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2020 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Audi A8 is a broader three-powertrain lineup, led by new V8 and plug-in-hybrid versions alongside the continuing V6. It also gains more standard safety and display technology.
About the 2020 Audi A8
4th generation (D5), second U.S. model year, pre-facelift year before the 2022 update.
Audi positions the A8 as its flagship luxury sedan: a long-wheelbase, tech-first car that mixes a very quiet cabin, generous rear-seat space, and strong all-weather traction with a more driver-focused feel than some traditional big luxury sedans. Audi's own language calls it an "active luxury sedan," which fits the model's mix of air-suspension comfort, crisp digital displays, and understated styling instead of flashy chrome-heavy luxury.
The 2020 A8 is a long-wheelbase luxury sedan focused on a quiet ride, generous rear-seat room, and a digital cabin. The L 55 TFSI uses a turbocharged V6, the L 60 TFSI adds stronger twin-turbo V8 power, and the L 60 TFSI e pairs a V6 with plug-in-hybrid capability and an EPA-estimated 17 miles of electric-only range. All three have all-wheel drive, navigation with a touch interface, heated 18-way front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The range expands to three powertrains. The L 60 TFSI adds a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, while the L 60 TFSI e adds a plug-in-hybrid V6 alongside the continuing turbocharged V6 in the L 55 TFSI.
Safety
Lane departure warning and an anti-theft alarm with a motion sensor become standard.
Tech
Audi virtual cockpit plus, a digital instrument display, becomes standard on the regular A8 sedan lineup.
Styling
New Sport Style Exterior and Black optic appearance packages are offered.
Structural
Dynamic all-wheel steering becomes an option, allowing the rear wheels to help the car turn more easily and remain stable at higher speeds.
2020 Audi A8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V6, Turbo, Hybrid, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 453 hp | 443 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 487 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.5 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 44.3 in | 44.3 in | 44.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 18 | ||
| MPGe Combined | 53 | ||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Night Vision System | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Executive Rear Seating | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Audi A8?
The biggest change is the expansion to three powertrains. The continuing turbocharged V6 is joined by a twin-turbo V8 and a plug-in-hybrid V6.
Does the 2020 Audi A8 have a plug-in-hybrid version?
Yes. The 2020 A8 L 60 TFSI e combines a turbocharged V6 with a plug-in-hybrid system, all-wheel drive, and an EPA-estimated 17 miles of electric-only range.
What safety equipment became standard on the 2020 Audi A8?
Lane departure warning and an anti-theft alarm with a motion sensor became standard for 2020.
Is the 2020 Audi A8 a redesign?
No. The 2020 A8 is the second model year of the fourth-generation design, not a full redesign. Its main updates are the expanded powertrain range and added standard equipment.
What technology changed on the 2020 Audi A8?
Audi virtual cockpit plus became standard on the regular 2020 A8 sedan lineup. It replaces traditional gauges with a configurable digital instrument display.
2020 Audi A8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Audi A8.
4.3
2020 Audi A8
(17 reviews)
“It does not allow for use of the Manual mode from Drive mode without going to Sport mode first. This inhibits down shifting in a way that is unacceptable to me.”
“Car is very safe, not the greatest on gas, great on the highway, sometimes it's so big that parking has to be thought out.”