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2017 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2017 Audi A8 is a modest trim-and-lineup update, led by standard sport-style exterior treatment for the A8 L 3.0T. It is not a redesign.
About the 2017 Audi A8
3rd generation A8 (D4 facelift, 2014-2018 U.S.), second-to-last U.S. model year before the all-new 2019 redesign.
Audi positions the A8 as its flagship full-size luxury sedan for buyers who want quiet, understated luxury instead of a showier approach. In U.S. form, it pairs a long-wheelbase cabin with standard quattro all-wheel drive and a lighter aluminum-intensive structure, giving it a more athletic feel than many large luxury sedans. The appeal is strong all-weather confidence, long-distance comfort, and a clean, technology-rich cabin that avoids flashy design.
The A8 L 3.0T is the comfort-focused executive sedan, with a 333-horsepower supercharged V6, all-wheel drive, full LED headlights, navigation, and heated 18-way front seats. The A8 L 4.0T Sport adds a 450-horsepower twin-turbo V8, 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front sport seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Audi dropped the diesel-powered A8 L TDI and the A8 L W12. The U.S. range was reduced to the supercharged V6 A8 L 3.0T and twin-turbo V8 A8 L 4.0T Sport.
Styling
The A8 L 3.0T gained standard sport-style exterior treatment. Its alloy wheels changed from standard to optional equipment.
Tech
A heated steering wheel became standard on the A8 L 4.0T Sport instead of optional.
2017 Audi A8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L | V8, Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 333 hp | 450 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 444 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 42.9 in | 42.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Night Vision System | ||
| 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 | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Massage Front Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Audi A8?
The biggest change is standard sport-style exterior treatment for the 2017 A8 L 3.0T. The rest of the updates are limited to a smaller trim range and minor equipment changes.
Which Audi A8 trims were dropped for 2017?
The A8 L TDI and A8 L W12 were dropped for 2017. That left the supercharged V6 A8 L 3.0T and twin-turbo V8 A8 L 4.0T Sport as the main U.S. versions.
Was the 2017 Audi A8 redesigned?
No, the 2017 Audi A8 was not redesigned. It remained part of the third-generation D4 lineup and received only modest trim, styling, and equipment updates.
How do the 2017 Audi A8 L 3.0T and 4.0T Sport differ?
The 2017 A8 L 3.0T is the comfort-focused version with a 333-horsepower supercharged V6, while the 4.0T Sport has a 450-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and more performance-oriented styling. The Sport also has 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front sport seats.
Is the 2017 Audi A8 a major update over the 2016 model?
No, the 2017 Audi A8 is not a major update over the 2016 model. Its main gains are the L 3.0T's standard sport-style exterior and the L 4.0T Sport's standard heated steering wheel, while the TDI and W12 leave the lineup.
2017 Audi A8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Audi A8.
4.3
2017 Audi A8
(30 reviews)
“Great feel. Fun to drive and the 4.0L engine is fantastic! Very spacious inside and it is a very substantial car.”
“This is my third Audi A8L and I love it. My A8's have performed well and been maintenance free. I will continue to purchase Audi A8's in the future - about a new one every 7 years. I especially like the fact that the A8L is a high performance, smooth riding car which gets 600 miles to a tank of gas on the highway!”