Audi A8 3.0T, L TDI, 4.0T & More

“L” means long wheelbase. An A8 L has extra length devoted mainly to rear-seat room. Older lineups sometimes sold both body lengths, while the U.S. A8 range became long-wheelbase only starting in 2016.

On newer A8s, 55 TFSI identifies the 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 mild-hybrid model. The “55” is Audi’s performance label, not the engine’s size. This is the comfort-focused core version of the recent A8 L.

In lineups that offered both, the 3.0T used a supercharged V6 and the 4.0T used a much stronger twin-turbo V8. Both retained all-wheel drive, air suspension, and flagship cabin equipment. The 4.0T’s main advantage is more effortless acceleration.

In the 2020–2021 lineup, the 55 TFSI had a 335-hp turbo V6, while the 60 TFSI used a 453-hp twin-turbo V8. The 60 also added a sport-styled exterior, upgraded headlights, Valcona leather, and a top-view camera system.

In the mid-2010s, the L 4.0T Sport paired the twin-turbo V8 with a sportier exterior and more standard comfort and visibility equipment. Its defining extras included a panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and a top-view camera.

In older lineups, both used a V8, all-wheel drive, and adaptive air suspension. The A8 L Quattro had extra rear legroom and more rear-passenger comfort equipment, while the shorter A8 Quattro was the more owner-driver-focused version.

The A8 L TDI was the diesel version sold from 2014–2016. It combined a turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6 with all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, adaptive air suspension, and the roomy long-wheelbase body. Its focus was relaxed highway travel and fewer fuel stops.

The A8 L 60 TFSI e was the 2020–2021 plug-in hybrid. It combined a turbo V6 and electric motor, retained the long-wheelbase cabin and all-wheel-drive luxury-sedan character, and had an EPA-estimated 17 miles of electric-only driving.

In older A8 lineups, the L W12 was the richest regular A8. It paired a rare 6.3-liter 12-cylinder engine with added rear-cabin comfort, a panoramic sunroof, dynamic steering, massaging front seats, and distinctive chrome exterior trim.

For newer used models, the A8 L 55 TFSI is the straightforward comfort pick. Its 335-hp V6, all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, ventilated front seats, premium audio, and long-wheelbase cabin cover the A8’s core strengths without the V8’s performance emphasis.

An A8 L is the better fit because its longer body provides extra rear legroom. Older shoppers comparing A8 and A8 L versions should favor the L for frequent rear-seat travel; newer U.S. A8s already use the long-wheelbase body.

Among mid-2010s models, the A8 L TDI was designed for that job. Its diesel V6 emphasized strong low-speed pull and better highway efficiency while keeping the A8 L’s quiet cabin, all-wheel drive, and air-suspension comfort.

In the 2020–2021 era, the 60 TFSI was the twin-turbo V8 model, while the 60 TFSI e paired a turbo V6 with an electric motor and plug-in charging. Pick the V8 for its performance focus or the plug-in hybrid for short electric trips.

Not dramatically when comparing cars from the same era. The 3.0T and 4.0T generally shared the A8’s main navigation, audio, seating, and air-suspension features. The 4.0T step was primarily about stronger V8 performance, though exact equipment varied by model year.

Yes, the A8 versions covered here use adaptive air suspension as a core feature, from older V8 and diesel models to newer V6, V8, and plug-in-hybrid cars. It is a major reason the A8 has a calm, comfort-focused ride.