2021 Audi A8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review$86,500 to $98,900
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The A8 is Audi’s flagship sedan, last redesigned in 2019. New engine options appeared last year, and this year, there are a few minor feature updates. Rivals include the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, and Porsche Panamera.
Technically, the A8 is a extended-wheelbase model (years ago, it was called the A8 L, but then the regular-wheelbase model was discontinued). That means it cuts an imposing figure in traffic or at rest, though its overall design is clean and sophisticated, with standout standard and optional touches such as matrix-design LED front lighting, animated OLED rear lighting, and the choice of several lovely wheel designs in a range of sizes topping out at 21 inches.
There are three models available this year: 55 TFSI, 60 TFSI, and TFSI e. All feature Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system. There’s also a high-performance S8 model, reviewed separately. The 55 TFSI kicks things off with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine rated for 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, as well as decent fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The 60 TFSI is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine rated for 453 hp and 487 lb-ft. These models both feature mild-hybrid technology and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Finally, the TFSI e is a plug-in hybrid comprised of a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, an electric motor paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery, for total ratings of 443 hp and 516 lb-ft. It’s rated for 54 MPGe in combined driving.
The cabin design exemplifies minimalist luxury, with standard leather upholstery and 22-way, power-adjustable, heated and cooled front seats, which are newly standard for this year. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, proximity keyless entry, and quad-zone automatic climate control. There are tons of options for customizing the interior, as well, such as the Black Optic and Sport Style trim packages and the Executive Package, which decks out the rear row to make a sweet livery vehicle.
Audi’s Multi-media Interface (MMI) comes standard, housed in a pair of touch screens measuring 10.1 and 8.6 inches. Features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging (new this year), navigation, voice recognition, and a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. For options, Audi offers a rear-seat entertainment system, a DVD player, and a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Standard safety features include a surround-view camera system (new for this year), forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. Options include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, vehicle exit assist, traffic-sign recognition, night vision, and a head-up display (HUD). The Pre-sense 360 system monitors for imminent frontal-, rear-, and side-impact collisions and prepares the car to best protect its occupants.
There aren’t many models competing for your full-size luxury sedan dollars, but the competition is still tough, and Audi manages to make the 2021 A8 stand out in all the right ways.
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2021 Audi A8 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · Watts: 730
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · 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: door pockets · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 22
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08
Engine
Battery: lithium ion · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 335 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1370
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: soft close · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: starter/belt alternator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.6 in. and 10.1 in. (dual) · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 22
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · 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: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.8
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): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · 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: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · Watts: 730
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · 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 · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · 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: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 22
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08
Engine
EV battery capacity: 14.1 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 100 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time (240V): 2.4 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 18 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 369 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 335 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1370
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler 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
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8.6 in. and 10.1 in. (dual) · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 22
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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: premium leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.8
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · 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 app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · Watts: 730
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power rear seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · 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: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 22
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.08
Engine
Battery: lithium ion · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 453 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 487 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1800
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler 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
Hybrid
Starter Type: starter/belt alternator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.6 in. and 10.1 in. (dual) · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
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
Power adjustments: 22
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · 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: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.8
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · 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): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation