Overview
The full-size sedan category is a chance for luxury automakers to show off the best of what they have to offer, and for Audi, it's the A8. It's been around as long as its German rivals, but the A8 has always taken the road less traveled, eschewing flashy styling and jumped-up tech amenities for a more understated feel. This has made it the chariot du jour of celebrities, political leaders, and other VIPs looking for something less "look at me" and more straight to the point. Competence and quality are the name of the game here, and powering the A8 is a velvety smooth 335-horsepower twin-turbo V6, which is small but mighty. The A8 doesn't come in a hybrid nor offer the unbridled power of top competitors, but the V6 hustles the heavy sedan swiftly and quietly. All-wheel drive is standard, as is an extended wheelbase that affords incredible space inside. Audi's interior design is second to none, and the A8 has a level of attention to detail that is only matched by cars several times its price. Just one trim level is available, and it comes with an air suspension, automated parking, and a premium audio system. Some rivals are sportier to drive, but Audi also offers a performance-oriented S8 model, which churns out a jaw-dropping 563 horses. Nor does the A8 offer the best fuel economy in its segment, with no hybrid or EV powertrains available. Still, if it's plush comfort you're in search of in a stealthy package, few cars do so this brilliantly.
Positives
Elegant design. Large cabin with sumptuous comfort. Less expensive than top rivals.
Considerations
Just one powertrain is available. Not as sporty to drive as other Audi models. Awkward digital temperature controls.
Verdict
The 2024 Audi A8 competes with several other of the most luxurious and high-tech cars on the planet, some of which are quicker, more economical, and offer more options for personalization. But the A8's stealthy styling, stunning interior, and year-round practicality make it something rare indeed for a luxury car: an impressive value.
What's New for 2024
For 2024, the Audi A8 upgrades its infotainment system with a free six-month subscription to Audi Connect PLUS, an all-in-one service offering music streaming, advanced navigation, weather updates, and other features for extra entertainment and assurance on long driving days. A new paint color joins the list of exterior options: Sebring Black Crystal Effect.
Trims and Pricing
The 2024 Audi A8 is offered in one trim level: A8 L.
A8 L
The A8 L costs $89,995, including a $1,095 destination fee. The 'L' in its name denotes its extended-wheelbase platform, which provides limousine-like legroom for passengers in both rows. Audi also includes an air suspension that adapts to the road, 19-inch alloy wheels, a suite of driver-assistance safety features, full LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power moonroof, a hands-free power trunk lid, automated parking assistance, leather upholstery, front-seat heaters and ventilation, tri-zone climate control, a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, dual touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Engine and Performance
The 2024 Audi A8 employs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike its rivals, the A8 doesn't offer a more potent engine option or a hybrid. Still, the V6 is plenty quick around town, offering an athletic driving experience when needed. Power is delivered to the road quietly and without drama, and the standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system is the best in its class, responsive and tenacious in various weather conditions.
Fuel Economy
One of the heaviest cars in its class and lacking a hybrid engine option, the 2024 Audi A8 is destined to return below-average fuel economy. The twin-turbo Audi V6 is what's called a mild-hybrid, which means it has a small 48-volt battery system that helps provide supplemental juice to cabin electronics, taking some stress off the engine. And while the regenerative braking and start/stop systems are nice, the fuel economy lags behind top rivals. In EPA tests, the 2024 A8 L achieves 19 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway. That compares to 25/31 mpg for the BMW 740i and 20/28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz S 500, both of which have more powerful engines. Both are also available with hybrid powertrains. The only comparable model that matches the Audi is the Lexus LS, which also features a turbo V6 engine and achieves 18/29 mpg.
Interior
Considering the competition, it says that the Audi A8 has one of the best interiors in its class. Legroom is class-leading, thanks to Audi's decision to employ an extended-length wheelbase. The cabin feels like it was designed with the whole in mind.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Audi A8's infotainment unit is a dual-screen setup, with an upper display providing navigation, music streaming, hands-free calling, and other infotainment features. The lower screen is angled, bridging the dashboard and the center console. It handles the seat and cabin temperature controls, with digital swipe functionality that is not as easy to use as some rival systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does wireless smartphone charging and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety
As with other ultra-premium luxury sedans, the Audi A8 hasn't undergone crashworthiness assessments by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The A8 has a bevy of safety features, such as front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view camera, and a collision-mitigation system. Optional safety enhancements include a head-up display, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.
Audi A8 vs. the Competition
The 2024 Audi A8's combination of quality and comfort makes it one of the top picks in the ultra-luxury sedan division. With comparable panache to rivals from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the A8 is the most subdued, practical, and affordable of the group. It can't match the Lexus LS 500 on price, though, with the Japanese super-sedan starting at a $10K lower price point than the Audi. The Lexus and others are also more powerful and economical.
TrueCar Expert Review Methodology
TrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them.
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