2018 Audi A8

MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says a new Executive package adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a full suite of driver-assistance technology, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof and a four-spoke steering wheel with paddles, and that the A8 is redesigned for the 2019 model year. It lists standard 19-inch wheels, full LED headlights, four-zone climate control, leather, a Bose audio system and MMI navigation with a 7.0-inch screen. Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) adds that the Executive package includes lane-keeping assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and a blind-spot monitor, and that the A8's lightweight structure, offset by its standard quattro all-wheel drive, distinguishes it from the S-Class and 7 Series.

KBB lists fuel economy from 16/26 to 19/29 mpg city and highway, and EPA rates the 2018 A8 at 19 to 22 mpg combined and $3,500 to $4,100 a year in fuel, with the 3.0-liter V-6 and the 4.0-liter V-8 as the engines.

NHTSA lists two recall campaigns for the 2018 A8: 20V397000, a seal around the engine compartment that may come loose and contact hot engine components, for which dealers install a retaining plate, and 19V035000, left and right fuel rails that may leak fuel, for which dealers replace both rails. NHTSA shows no owner complaints filed for this model year.

Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists used 2018 A8 prices from $17,550 for the L 3.0T to $25,000 for the L 4.0T Sport at a dealership, with trade-in values of about $15,300 to $19,300 and private-party values of about $16,250 to $23,200.

EPA rates the 2018 A8 at 19 to 22 mpg combined and $3,500 to $4,100 a year in fuel, all with all-wheel drive. The 2018 BMW 7 Series rates 16 to 27 at $2,850 to $4,850, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 16 to 22 at $3,500 to $4,850 and the Lexus LS 21 to 28 at $2,750 to $3,700. On EPA figures the A8 is more efficient than the S-Class at the top end and less efficient than the LS.