“The Audi A8 has been a great vehicle choice. Exterior styling and interior styling are second to none. Fit and finish is outstanding and it's been enjoyable going back to a sedan versus an SUV.”
2021 Audi A8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2021 Audi A8 gets a meaningful equipment update rather than a redesign. The main change is more standard equipment across the lineup, led by 22-way ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging and a top-view camera with a 360-degree view.
About the 2021 Audi A8
4th generation (D5), pre-refresh model; final US model year before the 2022 facelift.
The A8 is Audi’s flagship long-wheelbase sedan for buyers who want a quiet cabin, generous rear-seat space, and a clean, technology-heavy interior without flashy styling. In Audi’s world, it is the understated executive car: standard quattro all-wheel drive, air-suspension comfort, strong highway manners, and lots of built-in luxury tech. Its core appeal is subtle prestige and calm confidence rather than the more attention-grabbing personality of some rival full-size luxury sedans.
The 2021 A8 is a long-wheelbase luxury sedan focused on quiet comfort, generous rear-seat room and cabin technology. The 55 TFSI has a 335-hp turbo V6, while the 60 TFSI brings a 453-hp twin-turbo V8, richer leather and a sportier look. The plug-in hybrid pairs a turbo V6 with an electric motor and has an EPA-estimated 17 miles of electric-only range.
What changed, by category
Tech
Every A8 gains 22-way ventilated front seats and the Audi phone box with wireless charging and a signal booster as standard equipment. Audi also simplifies the package structure.
Safety
A top-view camera system with a 360-degree view becomes standard across the lineup.
Styling
The V8-powered A8 L 60 TFSI gains a standard sport-styled exterior kit, upgraded LED headlights and Valcona leather upholstery.
2021 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 | |
| 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 | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Audi A8 redesigned?
No. The 2021 A8 remains part of the fourth-generation, pre-facelift model line. Its changes center on additional standard equipment rather than new bodywork, structure or powertrains.
What became standard on every 2021 Audi A8?
Every 2021 A8 gains 22-way ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging with a signal booster, and a top-view camera system with a 360-degree view as standard equipment.
What changed on the 2021 Audi A8 L 60 TFSI?
The V8-powered 2021 A8 L 60 TFSI gains the lineup-wide equipment upgrades plus a standard sport-styled exterior kit, upgraded LED headlights and Valcona leather upholstery.
Does the 2021 Audi A8 plug-in hybrid have electric-only range?
Yes. The 2021 A8 L 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid has an EPA-estimated 17 miles of electric-only driving range before its gasoline engine is needed.
Is the 2021 Audi A8 a major upgrade over the 2020 model?
No. The 2021 model is a modest but useful equipment upgrade. Its main advantages over the 2020 A8 are additional standard comfort, phone-charging and camera features, while the basic design and powertrain lineup carry over.
2021 Audi A8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Audi A8.
3.9
2021 Audi A8
(52 reviews)
“Outstanding comfort in all aspects. Quiet, safe, fun to drive. A BEAUTIFUL vehicle. Well built, solid, and lots of automatic driving tasks like diming lights when other vehicles approach at night. Like traveling on a magic carpet.”
“Ride is incredible. Handles curves at speed easily. Fit and finish is excellent”