“I really like my Audi A8 for comfort and performance. The technology is very good with the exception of the Audi connectivity system, where are the USB connections, it's 2015!”
Audi A8: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan known for its quiet ride, finely finished cabin, standard all-wheel drive, and understated style. It is Audi’s comfort-focused flagship sedan, with an emphasis on both daily driving and rear-seat travel.
The A8 has long paired discreet design with serious comfort, rather than trying to be the flashiest luxury sedan. Standard all-wheel drive, air suspension, a carefully finished cabin, and strong in-car technology have been recurring themes. Long-wheelbase A8 L models increasingly became the heart of the U.S. lineup, making rear-seat space central to the car’s identity.
Strengths
- Its air suspension and quiet cabin give it the calm, settled feel expected of a large luxury sedan.
- The long-wheelbase cabin provides generous space for rear passengers, with 44.3 inches of rear legroom in 2027.
- Standard all-wheel drive has been a consistent part of the A8 formula across the model’s modern history.
- The interior combines careful craftsmanship with a strong focus on displays and in-car technology.
- Its styling is formal and understated, which suits buyers who want luxury without a bold visual statement.
Who it's for
The A8 fits someone who wants a large, polished sedan that feels calm on a daily commute and makes long trips easy. It also suits buyers who regularly carry adults in the back and value privacy and restraint more than attention-grabbing design.
Audi A8 lineup
On older models, the regular A8 is the pick for the flagship experience in a slightly less stretched package, while the A8 L prioritizes extra rear-seat room. The 3.0T and later 55 TFSI versions serve as the more restrained core models, while the 4.0T and 60 TFSI cars add V8 power and a stronger performance flavor. Historic W12 versions sit at the top as the most elaborate flagship models, while the TDI diesel and later plug-in hybrid represent short-lived efficiency-focused alternatives. Since the 2022 refresh, the regular U.S. lineup has centered on the long-wheelbase A8 L 55 TFSI with a mild-hybrid V6.
Audi A8 generations
From 2009 to 2026, the A8 spans three generations. The current 4th Generation — D5 arrived for 2019, following the 3rd Generation — D4 (2011–2018).
4th Generation — D5 (2019–2026)
The D5 redesign brought a new body structure, cleaner exterior styling, a screen-heavy cabin, and standard adaptive air suspension. U.S. cars use the long-wheelbase A8 L body, and the generation received a styling and lighting refresh for 2022.
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2026
Optional packages and appearance choices were reshuffled, with no significant equipment or mechanical changes.
2025
Garage-door controls moved into the rearview mirror; other updates were minor equipment and package adjustments.
2024
The refreshed long-wheelbase A8 L carried over with its mild-hybrid V6 and standard AWD.
2023
The 2022 refresh carried over, aside from minor optional-package adjustments.
2022Mid-cycle update
Revised front and rear styling and updated lighting gave the A8 a more formal look.
2021
Ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and a 360-degree camera system became standard across the lineup.
2020Trim changes
The powertrain range expanded with V8 and plug-in hybrid versions, and more driver-assistance and display features became standard.
2019New generation
The redesigned A8 L arrived with a new body, a screen-focused cabin, adaptive air suspension, and a mild-hybrid turbo V6.
3rd Generation — D4 (2011–2018)
The D4 redesign introduced a larger aluminum body, an eight-speed automatic, standard AWD, adaptive air suspension, and a touch-based navigation system. A 2015 refresh updated the styling, lighting, and driver-assistance features.
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2018
The final D4 model year carried over with only optional-package adjustments.
2017Trim changes
The W12 and diesel models left the lineup, while the A8 L 3.0T gained sport-style exterior trim.
2016Trim changes
The U.S. lineup became long-wheelbase only, and the A8 L 4.0T Sport joined the range.
2015Mid-cycle update
Updated front and rear styling, standard full LED lighting, and newer driver-assistance features refreshed the lineup.
2014Trim changes
The long-wheelbase TDI diesel model joined the U.S. lineup, and several convenience features became standard on other versions.
2013Trim changes
New supercharged V6 and twin-turbo V8 models replaced the old 4.2-liter V8 versions, expanding the range from two variants to five.
2012Trim changes
The A8 L W12 flagship joined the lineup with a 500-hp 6.3-liter engine.
2011New generation
The redesigned A8 arrived with a larger aluminum body, a stronger V8, an eight-speed automatic, standard AWD, and new cabin technology.
2nd Generation — D3 (2004–2010)
The late-cycle D3 lineup included regular- and long-wheelbase A8 models. By 2010, the U.S. range had been simplified to two 4.2-liter V8 versions ahead of the next redesign.
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2010Trim changes
The W12 and S8 left the U.S. lineup, leaving the V8-powered A8 and A8 L.
2009
Keyless entry and start, a rearview camera parking system, a power trunk, and soft-close doors became standard on the 4.2 models.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi A8.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi A8 a sedan or an SUV?
The Audi A8 is a large four-door luxury sedan, not an SUV. Older used lineups included standard- and long-wheelbase bodies, while newer U.S. models use the roomier long-wheelbase A8 L body.
Does the Audi A8 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The A8 uses Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive across the eras covered here. That includes gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid versions.
Is the Audi A8 a hybrid?
Some are. The redesigned A8 introduced a mild-hybrid V6 for 2019, but it does not plug in or drive like a full EV. A plug-in-hybrid A8 L 60 TFSI e was sold for 2020–2021 and had an EPA-estimated 17 miles of electric-only driving.
What is the Audi A8 known for?
The A8 is known for understated luxury, a quiet cabin, a calm air-suspension ride, and generous rear-seat space. Its personality is polished rather than flashy, with strong emphasis on cabin materials and in-car technology.
Who is the Audi A8 a good fit for?
The A8 suits someone who wants a roomy luxury sedan that stays comfortable on daily drives and long trips. Long-wheelbase versions are especially useful for rear passengers, while older short-wheelbase cars feel a little more focused on the person driving.
What are the main Audi A8 generations to know?
For modern used A8s, the main dividing points are the D3 through 2010, the redesigned D4 from 2011–2018, and the screen-heavy D5 from 2019 onward. The D4 was refreshed for 2015, and the D5 received updated styling and lighting for 2022.
Audi A8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi A8.
4.1
Audi A8
(291 reviews)
“This is a large car, roomy and extremely comfortable, TrueType a personal limo. I drive my kids to school each morning, and it's nice to have them jump in and easily get seated, they are not hitting or kicking the seat backs. Smooth and quiet ride.”
“The A8L is a big, comfortable car. It also goes fast and handles very well. It's great fun to drive especially in the dynamic mode using the paddle shifters. Plenty of room for two couples to go to the movies and not be in each other's lap on the way!”
“I love my Audi A8l it's my 3rd one and it's a thing of beauty. I really recommend this car to any and everyone.”
“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.”
“Amazing car, drives great, like the technical aspect however could use some tweaks.”