The 2018 Audi A8 delivers incredible luxury in a full-size sedan. As the Audi flagship sedan, you can expect nearly every feature on offer and sharp styling. You can even opt for an executive trim for the rear seat to turn it into a first-class cabin. Most A8s come with a long wheelbase that makes the interior incredibly spacious, although the related S8 high-performance sedan does have a short wheelbase.
Audi A8
Making an Impression
When you arrive in the 2018 Audi A8, you will be sure to make a strong first impression. There is plenty of exterior flair, including LED headlights and drawn-out shoulders. Most of the luxurious styling comes from the inside of the A8, including high-end materials such as aluminum, wood, and leather, supplemented by a small number of soft plastics. Although the cabin is certainly driver-centric in front, everyone is treated to luxury and comfort.
Amazing Comfort
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As the flagship sedan, it should come as no surprise that the 2018 A8 delivers comfort to the extreme. The front seats come standard with 18-way adjustment with the ability to enjoy 22-way adjustment and in-seat massaging. The previously mentioned executive package delivers massaging and cooled rear seats, plus rear-seat entertainment. It also has a footrest for the right side and reclining for the left, plus a two-panel sunroof. As you ride in the A8, you will get to focus on your conversation since little road noise enters the cabin.
Loaded with Features
Cockpit with MMI touch response
Even if you stick to the base 2018 Audi A8, you will be treated to a long list of standard features, such as Bluetooth, navigation, leather upholstery, heated seats, and Bose speaker. The infotainment system is nice and responsive although the MMI system will take some adapting for those used to purely touchscreen systems since you use a rotating knob and a touchpad. There are also voice commands and steering wheel controls. If you choose, you can also get premium Bang & Olufsen sound for your A8, complete with 1,400 watts and 19 speakers, or enjoy a night-vision camera or cooled seats.
Incredible Power
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The Audi A8 lets you choose from one of two powertrains, a supercharged V6 or a turbocharged V8. Either engine works with an 8-speed automatic known for its smooth shifts. The V6 is found on the 3.0T models and delivers 333 horsepower with 325 pound-feet of torque plus the ability to reach 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Or you can opt for the 4-liter V8 with a 0-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds, 444 pound-feet of torque, and 450 horsepower. All 2018 A8s use the Quattro all-wheel-drive system plus standard adaptive dampers.
If you want, you can add a sports package to get summer tires, an air suspension, a variable ratio steering rack, and a rear sports differential for the back. All models also include Drive Select with your choice of Dynamic, Comfort, and Auto modes. The only downside of the A8’s power and size is fuel economy. The V6 delivers 22 mpg combined, and the V8 gets 19 mpg combined.
