2018 Audi A8 L

Aside from the ancient infotainment system, the Audi A8 L oozes style and luxury both inside and out. Competing with giants like the Mercedes S-Class, the BMW 7 Series, and the affordable Lexus LS, the Audi A8 L makes sure that it provides an overall amazing experience that leaves the passengers in both rows thoroughly satisfied.

Trims	3.0 TFSI	4.0 TFSI
MSRP	$82,500	$92,000
Features	Full LED headlights MMI Navigation plus with voice control system Audi advanced key heated and power-folding exterior mirrors Audi connect BOSE Surround Sound System with 14 speakers, AudioPilot noise-compensation, and 630 watts	Everything on 3.0 TFSI and: Sport exterior appearance Valcona leather interior Audi side assist and Audi pre sense rear Head-up display with navigation information 22-way power front sport/comfort seats, power lumbar adjustment, ventilation, memory and diamond stitching

The 2018 Audi A8 only comes in a single, long-wheelbase body style. There are two trim levels corresponding to the two engine choices. The 3.0T comes with a 3-liter V6 (333hp and 325 lb.-ft. torque) and the 4.0T comes with a 4-liter V8 (450hp and 444 lb.-ft. of torque). Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels. The A8 comes loaded with features and high-quality material. Even the base 3.0T has nothing basic about it. It comes fitted with leather upholstery, heated front seats with 18 adjustments, four-zone automatic climate control, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, a sunroof, a navigation system, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors.

We Recommend

Although the 4.0T costs about $10,000 more than the 3.0T, it is a worthwhile upgrade. Not only does it provide you with more power and torque, it also does so with the same fuel efficiency as the V6. The 4.0T also adds a new dimension to A8’s exterior design, which looks a bit too conservative on its own in front of rivals like the S-Class.

Another one of our recommendations would be adding the Executive Plus package to your buy. Not only does it add the much-needed driver aid tech, but it also adds luxury features. The Executive Plus package is called the ‘Executive package’ for the 3.0T trim.

 

The 2018 Audi A8 L has two engine option: the supercharged V6 and the turbocharged V8. Both engines provide the A8 with power and a smooth and quick acceleration. The A8 also handles exceptionally well for a vehicle this size, especially since the present A8 only comes in the long wheelbase version. A8’s braking power and ride quality also match its engine performance.

Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Audi A8 L uses a 3-liter Supercharged V6 for its 3.0T trim and a 4-liter V8 for the 4.0T trim. These engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and power all four wheels. Whether you go for the base engine or the V8, the Audi A8 will reward you with brisk acceleration and a powerful ride.

Models	Audi A8 L	Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan	BMW 740i Sedan	Lexus LS 500 RWD
MSRP	$82,500	$89,900	$83,100	$75,000
Engine	3.0-Liter TFSI 6-Cylinder Engine	3.0-Liter  V6 Biturbo Engine	3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder Engine	3.5-Liter Twin-Turbo V-6 Engine
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	10-speed automatic
Power	333hp	362hp	320 hp	416 hp
Torque	325 lb.-ft.	369 lb.-ft.	332 lb-ft	442 lb-ft

Audi’s base engine is not as powerful as that of the Mercedes S450 or the Lexus LS. The Lexus is almost $7,500 cheaper than the Audi, yet its base engine is powerful enough to produce 416hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. There’s a $7,400 difference is Audi’s and Mercedes’ price as well, but the Mercedes only produces 29hp and 49 lb.-ft. torque more than the Audi.

The BMW lies almost in the same price range as the A8, and its power and torque are quite similar to Audi’s as well. But still, Audi A8 L provides more power and torque at a lesser price.

Acceleration

The 2018 Audi A8 L does quite well in the acceleration department. For a vehicle this size, the A8 has brisk acceleration and remarkable handling. Whether it’s the open roads or a stop sign, Audi’s performance based sedan will always satisfy your speed needs.

Models	Audi A8 L	Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan	BMW 740i Sedan	Lexus LS 500 RWD
0-60 MPH	5.5 sec	5.4 sec	5.4 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter mile	13.8 sec @ 101.3 mph	13.8  sec @ 102 mph	13.4 sec @ 104 mph	13.8 sec @ 102.8 mph
Engine	3.0L	3.0L	3.0L	3.5L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.1	8.1	7.4	8.3

The Lexus takes an early lead at the 0-60 mph test by almost a second thanks to its powerful engine. The Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are almost neck to neck on the 60 mph test, with Audi being a millisecond behind with a time of 5.5 seconds.

But the Lexus couldn’t maintain its lead at the quarter-mile mark. With a time of 13.8 seconds, Lexus finishes with the same time as the Audi and Mercedes. The BMW 740i finishes with a time of 13.4 seconds with a speed of 104 mph.

“The engines are satisfying in their own ways. The supercharged V6 is remarkably potent for its size, while the twin-turbo V8 is a fabulous choice for those who appreciate both speed and subtlety. It's strong, smooth and fuel efficient” – US News

Handling and Steering

The 2018 Audi A8 is a big car, but it handles surprisingly sharper than what you might expect. The AWD system helps to keep the A8 sure-footed around corners, while Audi’s Drive Select provides custom experience to match your needs.

Although the electric steering wheel sometimes dampens the road feel a bit and feels kinda numb, the A8 drives and maneuvers like a car much smaller than the A8.

“The A8 is so confidence-inspiring, it borders on sporty, with potent acceleration, strong braking and athletic handling. At the same time, it delivers appropriate levels of luxury” – Edmunds

Braking

The 2018 Audi A8 may be a big sedan, but its performance is in no way short of a sports car. A8’s braking power matches its acceleration and engine power. With responsive brake pedals that have a firm feel, Audi inspires confidence in you to let that engine rev.

Model	Audi A8 L	Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan	BMW 740i Sedan	Lexus LS 500 RWD
Brake Front (in.)	15.0	13.2	17.7	14.0
Brake Rear (in.)	14.0	11.8	14.5	13.1
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4464	4630	4195	4707
60-0 MPH (ft.)	114	N/A	112	113

Almost all the rivals perform equally well in the brake test. The BMW is the lightest one amongst the rivals, being almost 500 pounds lighter than the Lexus LS. This shows in its braking power, as it takes just 112 feet to come to a stop from a speed of 60mph.

The Lexus takes a foot more than the BMW, and the Audi takes another foot. Although the Audi takes the most distance to come to a stop, a distance of 114 feet is not bad at all for a car this size.

The open road is where the 2018 Audi A8 feels most at home. With a fuel economy of 29 mpg on the highway, Audi provides class-leading numbers, only matched by that of the BMW. In the city, however, A8’s mileage is just about average for the class.

Model	Audi A8 L	Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan	BMW 740i Sedan	Lexus LS 500 AWD
MPG (City)	19	19	21	18
MPG (Highway)	29	28	29	27
MPG (Combined)	22	22	24	22

As expected, only the BMW matches Audi’s highway numbers. In the city, the BMW puts up an impressive 21 mpg, no one even comes close. The Lexus puts up the worst numbers out of the lot, but only in the AWD model. If you go for the RWD model, the highway economy goes as high as 30 mpg.

 

Although A8’s new generation is just around the corner, the current A8’s interiors held up pretty well. Though slightly dated as compared to the newer A4’s cabin, and lacking essential goodies like the virtual cockpit and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, the cabin is otherwise filled with high-quality materials that accent its luxurious vibe.

But it does have its flaws. Not only does it provide less cargo space than most rivals, but it also suffers from a dated and frustrating infotainment system. Other than that, the seats are comfortable and highly customizable, the materials used are top-notch, and being the long wheelbase version, plenty of legroom in the rear row.

Seating and Comfort

When it comes to comfort, very few can match what the Audi offers. Standard seats consist of leather upholstery, heated, and 18-way power-adjustable front seats. Of course, you have the option of upgrading to premium leather upholstery, front ventilation, massage, and 22-way power-adjustable seats.

Model	Audi A8 L	Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan	BMW 740i Sedan	Lexus LS 500 RWD
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft.3)	121.9	122.5	122.3	116.3
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.2/59.1/41.4	39.7/59.7/41.4	39.9/59.2/41.4	37.3/58.8/41.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.1/57.8/42.9	37.4/59.1/34.1	38.9/57.7/44.4	37.3/56.4/38.9

Even the back row seats have a few surprises. Upgrading the rear seats add heated, ventilated, power-adjustable, and massage seats. Both rows are exceptionally comfortable and roomy. Since the present generation is only available in the long wheelbase version, there is tremendous legroom in the back row.

Interior Features

Here is a list of the standout features in the 2018 Audi A8’s cabin:

• Audi's MMI infotainment interface
• 14-speaker Bose audio system
• In-dash DVD player
• Navigation, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and iPod integration
• Quad-zone automatic climate control
• Sunroof
• Rearview camera
• Front and rear parking sensors

Some optional features include:

• panoramic sunroof
• 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with dual 10-inch screens
• Bird's-eye view camera system
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Head-up display
• Audi Pre Sense
• Night vision assistant

Infotainment

The standard infotainment system in the A8 includes Audi's MMI infotainment interface, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, an in-dash DVD player, navigation, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and iPod integration. It can be upgraded to 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with dual 10-inch screens

Though the infotainment system is fairly easy to understand, it does feel a bit dated. Even the new A4 has a better and newer infotainment system. Not only is it ancient, but it’s also set at an awkward angle and reaching some controls while driving is really infuriating. The good news is the coming generation of the Audi A8 has a much better touchscreen infotainment system. But the current generation, well, let’s just say no one is gonna miss it!

Cargo

For a vehicle its size, the 2018 Audi A8 has a rather tight trunk. It is well below the class average. While all companies oscillate around 16-17 cubic feet, with some providing, even more, the Audi doesn’t match its rivals in the trunk department. But Audi has a lot of little storage spaces inside the cabin.

Model	Audi A8 L	Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan	BMW 740i Sedan	Lexus LS 500 RWD
Volume (ft.3)	14.2	16.3	18.2	16.95

As mentioned earlier, Audi’s 14.2 cubic feet of trunk volume is well below its rivals’. While the Mercedes and the Lexus provide 16.3 and 16.95 (why not just call it 17?) cubic feet of storage, the BMW exceeds all other with a volume of 18.2 cubic feet. Audi provides a comfortable and luxurious ride, but that extra suitcase of yours won’t find space in its trunk!

“Trunk capacity is big enough for a few golf bags, and at 13.2 cubic feet, it's about what you'd expect from a compact sedan. You may run out of space for a four-person weekend road trip” – Edmunds

 

As the A8 is Audi’s flagship sedan, it holds a distinctive and stately persona in its design. It exchanges the fluid and flamboyant design of the Mercedes S-Class for a more conservative shape. The word ‘conservative’ here is only in relevance with the S-Class, as Audi’s massive trapezoidal grille along with its signature LED strip under the headlights is enough to make heads turn.

Model	Audi A8 L	Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan	BMW 740i Sedan	Lexus LS 500 RWD
Curb weight (lbs.)	4464	4630	4195	4707
Length (in)	207.4	206.5	206.6	206.1
Width (in)	76.7	74.8	74.9	74.8
Height (in)	57.9	58.7	58.2	57.5
Ground clearance (in)	4.9	5.0	5.8	6.5
Wheelbase (in)	122.9	124.6	126.4	123.0
Track width (in) F/R	64.7/64.4	63/63.2	63.4/64.6	64.2/64.2

From the side, the 2018 Audi A8 looks massive. Being a long wheelbase version, it comes in 207.4 inches in length. Not only does it extend the interior comfort in the rear row, but it also highlights A8’s stately nature.

Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features include:

• LED and automatic headlights
• LED taillights and rear fog lights
• Power-adjustable, power-folding, auto-dimming, heated exterior side mirrors with memory
• Headlight washing system
• Power trunk with the hands-free release
• Chrome bar integrated into the rear bumper
• LED puddle lights
• Heated windshield washer nozzles
• Power soft-closing doors

 

Like most companies’ top end models, the Audi A8 doesn’t go through crash tests conducted by the Insurance for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Although the next generation of Audi A8 is going to be loaded with latest safety techs, the present A8 only provides a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors as standard safety features.

Some optional safety features include:

• Bird's-eye view camera system
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go abilities
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Heads-up display
• Audi Pre Sense
• Night vision assistant

 

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vs Audi A8 L

The Mercedes is the benchmark for luxurious and stylish sedans. It defined what a car should have to be worthy of the ‘refined luxury sedan’ title. Its cabin is noticeably more high-tech and upscale than the 2018 Audi A8. Not only that, but it also provides a more powerful lineup of engines.

The S-Class also provides more standard tech and safety features than the A8, although the 2019 Audi A8 is all set to challenge S-Class, the 2018 Audi A8 doesn’t quite match the S-Class. It should be kept in mind, though, that the S-Class is almost $7,000 more expensive than the Audi A8.

BMW 7 Series Vs Audi A8 L

The BMW 7 series and the Audi A8 have similar starting prices, and also have equally potent engine choices. Even the quality of the cabin is equally impressive. But BMW’s advantages begin when we look at the infotainment system. While BMW provides with a user-friendly and innovative system, the A8’s infotainment system feels dated and clumsy.

The BMW also has a larger trunk and a quicker acceleration. BMW also has its flaws, though. For example, its stop-start system can feel a little rough, while A8’s powertrain is much more refined. But still, the BMW 7 series is a better option when compared to the present generation’s A8.

Lexus LS Vs Audi A8 L

Lexus has always been known to provide high-end cars at a price significantly lower than its rivals. While the Lexus LS is known for its outstanding reliability and composed handling, it does not quite possess the same agility as the A8. Though the A8 is about $7,000 more expensive, it does provide with a longer list of standard features.

As far as infotainment systems go, both cars have frustrating ones. The Lexus may provide luxury at a lower price, but it doesn’t quite match the standards set by the likes of Mercedes and Audi. It does have its advantages, though. Not only is it cheaper, but its base engine is also much more powerful than the rivals. But still, if you can part with an extra $7,000, the A8 is a better buy.

Spending north of $80,000 on a car entails a lot of expectation from it, and the 2018 Audi A8 exceeds every expectation you’d have from a new car, save a few flaws here and there. The Audi A8 delivers powerful and energetic performance, exquisite interior quality, comfortable ride, and an overall luxurious experience.

Though there is tough competition from the likes of Mercedes S-Class, BMW & series, and the Lexus LS, the Audi A8 does well at holding its own. The rivals do have their advantages, though. The S-Class is more luxurious inside the cabin as well as in its design, the BMW provides a fun handling and better ride quality, and the Lexus is delivering luxury at a cheap price. But in no way is the Audi anything short of a worthy adversary with its overall experience.

It should be kept in mind, though, that the new Audi A8 is just around the corner. Not only does it erase A8’s current flaws like the infotainment system and a small trunk, it redefines luxury with high tech features, and a better design both inside and out. It’s a good idea to wait for the new one before spending a fortune on the old.