2017 Audi A8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$82,500 to $91,500

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.9

avg user rating

(18 reviews)
2017 Audi A8 Preview summaryImage

The full-size luxury sedan market runs the gamut from the lavish to the performance-oriented. Cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class err on the side of the former, while the BMW 7 Series errs on the latter. Somewhere in the middle is the 2017 Audi A8 L. But the A8 delivers far more than a fetching full-size sedan that’s big on style and performance. This flagship ride benefits from Audi’s commitment to being one of the most technologically advanced luxury brands on the road today.

The 2017 model marks the sixth year of the third generation of the A8. Through these years, Audi has continually refined its flagship, adding more luxury content, technology, and efficiency. Available as trims are the 3.0T and 4.0T Sport. The 3.0T comes standard with features like plush leather upholstery, remote keyless entry with illuminated entry approach, a 14-speaker stereo, and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. The 4.0T Sport adds a head-up display and blind-spot monitoring (both are optional on the 3.0T), as well as larger 20-inch silver aluminum wheels.

The A8 is at times available in short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase trims. For 2017, the A8 is only available in the long wheelbase or “L," featuring ample front and rear passenger space, including head and legroom. And that ample space comes in the form of an artfully styled cabin. The many standard and optional features are baked into a dash layout that is as ergonomic as it is visually pleasing.

Audi has long set the gold standard for in-car driver interfaces, and the cornerstone of that is its multimedia interface system, or MMI. Operated via an intuitive controller in the center console, MMI affords the driver seamless operation of the navigation, stereo, phone, and other features. Audi has evolved this system through the years, and drivers benefit from redundant digital and hard button controls for the various systems.

The 6-spot preset pad to the right of the main MMI controller turns into a gesture-recognition pad when needed. Instead of fiddling with the dial to enter letters, you can simply “draw” the letter on the pad with your finger. This allows for quick address and contact entry. For even quicker access to these features, simply press the voice-control button to speak verbal commands that MMI can understand.

MMI goes well beyond navigation and radio operation, as exemplified by the predictive headlight system. Using the navigation, MMI interacts with the active headlights so they bend with the road before the driver even turns the wheel, letting you can see ahead even in the darkest driving conditions.

An available Night Vision Assistant system also does exactly what it says, providing night vision with the ability to recognize animals and pedestrians and give the driver alerts.

A black optics pack is new for ’17 and features black exterior accents, darkened taillights, 20-inch 5-double-spoke wheels, and a titanium finish. An Executive package is available on the 3.0T, featuring a head-up display, Audi side assist (more on that later), and Audi pre-sense, which can detect an imminent collision and alert the driver.

Advances in powertrains have made it possible to downsize in displacement while still retaining all the thrilling performance. As such, the base engine for the ’17 A8 L is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 making 333 hp. A V8 is also still available, a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged unit making 450 hp and 444 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all-weather-capable quattro all-wheel drive. Fuel economy for the V6 is estimated at 19 mpg city/29 highway/22 combined. The 4.0T Sport returns an estimated 18/29/22.

For a vehicle that clocks in at more than 4,400 pounds, the Audi A8 delivers superb handling. It's the perfect blend of comfort and precision, utilizing standard equipment like an adaptive self-leveling suspension with driver-controlled adjustable ride height. It keeps the hefty A8 level through hard cornering and absorbs an incredible amount of road harshness.

The driver can further adjust the driving experience using MMI. A menu called “Audi Drive Select,” allows the driver to fine-tune the engine, transmission, suspension, sport differential, and steering feel. You can even tweak the sound of the exhaust note!

The A8 is available with adaptive cruise control and Audi side assist. The former can match the speed of the car in front of it at a safe distance, while the latter uses sensors to let you know if you are drifting out of your lane or if someone is in your blind spot. The adaptive cruise control also has a stop & go function that lets you take your foot off the pedals in bumper to bumper traffic.

Base MSRP for the 2017 Audi A8 L is $82,500 for the 3.0T. If you want the added power of the 4.0T Sport, pricing starts at $91,500. Optional packages include the $2,500 Driver Assistance Package (adaptive cruise, stop & go, lane assist, and pre sense plus), the $2,500 Rear Seat Comfort Package (power and ventilated rear seats with power lumbar support), the $2,500 Dynamic Package (Audi dynamic steering and quattro sport differential), and many other ways to personalize your A8.

For many vehicle segments, the definition of luxury has changed to match drivers' expectations. The flagship luxury sedans of the world must meet these changing expectations, but they must also deliver the lavish ride and accommodating interiors that define the segment. The 2017 Audi A8 L meets this challenge by combining the latest in safety and infotainment technology with the big sedan chassis its buyers seek. Such a blend of performance, innovation, and comfort is a hard thing to find–and the A8 has it in spades.

George Kennedy
Published May 31, 2022 by George Kennedy
From open-wheel racecars to specialty off-road vehicles, George Kennedy has driven it all. A career automotive journalist, George has been a contributor, editor, and/or producer at some of the most respected publications and outlets, including Consumer Reports, the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Autoblog.com, Hemmings Classic Wheels, BoldRide.com, the Providence Journal, and WheelsTV.

User reviews for 2017 Audi A8

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User rating:
by Annie G
May 03, 2024
This car is everything i imagined it would be. Great features, great ride. The only thing it is missing is the infrared camera our other A8 has but I am still ecstatic with my purchase.May 03, 2024
by Norbert B
Feb 12, 2023
Everything was fine it would have been a little tight in my garage, wish now I would have gone ahead with it Feb 12, 2023
by Glen O
Mar 10, 2022
Perhaps its understated styling is responsible for it being less popular than other flagship luxury car brands like the S Class and 7 Series, but it is an absolute joy to drive. The cockpit is beautiful, the instruments and tech features are intuitive, the build quality is precise, and little expense has been spared on the quality of materials. Despite its size, it feels nimble. No, it wont turn heads, but not everybody wants to. My two cents? It outshines a comparable BMW in almost every respect. If youre considering the L version with the executive package, it is at least equal to the S Class, except for, arguably, comfort, and even that is a close call. Best of all, because its competitors are more in demand, you can pick up an Audi A8 well below market value, even in these supply-chain-challenging times. Lastly, take advantage of that brutal luxary car depreciation. The original MSRP on my 2017 A8 L .30 was $92k. I paid $29k, which was almost $3k below market. There are other similar deals out there if youre a smart shopper.Mar 10, 2022

2017 Audi A8 Pricing

Original MSRP
$82,500 to $91,500
Price range
$20,974 to $22,548
Average price on CG
$21,732
YoY price change
$21,595 to $21,732

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · 20G hard drive · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 630 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20

Engine

Alternator: 190 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 18

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.1

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · 20G hard drive · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 630 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 15.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 22

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.20

Engine

Alternator: 190 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 22

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: contrast stitching

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.1

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: lock operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (2)