Specifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km | Fuel-economy range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 19 | 28 | 22 | 12.38 | 8.4 | 10.69 | — |
| 2023 | 19 | 28 | 22 | 12.38 | 8.4 | 10.69 | — |
| 2022 | 19 | 28 | 22 | 12.38 | 8.4 | 10.69 | — |
| 2021 | 15 | 23 | 18 | 15.68 | 10.23 | 13.07 | — |
| 2020 | 15 | 23 | 18 | 15.68 | 10.23 | 13.07 | — |
| 2019 | 15 | 23 | 18 | 15.68 | 10.23 | 13.07 | — |
| 2018 | 16 | 26 | 19 | 14.7 | 9.05 | 12.38 | 16-22 mpg combined |
| 2017 | 19 | 29 | 22 | 12.38 | 8.11 | 10.69 | — |
| 2016 | 13 | 22 | 16 | 18.09 | 10.69 | 14.7 | — |
| 2015 | 18 | 30 | 22 | 13.07 | 7.84 | 10.69 | — |
| 2014 | 17 | 28 | 21 | 13.84 | 8.4 | 11.2 | — |
| 2013 | 18 | 28 | 21 | 13.07 | 8.4 | 11.2 | — |
| 2012 | 18 | 28 | 21 | 13.07 | 8.4 | 11.2 | 18-28 mpg combined |
| 2011 | 17 | 27 | 21 | 13.84 | 8.71 | 11.2 | — |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2023 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2022 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2021 | sedan | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2020 | sedan | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | AWD/All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2019 | sedan | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2018 | sedan | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 333-450 hp | 325-444 lb-ft | V6, V8 |
| 2017 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2016 | sedan | 12 | 6.3 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2015 | sedan | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2014 | sedan | 8 | 4.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2013 | sedan | 6 | 3.0 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2012 | sedan | 8 | 4.2 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 372-500 hp | 328-463 lb-ft | V8 |
| 2011 | — | 8 | 4.2 | Premium | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | msrp | pricing | Base price | Trim | Series | currency | Base MSRP | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | — | Base price: $86,651, Trim: L quattro | $86,651 | L quattro | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | Base price: $83,800, Series: A8 L quattro | $83,800 | — | A8 L quattro | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $82,500, MSRP range: $82,500 - $92,000, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for the 3.0T trim was $82,500, and for the 4.0T Sport trim was $92,000., Source: AI-generated estimate; not a verified quote, estimatedAt: 6/2/2026 | — | — | — | — | USD | $82,500 | $82,500 - $92,000 | 0.9 | MSRP for the 3.0T trim was $82,500, and for the 4.0T Sport trim was $92,000. | AI-generated estimate; not a verified quote | 6/2/2026 |
| 2017 | — | Base price: $82,500, Series: A8 L 3.0T quattro,A8 L 4.0T quattro Sport | $82,500 | — | A8 L 3.0T quattro,A8 L 4.0T quattro Sport | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | currency: USD, Base MSRP: $78,750, MSRP range: $78,750 - $133,500, Confidence: 0.9, notes: MSRP for the 2012 Audi A8 ranged from $78,750 for the 4.2 quattro Sedan to $133,500 for the W12 model., Source: AI-generated estimate; not a verified quote, estimatedAt: 5/23/2026 | — | — | — | — | USD | $78,750 | $78,750 - $133,500 | 0.9 | MSRP for the 2012 Audi A8 ranged from $78,750 for the 4.2 quattro Sedan to $133,500 for the W12 model. | AI-generated estimate; not a verified quote | 5/23/2026 |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | GVWR | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Seat rows | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | mechanical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 2 | 4 | 123.1 | 19 | 19 | GVWR: Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 123.1, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 19 |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | 505 | 12.5 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 2 | 4 | 123.1 | 19 | 19 | GVWR: Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 123.1, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 19 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 390 | 13.8 | — | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | — | 4 | 122.9 | — | — | GVWR: Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 122.9 |
| 2016 | — | 4 | — | — | — | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2015 | 5 | 4 | 390 | 14.2 | — | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2014 | 5 | 4 | 490 | 17.3 | — | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2013 | — | 4 | — | — | — | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| 2012 | 5 | 4 | 390 | 13.2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.
| Year | nhtsaSafetyRatings | adas | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | Rated vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | — | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: optional, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: optional, laneDepartureWarning: optional, rearCamera: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2019 | — | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: optional, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: optional, laneDepartureWarning: optional, rearCamera: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2018 | — | tpms: standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: optional, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: optional, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: optional, rearCamera: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: optional, autoReverseSystem: standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | optional | standard | optional | standard | optional | standard | — |
| 2016 | — | tpms: standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | Rated vehicle: 2015 Audi A8 4 DR AWD | tpms: standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2015 Audi A8 4 DR AWD |
| 2014 | Rated vehicle: 2014 Audi A8 4 DR AWD | tpms: standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2014 Audi A8 4 DR AWD |
| 2013 | Rated vehicle: 2013 Audi A8 4 DR AWD | tpms: standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2013 Audi A8 4 DR AWD |
| 2012 | Rated vehicle: 2012 Audi A8 4 DR AWD | tpms: standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2012 Audi A8 4 DR AWD |
| 2011 | Rated vehicle: 2011 Audi A8 4 DR AWD | tpms: standard | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2011 Audi A8 4 DR AWD |
Model year reports
2024
NewestThe 2024 Audi A8 presents a mixed reliability picture, rated below average overall.
2023
The 2023 Audi A8 is a luxury sedan with a below-average reliability verdict.
2022
The 2022 Audi A8 offers luxury and performance, but its reliability verdict is 'Average' due to a significant number of recalls, including a critical airbag issue.
2021
The 2021 Audi A8 presents a compelling luxury experience, but its 'Average' reliability verdict, driven by a high recall count and potential ECM issues, demands careful pre-purchase inspection.
2020
The 2020 Audi A8 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2019
The 2019 Audi A8 presents a mixed bag for used car buyers.
2018
The 2018 Audi A8 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2017
The 2017 Audi A8 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2016
The 2016 Audi A8 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2015
The 2015 Audi A8 presents an average reliability profile, with significant attention needed for its fuel system and turbocharger components.
2014
The 2014 Audi A8 presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns surrounding its fuel system and engine.
2013
The 2013 Audi A8 is rated below average for reliability, with significant concerns regarding fuel system leaks and potential engine issues.
2012
The 2012 Audi A8 is rated below average for reliability.
2011
The 2011 Audi A8 presents a below-average reliability outlook for a used luxury sedan.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Audi A8?
Carfocal currently has 14 published A8 reports, covering 2011 through 2024. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2024 Audi A8 presents a mixed reliability picture, rated below average overall.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
Is the Audi A8 reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Audi A8. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2024 audi a8 presents a mixed reliability picture, rated below average overall. and the 2024 audi a8's value proposition hinges on its luxury appointments versus its documented reliability concerns. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
14 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Audi A8?
Across Carfocal's published A8 guides, recurring problem areas include Engine Control Module (ECM), Rear Axle Assembly, and Transmission. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Engine Control Module (ECM), Rear Axle Assembly, and Transmission.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 14
- Years tracked
- 14
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints