“Amazing car, drives great, like the technical aspect however could use some tweaks.”
2018 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2018 Audi A8 is a light update, with no major model-wide changes. The main change is that alloy wheels became standard rather than optional on the L 4.0T Sport.
About the 2018 Audi A8
3rd generation (D4, 2011-2018), final U.S. model year before the 2019 redesign.
The 2018 A8 is Audi’s understated full-size flagship: a big luxury sedan aimed at buyers who want a quiet cabin, strong all-weather traction, advanced cabin tech for its era, and a more restrained look than flashier rivals. Its core appeal is long-distance comfort mixed with confident handling, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and a driver-focused take on flagship luxury rather than a chauffeur-first personality.
The A8 L 3.0T is the comfort-focused flagship, pairing a supercharged V6 with full LED headlights, navigation, Bose audio, and four-zone climate control. The A8 L 4.0T Sport adds a stronger twin-turbo V8, sport-themed exterior trim, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and a top-view parking camera.
What changed, by category
Styling
Alloy wheels became standard on the A8 L 4.0T Sport; they had been optional for 2017.
2018 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 | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 26 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 | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Top View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Massage Front Seat | ||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Audi A8 compared with the 2017 model?
The main confirmed change is that alloy wheels became standard on the A8 L 4.0T Sport instead of optional. Otherwise, the lineup carried over without a model-wide powertrain, safety, structural, styling, or infotainment overhaul.
Is the 2018 Audi A8 the final year of the older generation?
Yes. The 2018 Audi A8 is the final U.S. model year of the D4 generation, before the fully redesigned A8 arrived for 2019.
Did the 2018 Audi A8 get new engines?
No. The A8 L 3.0T kept its supercharged 3.0-liter V6, while the A8 L 4.0T Sport retained its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Did the 2018 Audi A8 add a new standard safety suite?
No. The 2018 A8 did not gain a new lineup-wide standard safety suite, and major driver aids remained dependent on the trim or equipment package.
What distinguishes the 2018 Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport from the L 3.0T?
The L 4.0T Sport is the more performance-focused version. It has a twin-turbo V8, sport-themed exterior trim, a panoramic sunroof, massaging and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a top-view parking camera, and blind-spot monitoring with a rear warning system.
2018 Audi A8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Audi A8.
3.7
2018 Audi A8
(3 reviews)
“NO USB PORTGREAT PERFORMANCE, HOWEVERHARD TO ACCESS BUTTONS (MASSAGE, MEMORY SEATS)INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM NEEDS UPGRADE”
“Safe, high-performing beautiful vehicle. Very luxurious to drive. Always gets great comments. Highly-reliable.”