“The A8 is a wonderful automobile. It is very luxurious and comfortable. It's also fun to drive and confidence inspiring.”
2016 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Audi A8 is that the regular U.S. lineup moves to the roomier long-wheelbase A8 L body. This is a meaningful trim and equipment update rather than a full redesign, with a new 4.0T Sport version and more standard cabin features.
About the 2016 Audi A8
3rd-generation Audi A8 (D4/4H facelift), late-cycle year after the 2015 refresh.
The A8 is Audi’s full-size flagship sedan for buyers who want traditional big-sedan comfort without giving up standard all-wheel drive and a more controlled, understated personality than some rivals. Audi’s pitch centers on a quiet cabin, long-wheelbase rear-seat space, strong highway composure, and a technology-rich interior. Compared with other flagship luxury sedans, the A8 leans less on showy styling and more on clean design, secure traction, and effortless long-distance travel.
The A8 L 3.0T is the core luxury model, pairing a supercharged V6 and AWD with adaptive air suspension, navigation and Bose audio. The 450-hp A8 L 4.0T Sport adds stronger V8 performance, sportier bodywork and massaging front seats, while the rare W12 emphasizes effortless power and rear-seat comfort.
What changed, by category
Structural
The regular U.S. A8 lineup switched to the long-wheelbase A8 L body, making the extra rear-seat room standard rather than an upgrade. The short-wheelbase 3.0T left the lineup.
Powertrain
The renamed A8 L 4.0T Sport received a 450-hp twin-turbo V8, an increase of 15 horsepower over the prior 4.0T.
Styling
The 4.0T Sport gained sportier front and rear bumpers plus model-specific side sills. Extended leather on more cabin surfaces became standard across the range, and alloy wheels became standard on the A8 L W12.
Tech
Dual-pane acoustic glass became standard across the A8 range for a quieter cabin. The 4.0T Sport also brought a richer standard equipment list that included a head-up display and surround-view camera system.
2016 Audi A8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Turbo Dsl, 3.0L | W12, 6.3 Liter | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L | V8, Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 14 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 22 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 500 hp | 333 hp | 450 hp |
| Torque | 428 lb-ft | 463 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 444 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 42.9 in | 42.9 in | 42.9 in | 42.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Top View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Audi A8 a full redesign?
No. The 2016 Audi A8 remains part of the third-generation D4 model line and follows the 2015 refresh. Its changes center on the long-wheelbase-only U.S. lineup, the 4.0T Sport and added standard equipment.
Is every regular 2016 Audi A8 a long-wheelbase model?
Yes, in the U.S. the regular 2016 Audi A8 range uses the long-wheelbase A8 L body. That makes the roomier rear seating area standard across the regular lineup.
What is different about the 2016 Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport?
The 2016 A8 L 4.0T Sport is the renamed V8 model, with output raised to 450 horsepower. It also has sportier bumpers and side sills, plus added standard features such as massaging front seats, a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.
What equipment became standard on the 2016 Audi A8?
Dual-pane acoustic glass and extended leather cabin trim became standard across the 2016 A8 range. The A8 L W12 also made alloy wheels standard.
Is the 2016 Audi A8 meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Yes, although it is not a redesign. The 2016 regular U.S. lineup is long-wheelbase only, the V8 range changes with the A8 L 4.0T Sport, and acoustic glass plus extended leather become standard throughout the range.
2016 Audi A8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Audi A8.
4.3
2016 Audi A8
(33 reviews)
“Superior ride, smooth, extremely quiet, excellent sound system, stylish interior and dash, well built with top quality.”
“Wonderful vehicle the performance, maneuvering and handle provides a comfortable ride as a passenger or driver. All the latest bells and whistles.”