“Splurge and purchase the V8 version. The vehicle is silky smooth and has unbelievable power. After driving for over 300 miles I felt completely refreshed and could have driven 300 miles more. You will not regret an A8.”
2019 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for 2019 is a full redesign: the fourth-generation Audi A8 L arrives with a new body and chassis, a screen-heavy cabin, and 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains. U.S. models are sold only in the long-wheelbase A8 L form.
About the 2019 Audi A8
4th generation (D5), first U.S. model year and full redesign year.
Audi positions the A8 as its flagship luxury sedan: understated on the outside, deeply technology-focused inside, and especially strong in rear-seat comfort. The appeal is quiet prestige rather than flashy styling. Standard quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, a long-wheelbase cabin, and a digital-first dashboard help set it apart from rivals. For most shoppers, the A8 is the Audi answer to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series, with more emphasis on clean design and touchscreen-driven tech.
The 2019 A8 L is a long-wheelbase flagship sedan focused on quiet travel, rear-seat room, and cabin technology. The core L 3.0T pairs a turbo V6 with all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension, while the L 4.0T adds a stronger twin-turbo V8. Both feature dual center touchscreens, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, Bang & Olufsen audio, and heated 18-way power front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 arrives with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and its torque rises from 325 to 369 lb-ft. A twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with the same mild-hybrid setup joins during the model year; its trim name is shortened from L 4.0T Sport to L 4.0T.
Styling
The redesign brings a cleaner, wider-looking front end. Alloy wheels and a panoramic moonroof also become standard across the lineup.
Safety
Automatic high beams become standard across the lineup.
Tech
A 12.3-inch digital instrument display and two center touchscreens with touch feedback replace the previous controller-based cabin layout. The system includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Structural
The A8 moves to a new multi-material body and chassis and is sold in the U.S. only as the long-wheelbase A8 L. Adaptive air suspension is standard, rear legroom increases from 42.9 to 44.3 inches, and trunk capacity changes from 14.2 to 12.5 cubic feet.
2019 Audi A8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD | Quattro AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 460 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 487 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 44.3 in | 44.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Night Vision System | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Stability Control | ||
| Top View Camera | ||
| Traction Control | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| LED Tail Lights | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| Power Mirrors | ||
| Head-Up Display | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||
| Executive Rear Seating | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Massage Front Seat | ||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||
| Power Locks | ||
| Power Steering | ||
| Power Windows | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Audi A8 fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2019 Audi A8 is the first U.S. model year of the fourth-generation D5 design, with a new body and chassis, a redesigned cabin, updated powertrains, and standard adaptive air suspension.
Is every U.S. 2019 Audi A8 a long-wheelbase model?
Yes. Every U.S.-market 2019 Audi A8 is the long-wheelbase A8 L, which provides 44.3 inches of rear legroom.
What engines are in the 2019 Audi A8?
The 2019 Audi A8 L 3.0T has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, while the L 4.0T has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that joins during the model year. Both use 48-volt mild-hybrid hardware and all-wheel drive.
How did the 2019 Audi A8 interior change from 2018?
The 2019 Audi A8 replaces the old controller-based layout with two center touchscreens that provide touch feedback, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are included.
What equipment became standard on the 2019 Audi A8?
The 2019 Audi A8 makes adaptive air suspension, alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, and automatic high beams standard across the lineup.
2019 Audi A8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Audi A8.
4.2
2019 Audi A8
(47 reviews)
“The entry-level A8L doesn't come with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, or active lane-keeping assist. Those are extra packages that may increase the cost above $100K. Those safety features nowadays are standard components in cars like Toyota Corolla.”
“The A8L is a superior vehicle at a reasonable price that is fun and easy to drive in virtually any conditions. It is most fun to drive when the weather conditions are grim and others are either not on the road or fearful while they are on the road. Driving defensively is a must, but the A8L will master every condition.”