Liter | V8, 4.2 Liter | W12, 6.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 372 hp | 372 hp | 500 hp |
| Torque | 328 lb-ft | 328 lb-ft | 463 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.7 in | 42.9 in | 42.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Executive Rear Seating | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Massage Front Seat | |||
| Massage Rear Seat | |||
| Memory Rear Seats | |||
| Power Steering | |||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Audi A8?
The biggest change is the new A8 L W12 flagship. It combines the long-wheelbase body with a 500-hp 6.3-liter W12 engine and more standard comfort and technology features than the V8 models.
Was the 2012 Audi A8 redesigned?
No, the 2012 Audi A8 was not redesigned. The full redesign arrived for 2011, so 2012 is mainly a continuation of that model with the W12 flagship added to the lineup.
How does the 2012 A8 L W12 differ from the A8 L 4.2?
The A8 L W12 has a 500-hp 6.3-liter W12 instead of the A8 L 4.2’s 372-hp V8. It also has more standard luxury equipment, including full LED headlights, massaging and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, and dual-pane acoustic glass.
Did the 2012 Audi A8 V8 models change much from 2011?
No, the V8-powered 2012 A8 4.2 and A8 L 4.2 largely carry over from 2011. They retain their 372-hp 4.2-liter V8, all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, aluminum-intensive construction, and technology-focused cabins.
Is the 2012 Audi A8 worth considering over the 2011 model?
The 2012 model is most notable if you want the long-wheelbase W12 version, which was newly added that year. For a V8 model, the 2012 A8 is very similar to the redesigned 2011 version, so condition, maintenance history, and equipment matter more than the model-year change.