2018 Audi A8 Review
Price:Â $31,590

Edmunds' Expert Review

by James Riswick
Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick has been testing cars and writing about them for more than 20 years. He was the senior reviews editor for Autoblog and previously served multiple editor roles here at Edmunds. He has also contributed to Autotrader, Car and Driver, Hagerty, JD Power and Autoguide Magazine. He has been interested in cars forever; his mom took him to the Toronto Auto Show when he was 18 months old and has attended at least one every year since (OK, except in 2020). He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 in James Bond blue and a 2023 Kia Niro EV.
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
- Lacks the latest tech offered by rivals and newer Audis
- Relatively small trunk
What’s new
Other than some revisions to optional feature availability, the 2018 Audi A8 is unchanged.
Vehicle overview
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.
For sale nearby
21 listings
- 55,700 miles
- Rebuilt vehicle reported, 3 owners, personal use
- 6cyl automatic
- Auto Market (625 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Provo, UT
Financing available!!!-3 Month / 3,000 Mile warranty included-0 Accidents2018 Audi A8, 3.0L Supercharged V6, 333HP, 55,700 Miles.ABS 4-wheel, Audi con...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WAU44AFDXJN000286
Stock: AMP-000286
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-15-2023- $25,762great price$2,117 below market
- 88,241 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 8cyl automatic
- Audi Las Vegas (772 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Dual MoonroofLeather SeatsNavigation SystemKeyless StartHeads-Up DisplayCooled Front Seat(S)This vehicle includes a Money-Back Guarantee* and ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WAU43AFD4JN000397
Stock: JN000397
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-12-2025
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?
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 Audi A8 L delivers sophisticated luxury in a more conservative fashion than its more sumptuous and indulgent rivals. In that way, you could say it's the most German of German flagship luxury sedans.
Driving
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.
Acceleration
In Edmunds testing, the 3.0T engine brought the big A8 up to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds — that's pretty quick.
Braking
In Edmunds brake testing, an A8 4.0T with all-season tires recorded a 114-foot stopping distance, which is laudable.
Steering
From feather-light to sporty-firm, the driver-selectable steering is precise and responsive. The A8's electric steering instills confidence and is one of the best systems available.
Handling
All-wheel drive helps make the A8 feel sure-footed around corners. It may be a big car, but it feels sharper to drive than its German competitors.
Drivability
Despite its large size and luxurious ride quality, the A8 is as composed and responsive as a much smaller car. The automatic engine stop-start system is quick to react.
Comfort
The A8 is incredibly comfortable, with a quiet and calm cabin, well-shaped seats and a smooth ride quality.
Seat comfort
The optional 22-way adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage should be comfortable for anybody in any condition. All seats are supportive and appropriately cushioned.
Ride comfort
The vast majority of road imperfections are easily smoothed over in Comfort mode without the A8 feeling floaty or disconnected. Even after several hours, there's little driver fatigue.
Noise & vibration
Wind noise is nearly absent, and road noise is just barely detectable. The A8 L is one of the quietest cars available, period.
Interior
Cabin space and amenities are excellent, with a modern and austere design that is sure to please more discerning passengers. Quality is absolutely impeccable.
Utility
Utility is not the A8's forte. It's great for people, less so for their things; the trunk and small-item storage space could definitely be more generous.
Small-item storage
Small-item storage is restricted to the center console under-armrest bin, the glovebox and the smallish cupholders. There's not really a good place to store your phone apart from being connected to Audi's proprietary cable.
Cargo space
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.
Technology
The A8 has Audi's previous-generation MMI interface. It works well, but cheaper Audis have a newer, more advanced interface. There are also no USB ports (only one Audi-proprietary cable), and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't available.
Audio & navigation
Like similarly complex systems, the A8's MMI infotainment controller and button-rich dash take some getting used to. Voice commands work very well.
Driver aids
The A8's newer rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz have a greater variety of driving aids available.
Which A8 does Edmunds recommend?
We like the 4.0T. It provides impressively quick acceleration and gets the same fuel economy as the V6. Plus, the 4.0T's exterior design flourishes also serve to spruce up the A8's rather conservative look while maintaining an impeccable taste level. Specifying the Executive Plus package (or the Executive package on 3.0T) is recommended for its helpful driver aids and extra luxury features.
Compare 2018 Audi A8 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2018 Audi A8 models
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.

