Used 2018 Audi A8 L 3.0T quattro Sedan Review

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?

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.