2018 Audi A8
Pros
- Impeccably crafted cabin
- Engines provide plenty of power with decent efficiency
- Responsive steering and cornering for a big sedan
- All-wheel drive is standard
Cons
- Relatively small trunk
- Lacks the latest tech offered by rivals and newer Audis
2018 Audi A8 pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich A8 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
Other German luxury sedans have endeavored to be flashier and more opulent in recent years, wowing and often overwhelming occupants with state-of-the-art tech and showy displays of luxury. The 2018 Audi A8 takes a different path. It's a more conservative entry in the vaunted flagship luxury segment and pampers you without boasting to the world that you're being pampered. Perhaps that won't be for everyone in this day and age, but we think this more subdued approach has a lot of merit.
This generation A8 is entering its sixth year without a full redesign, however, and is behind the times in a few areas. Features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Audi's excellent Virtual Cockpit control interface are not available. Even a simple USB port isn't available; the A8 still uses Audi's older proprietary cable interface for connecting phones. A next-generation A8 is expected for 2019, and it will no doubt be fully up-to-date.
Overall, though, the 2018 A8 gives up little in terms of comfort, luxury and performance. The 4.0T engine, a 450-horsepower turbocharged V8, is of special note for its ability to sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 4 seconds while matching the 22 mpg combined of the standard V6. That engine is no slouch, but when you can get 117 more horsepower and the same fuel economy for a reasonable price premium, isn't it an easy choice?
Trim levels & features
The 2018 Audi A8 is a flagship luxury sedan comes in a single, long-wheelbase L body style — hence the name A8 L. There are two trim levels available, each corresponding to a different engine. The A8 L 3.0T has a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 good for 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The A8 L 4.0T has a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 good for 450 hp and 444 lb-ft of torque. All A8 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The A8 L 3.0T comes standard with 19-inch wheels, an adaptive air suspension, LED headlights, a sunroof, heated and power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, parking sensors, a rearview camera, power door closers, a power trunklid, and keyless ignition and entry.
Inside, you get four-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, extended leather interior trim, 14-way power-adjustable front seats (with heating and four-way lumbar adjustment), driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel and power rear sunshades. Standard electronic equipment includes Audi's previous-generation MMI infotainment interface, a navigation system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice controls and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, a media player interface and one Audi proprietary power/information port for smartphones. There is no USB port.
The A8 L 4.0T adds the V8 engine, 20-inch wheels, additional sport-themed styling tweaks, a panoramic sunroof, diamond-stitched leather upholstery, simulated suede headliner, 18-way adjustable multicontour front seats (with ventilation and massage), a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a trunk pass-through, a top-view parking camera and a head-up display.
The 3.0T can be specified with the Executive package, which includes the 4.0T's 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, multicontour front seats, heated steering wheel and rear seats, trunk pass-through, a top-view parking camera and head-up display, along with adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system (Audi Pre Sense Plus), lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic high beams. Those driving aids are included in the 4.0T's Executive Plus package, which also adds power-adjustable outboard rear seats (with ventilation, massage and lumbar adjustment).
Both trims can be specified with a Black optic package, which adds a variety of dark exterior pieces and a choice of 20- or 21-inch wheels.
Driving
Acceleration
Braking
Steering
Handling
Drivability
Comfort
Seat comfort
Ride comfort
Noise & vibration
Interior
Utility
Small-item storage
Cargo space
Technology
Audio & navigation
Driver aids
Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2018 Audi A8.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite A8 safety features:
- Pre Sense Plus
- Alerts the driver to a possible imminent front collision and applies braking if necessary.
- Pre Sense Rear
- Reacts to imminent rear-end collisions by tensioning seat belts, closing windows and adjusting the seats for optimal protection.
- Active Lane Assist
- Warns the driver if he or she deviates from a lane without using a signal. Can also apply steering to help maintain lane integrity.
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See your car's valueAudi interiors are often industry benchmarks so, as you might imagine, the cabin of the flagship 2018 Audi A8 sedan is a very pleasant place to be. From the supportive, massage-capable front seats to the roomy rear seats, this big Audi's accommodations are top-notch. Notably, Audi dropped the regular-length A8 a few years ago, making the previously optional A8 L the standard model. Much of the L's extra length is in the back seat and to call it limo-like wouldn't be an understatement — in fact, quite a few Audi A8Ls are used for executive transport. Don't let that fool you into thinking the A8 is slow or disconnected-feeling, however; Audi's largest sedan offers plenty of refined power and a rewarding driving experience.
The 2018 Audi A8 provides a choice of either a 340-hp, supercharged 3.0-liter V6 (3.0T) or a 450-hp, turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (4.0T) that'll really get you moving. And should you want the fastest A8 variant in the stable, the Audi S8 cranks up the turbo V8 up to a dizzying 605 horses. Just keep in mind that the S8 comes only in standard-wheelbase specification, so you'll have to choose between maximum legroom and maximum performance.
With all models, the transmission is an eight-speed automatic, coupled with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system that adds an extra measure of safety and control, especially on slick pavement. Surprisingly, the V6 and the V8 both manage an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined despite their decidedly different output numbers.
On the road, the A8's cabin benefits from excellent noise insulation. Handling is stellar for such a big car, although this sporty character means the ride is a bit firmer than the buttery smooth, magic carpetlike rides of its primary German competitors. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen with a dial controller that connects you to an excellent sound system, among many other functions. Some of the controls take a little time to master and are a generation behind those found in cheaper Audis, but chances are they'll eventually make sense. You may even find them less complicated than controls in rival systems.
As nicely conceived as the 2018 Audi A8 is, though, there's an all-new one coming for the next model year that could be worth the wait. But if you're a fan of the current car — it's hard not to be — Edmunds can help you find the 2018 Audi A8 that fits your needs, at a price that's right for you.
2018 Audi A8 Overview
The 2018 Audi A8 is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include L 3.0T quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A), and L 4.0T Sport quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A).
What do people think of the 2018 Audi A8?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Audi A8 and all its trim types. 0 Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 A8.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Audi A8 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 A8 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Which 2018 Audi A8s are available in my area?
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Audi A8?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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Check out Audi A8 lease specials