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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Audi A8 L 3.0T quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.76 per gallon for premium unleaded in Washington.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Washington
$253/mo  for A8 L 3.0T quattro
A8 L 3.0T quattro
vs
$248/mo
Avg. Large Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2 out of 5 stars2/5Average
#38 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi A8 from 2008-2022.$824/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.23x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).21.6%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Audi A8 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(82%)
4(5%)
3(0%)
2(3%)
1(10%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Traded S7 for A8L
5 out of 5 starsScott Frazier, 08/29/2016
2015 Audi A8 3.0T quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Traded my S7 for this A8L. Love the seating for 5, the rear leg room and the overall quality of interior. The ride is superb. (10 months later) After driving the A8 for almost a year I've found it's the best car we've owned. Better than our S7, A7, BMW 5's and a 7. Comfort and ride are superb, as is rear seat leg room. I've had no mechanical problems while adding 18,000 miles over the … past 10 months or so. I've had more powerful engines, but can't see why I'd want more than the 3.0 for this car as it accelerates beautifully.
Now had the car for 4 years. Still no mech problems and still the best car we’ve owned. I will keep it until we have an A8 that matches Tesla for self driving.
Now I've had the car for 7 years with no mechanical problems, about 130,000 miles. What a gem!
4.0L Daily Driver/Limo
5 out of 5 starsChris, 03/14/2017
2015 Audi A8 L 4.0T quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
This is an exceptional car, one I look forward to owning for many years. I purchased mine gently used (15k miles-strongly recommended given the depreciation) from an Audi dealer after 1 year of patient research. I needed a daily driver (I was commuting 120 miles daily) with all wheel drive, good-great gas mileage and comfort. I landed a 2015, fully loaded 4.0L, after exclusively … researching diesels, and I've not looked back. Its extremely (almost scary) fast and nimble in Sport Mode and a world class, gas-sipping luxury saloon in Comfort Mode: 0-60 in 4 seconds (unreal power) or 30mpg on a gentle highway jaunt, the car has incredible range: and although its fantastic to drive, riding in the back seat (with the Rear Seat Executive Package) is equally wonderful. And I although some will say they disagree, I strongly recommend the Bang and Olufsen sound option: just watch a few of the videos online about the perfectionistic development of the system, and listen to one against the other: I've been grateful I held out until one came available. I'd strongly recommend AudiCare (its a total bargain given the frequency and cost of services) and it transfers with the car, which I'd imagine increases residual value. I could go on and on about all of the details which make the vehicle exceptional- I'd just recommend you go drive one.
It Beats All of Them
5 out of 5 starsNoel Christensen, 02/25/2016
2016 Audi A8 L 4.0T Sport quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
If you want a 4-door sedan that drives, handles and accelerates fantastically you need to buy an Audi A8L. I have had numerous Mercedes, BMW and Porsche vehicles and this car tops them all. It is a stealth vehicle that doesn't stand out with chrome, radical styling, 'look at me, I'm expensive' statements. It just quietly goes about its job of getting you where you want to go in … comfort with all the power you can handle at your right foot. Great seat comfort, quiet interior, all you could want for a long drive in heavy Southern California traffic. I am totally satisfied!
I now have 17,300 miles on the car. No problems and amazingly not one rattle in the car. I am still totally satisfied.
In February, 2018 it now has 21,200 miles on the odometer. I'm returning to the Audi store in Riverside, CA on Monday for the 20,000 mile service as the car is two years old. To date there have been absolutely no problems with the vehicle. Even the Dunlop ultra high performance tires still have more than 10,000 miles of life. I am totally satisfied with nothing but praise for the Audi.
what a great car
5 out of 5 starsG.M, 02/14/2016
2015 Audi A8 L 3.0T quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
love this car i trade my A7 for a A8 L and been the best decision you can make if you have kids. this would be our 3rd Audi and the most reliable car company we had own from range rover to Mercedes Benz.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Audi A8, so we've included reviews for other years of the A8 since its last redesign.
2018 A8 Highlights
L 3.0T quattro
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $82,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $253/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the A8 models:
- 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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