2027 Audi A8MotorTrend - MotorTrendVery comfortable and refinedRelatively affordableExcellent build qualityGetting oldRelatively few features, amenitiesExterior design blends inAudi's flagship sedan is the A8—although this aging large luxury car now lacks the design and features seen in newer, lower-tier Audi models. The original A8 went on sale in the United States for 1997, using then-revolutionary aluminum construction. The current fourth-generation A8 arrived as a 2019 model.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's built only in long-wheelbase L specification, with the high-performance S8 variant also available. Luxury full-size rivals to the Audi S8 include the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Lucid Air.What's NewThe A8 received an extensive update for 2022, and Audi has applied only minor changes to it since then. For 2027, the A8 offers a revised 21-inch wheel design as part of the Black Optic package, available in either a dark diamond-cut or matte gold finish.What We ThinkFor those who prefer discretion over flash, the Audi A8 makes a strong case for itself among large luxury sedans. Its subtle styling disappears into traffic, but inside, the flagship Audi feels fantastic, with rich finishing and exceptional comfort. Overall, though, it's falling behind.The A8 prioritizes isolation over engagement. Its ride is soft and composed, and although a standard V-8 would make it more compelling, the turbocharged V-6 proves sufficient. Drivers who want a livelier experience can choose the S8, which brings stronger performance and sharper responses.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside the A8, exceptional build quality, stately trimmings, and abundant space give it legitimate luxury qualifications. Although there's plenty of digital real estate, newer vehicles—even within Audi's own lineup—have much more modern technology. Driver assist and autonomous capabilities are relatively lacking.That said, the A8's starting price is also relatively approachable for its segment. Ultimately, the A8 perseveres by prioritizing driving refinement and cabin comfort, but it's outclassed by newer rivals. A next-generation model is warranted, but if or when that might arrive is unclear.Top-Ranked Competitors:BMW 7 SeriesMercedes-Benz S-ClassLucid AirGenesis G90MotorTrend TestedEvery A8 is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. It produces 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission routes that output to standard Quattro AWD. In MotorTrend testing, the A8 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.MPGs and RangeFuel economy for the 2027 A8 is rated at 19/27 mpg city/highway. Driving range on a full tank of fuel is approximately 475 miles.How Quick Is the Audi S8?To give the A8 a sportier edge, Audi builds the S8. This performance-oriented variant uses the same body as the A8, but it's equipped with hardware upgrades including larger brakes, a quicker steering ratio, all-wheel steering, and air suspension tuned for tighter handling.AdvertisementAdvertisementIts highlight feature is its engine, a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that makes 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. With that, the S8 launches from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.Safety and Driver Assist FeaturesStandard FeaturesCompared to other large luxury sedans—and even some mainstream cars—the Audi A8 is light on standard driver assist and active safety technology. It only has automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams among its included features.Available FeaturesOpting for the Executive Plus package adds rear and side cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.Cargo Space and Interior RoomWith its standard long-wheelbase body, the A8 offers abundant legroom in both rows of seats, although not necessarily much more than its luxury sedan rivals.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery A8 is equipped with 12.3-inch digital gauge display, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen (running Audi's older user interface), and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for climate control and other vehicle functions.AdvertisementAdvertisementBuilt-in navigation is included, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB ports and a wireless charging pad are standard. A 360-degree camera makes parking this long car easier.Sound SystemThe A8 has a standard 17-speaker audio system. A 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium setup is available as an upgrade.Available UpgradesOptional tech features for the A8 include a head-up display, night vision camera, upgraded interior LED lighting, and a remote parking assist system.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 A8 starts at slightly more than $96,000. Standard exterior features include full LED lighting, S Line sport styling, power soft-closing doors and trunk, and a panoramic sunroof. It rides on air suspension with 20-inch wheels.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, there's leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with 22-way adjustment, a heated steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, power rear-window sunshades, and a 17-speaker audio system.Recommended TrimOpt for the $5,300 Executive Plus package to equip the A8 with additional luxurious niceties. It adds noise-insulating glass, extended leather upholstery, massaging front seats, heated front-seat armrests and rear seats, a head-up display, and more driver assist features.The A8 is plenty nice, but it's fallen behind in the segment. Get the S8, if anything, but we think there are better ways to spend six figures on a large luxury car.Will There Be a New Audi A8?Given the low sales of this aging sedan, it's somewhat surprising that the A8 remains on sale for 2027. What the A8's future looks like is unclear. Introducing a next-generation model would seem to make sense, but Audi's shifting strategy around electrification complicates that; an A8 EV would have been feasible at one point but is less likely now.AdvertisementAdvertisementSimultaneously, large luxury sedans generally aren't as popular as they once were. Perhaps Audi will rely on the new 2028 Q9 SUV to take the place of the A8 as its most grandiose range-topping vehicle.
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