2013 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 Audi A8 is the replacement of the old 4.2-liter V8 with new 3.0T supercharged V6 and 4.0T twin-turbo V8 models. This is a major powertrain and trim expansion rather than a full redesign.
About the 2013 Audi A8
3rd generation A8 (D4/4H, 2011-2014 pre-refresh in the U.S.); 2013 is the powertrain-expansion year before the 2014 model-year equipment updates.
Audi positions the A8 as its flagship large luxury sedan: a quiet, high-tech, all-wheel-drive car that mixes serious rear-seat comfort with a more driver-focused feel than many big luxury sedans. Its core pitch is understated luxury, strong performance, and advanced cabin tech, backed by an aluminum body structure that helps the big sedan feel lighter and more responsive than its size suggests.
The 3.0T serves as the entry A8, pairing a 333-hp supercharged V6 with all-wheel drive, an adaptive air suspension, navigation, and Bose audio. The 420-hp 4.0T supplies stronger V8 performance, while long-wheelbase versions emphasize rear-seat room and the 500-hp A8 L W12 remains the richly equipped flagship with full LED headlights and rear entertainment screens.
What changed, by category
2013 Audi A8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Supercharged, 3.0 Liter | V8, Turbo, 4.0 Liter | W12, 6.3 Liter | V6, Supercharged, 3.0 Liter | V8, Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 333 hp | 420 hp | 500 hp | 333 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 444 lb-ft | 463 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 444 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 42.9 in | 42.9 in | 42.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Top View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||
| 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 Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Power Steering | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2012 and 2013 Audi A8?
The biggest difference is the engine lineup. For 2013, Audi replaced the former 4.2-liter V8 models with 3.0T supercharged V6 and 4.0T twin-turbo V8 versions in both standard- and long-wheelbase form.
Is the 2013 Audi A8 a full redesign?
No. The 2013 A8 remains part of the third-generation, pre-refresh model line; its main updates are new engines, a broader trim range, and newer camera and lighting technology.
Does the 2013 Audi A8 still have the 4.2-liter V8?
No. The 4.2-liter V8 models were dropped for 2013 and replaced by the 333-hp 3.0T supercharged V6 and the 420-hp 4.0T twin-turbo V8 models.
What is different about the 2013 Audi A8 L models?
The 2013 A8 L models have the longer body and 42.9 inches of rear legroom. The L 3.0T and L 4.0T pair that extra space with features such as four-zone climate control, power-closing doors, and a hands-free power trunk lid.
What changed on the 2013 Audi A8 L W12?
The 2013 A8 L W12 gained full LED headlights and a standard camera assistance package with top and corner views. Its 500-hp 6.3-liter W12 engine and four-passenger rear-cabin layout carried over.