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Audi A8
The Drive says Audi's A8 production is ending after 32 years with no successor in sight, closing out the fourth-generation car that first hit showrooms in 2017, and that Audi's once-flagship has bitten the dust just like the Lexus LS. Gear Patrol first reported Audi had killed off its flagship car while nobody was looking, saying the A8 fell out of favor to SUVs, but later reported Audi may not have killed off the flagship sedan after all, clarifying that Audi quietly discontinued the current A8 by closing its order books for the model in Germany rather than ending the nameplate outright, while the new Q9 three-row crossover serves as the brand's luxury flagship for now.
Production ending after 32 years
The Drive (opens in a new tab) says Audi hasn't hinted at any plan to replace the current, fourth-generation A8, which first hit showrooms in 2017, and that production of the A8 is ending without a successor in sight, following the Lexus LS's own decline as a flagship sedan.
A murkier follow-up
Gear Patrol (opens in a new tab) first reported the Audi A8, one of the longest-running flagships of the automotive world, was reportedly dead, saying the once-prominent flagship fell out of favor to SUVs. It later reported Audi may not have killed off its flagship sedan after all (opens in a new tab), clarifying that Audi quietly discontinued the current A8 by closing its order books for the model in Germany, rather than confirming the end of the nameplate.
What's stepping into the flagship role
Gear Patrol (opens in a new tab) says the Q7 is currently Audi's only three-row crossover, but the new Q9 will change that and serve as the brand's luxury flagship, for now, while the 2021 Grandsphere Concept had showcased Audi's sedan design ambitions for a potential A8 successor.
Questions buyers ask
Is the Audi A8 discontinued?
The Drive (opens in a new tab) says production is ending after 32 years with no successor in sight, though Gear Patrol (opens in a new tab) clarifies Audi closed order books in Germany rather than confirming the nameplate's end.
What replaces the Audi A8 as Audi's flagship?
Gear Patrol (opens in a new tab) says the new Q9 three-row crossover will serve as Audi's luxury flagship, for now.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 Audi A8 is built around 3.0L turbo V6, rated at 335 horsepower across its full-size luxury sedan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 1 trim.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2027 A8 seats 5 and is a Full-size luxury sedan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 A8.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 Audi A8
The A8 is sold in a single L 55 TFSI quattro configuration with a 335-horsepower turbo V6: customization is through option packages, not a trim ladder.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
5 indexed Audi A8 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Audi A8 | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Audi A8 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Audi A8 | 2025 record → | |
| 2021 Audi A8 | 2021 record → | |
| 2018 Audi A8 | 2018 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Audi A8.
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and currently in its fourth generation, the A8 has been offered with either front- or permanent all-wheel drive and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. The first two generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB platform.
- Engines
- Previewed as the Audi Avantissimo concept at the 2001 IAA exhibition in Frankfurt, the second-generation Audi A8 (Typ 4E), built on the Volkswagen Group D3 platform, was unveiled via press release in July 2002 and introduced in November 2002 in Europe and in June 2003 (as a 2004 model) in the United States.
- Marketing
- As part of the 2013 S8 4.0 TFSI quattro launch in the US, a TV commercial called 'Suspect' was produced in association with Venables Bell & Partners, USA, Furlined, The Whitehouse, 740 Sound Design & Mix, Lime Studios; starring Abigail Spencer.
Source: Audi A8 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Audi A8 at a glance
- Production
- D2: 1994–2002, D3: 2002–2010, D4: 2009–2017, D5: 2017–2026
- Assembly
- Germany: Neckarsulm (Neckarsulm Audi Factory)
- Class
- Full-size luxury car (F)
- Body style
- 4-door sedan
- Layout
- Longitudinal FF (1994–2013) / F4 layout (quattro) (1994–present)
- Platform
- MLB
- Predecessor
- Audi V8
- Related models
- Audi S8
Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)
- December 2025, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply… Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Year by year
The Audi A8 across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Audi A8 | 22 | $3,650 | 1 | ||
| 2026 Audi A8 | 22 | $3,500 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 Audi A8 | 22 | $3,500 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2024 Audi A8 | 22 | $3,500 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2023 Audi A8 | 22 | $3,500 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2022 Audi A8 | 22 | $3,500 | 1 | 3 | |
| 2021 Audi A8 | 18–23 | $3,350–$4,300 | 3 | 10 | |
| 2020 Audi A8 | 18–23 | $3,350–$4,300 | 3 | 5 | |
| 2019 Audi A8 | 18–22 | $3,500–$4,300 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A8 | 19–22 | $3,500–$4,100 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 Audi A8 | 22 | $3,500 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A8 | 16–28 | $3,200–$4,850 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 2015 Audi A8 | 16–28 | $3,200–$4,850 | 6 | 5 | 31 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Audi A8, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Electric range, miles | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 to 2024 | Labels: A8 quattro | Labels: A8 L | |||
| 2022 to 2023 | Labels: A8 L; Drives: All-Wheel Drive | Labels: A8 L quattro; Drives: 4-Wheel Drive | |||
| 2021 to 2022 | 3 to 1 | 20.5 to 22.0 | Labels: A8 L quattro; Drives: 4-Wheel Drive | Labels: A8 L; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV, 4L 8-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid; Drives: All-Wheel Drive; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 17 to 18 | ||||
| 2019 to 2020 | 2 to 3 | 20.0 to 20.5 | first listed: 17 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | |
| 2018 to 2019 | 20.5 to 20.0 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 4L 8-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI, 4L 8-cyl SIDI | ||
| 2017 to 2018 | 22.0 to 20.5 | ||||
| 2016 to 2017 | 4 to 2 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl, 6.3L 12-cyl SIDI; Fuels: Diesel | |||
| 2015 to 2016 | 6 to 4 | Labels: A8; Size classes: Midsize Cars |
Buying used
What the Audi A8 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2025 | 1 | back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | air bags (sensor); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2023 | 2 | air bags (frontal); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2022 | 3 | equipment (electrical); air bags (frontal); back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2021 | 10 | engine and engine cooling; suspension (rear); seat belts (rear/other); 6 more | None |
| 2020 | 5 | engine and engine cooling; suspension (rear); tires; 2 more | None |
| 2019 | 3 | seats; engine and engine cooling; back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2018 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (fuel injection system); structure (body) | None |
| 2017 | 3 | fuel system, gasoline (fuel injection system); structure (body); engine and engine cooling | None |
| 2016 | 4 | fuel system, gasoline (fuel injection system); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); structure (body); 1 more | None |
| 2015 | 5 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); fuel system, gasoline (fuel injection system); structure (body); 1 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 17 | 55% | 2015 (17) |
| service brakes | 4 | 13% | 2015 (4) |
| electrical system | 3 | 10% | 2015 (3) |
| wheels | 3 | 10% | 2015 (3) |
| forward collision avoidance | 2 | 6% | 2015 (2) |
| visibility/wiper | 2 | 6% | 2015 (2) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 Audi A8 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L 55 TFSI | AWD | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 369 | 4,773 | – | 22 | $96,395 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Audi A8 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 1 | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 4,773 | – | 21.7 |
| 2026 | 1 | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 4,762 | – | 21.7 |
| 2025 | 1 | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | 4,762 | – | 21.7 |
| 2024 | 1 | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | 335 | – | – | 21.7 |
| 2023 | 1 | 3.0-liter V6 (MHEV, Turbo) | – | – | – | 21.7 |
| 2022 | 1 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) | 335 | – | – | 21.7 |
| 2021 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo, Hybrid) / 4.0-liter V8 (Turbo) | 335–453 | 4,773–5,335 | – | 17.2–21.7 |
| 2020 | 3 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo, Hybrid) | 335–453 | 4,773–5,335 | – | 17.2–21.7 |
| 2019 | 2 | 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Turbo) | 335–460 | 4,751 | – | 21.7 |
| 2018 | 2 | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L / 4.0-liter V8 (Turbo) | 333–450 | 4,464–4,673 | – | 21.7 |
| 2017 | 2 | V6, Supercharged, 3.0L / 4.0-liter V8 (Turbo) | 333–450 | 4,464–4,673 | – | 21.7 |
| 2016 | 4 | V6, Turbo Dsl, 3.0L / V6, Supercharged, 3.0L / 4.0-liter V8 (Turbo) +1 | 240–500 | 4,464–4,806 | – | 21.7 |
| 2015 | 6 | 3.0-liter V6 (Supercharged) / 4.0-liter V8 (Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (Turbo Diesel) +1 | 333–500 | 4,365–4,806 | – | 21.7 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Model-year recall record
Audi A8: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2026 Audi A8 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.4).
- 2025 Audi A8 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.4).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2021 Audi A8 : 10 recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera and electrical system.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | backup camera |
| 2025 | 1 | not available | backup camera |
| 2024 | 2 | not available | airbags, backup camera |
| 2023 | 2 | not available | airbags, backup camera |
| 2022 | 3 | not available | equipment, airbags, backup camera |
| 2021 | 10 | not available | backup camera, electrical system, seat belts, tires |
| 2020 | 5 | not available | tires, engine cooling, suspension, electrical system |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | engine cooling, seats, backup camera |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | structure, fuel system |
| 2017 | 3 | 0 | fuel system, structure, engine cooling |
| 2016 | 4 | 0 | fuel system, structure, engine cooling |
| 2015 | 5 | 31 | fuel system, structure, engine cooling |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Audi A8 model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Audi A8?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2026, 2025 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2021 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Audi A8 model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2021 Audi A8 has 10 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera, electrical system, seat belts. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Audi A8 model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2026 Audi A8 has 1 recall on file; The 2025 Audi A8 has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.4. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Audi A8 by model year?
2026: backup camera. 2025: backup camera. 2024: airbags, backup camera. 2023: airbags, backup camera. 2022: equipment, airbags, backup camera. 2021: backup camera, electrical system, seat belts, tires.
Q05Why do some Audi A8 model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Audi A8 model years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Engine and cooling, Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Brakes, tires and steering.
2021 Audi A8 owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering.
Compared with
Models this Audi A8 is most often compared with.
Nearest Audi models
Other Audi models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 A8 come in?
The 2027 Audi A8 (full-size luxury sedan) is offered in one trim, A8 L 55 TFSI quattro.
Q02What are the 2027 A8 trims?
The 2027 Audi A8 comes in one trim, A8 L 55 TFSI quattro.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 A8 use?
The 2027 Audi A8 is built around 3.0L turbo V6, rated at 335 horsepower across its full-size luxury sedan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 A8 have?
The 2027 Audi A8 is rated at 335 horsepower (3.0L turbo V6).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 A8?
The 2027 Audi A8 is offered with Standard AWD.