Audi A8 L Model Years and History

The Audi A8 and S8 roll into 2021 with minor changes to packages, standard equipment and options.

After a brief absence, V8 power returns to the A8 Lineup with a new 4.0L turbocharged unit, offering additional power and smoothness for the big sedan. A hybrid option, new for 2020, offers power comparable to a conventional V8 but also enables a significant fuel economy advantage.

2019 lends way to a refresh of the Audi A8 luxury sedan. The exterior receives mild updates such as a reshaped grille, headlights and taillights, while keeping the classic look the A8 is known for. The powertrain is new for 2019 with a turbocharged 3.0L V6, with a V8 expected to come later in the year. Inside, technology is a centerpiece of the design, with new multi-media interface touchscreens offering customizable configurations, eliminating many of the old buttons and knobs.

The Audi A8 and S8 continue into their last year of production before a refresh in 2019. Changes are subtle but base 3.0T owners can rejoice with the newly available Executive package that adds driver-assistance features and amenities like ventilated and massaging front seats and active driver-assist abilities.

The Audi A8 and S8 continue into 2017 essentially unchanged.

The 2015 Audi A8 gets an updated look for2015. A new grill, bumper and front splitter make the A8 and S8 look lower and wider than last years model, while new taillights give the rear of the car a more modern look. Improvements to the turbocharged 4.0L engine allow it to make more horsepower than last year's engine. The S8 also gets an available sport exhaust for 2015.

For 2014, the biggest Audi gets a new 3.0L turbo-diesel V6. It makes 240 horsepower and helps the A8 long-wheelbase model achieve an impressive 28 combined mpg. Several new features are now standard, including keyless entry and ignition as well as power-assist trunk opener/closer.

For 2013 Audi has replaced the V8 engine in the A8 with a supercharged V6. The new engine promises to significantly improve fuel economy for the large A8 while still offering respectable performance.

Following a complete redesign in 2011, Audi's flagship A8 large luxury sedan returns for 2012 mostly unchanged. A new 4.0L V8 engine replaces last year's 4.2L V8, with a single turbocharger making 400 hp, while the 6.3L V12 engine gets a boost of power as well--up to 500 hp over last year's 450.

Audi's flagship A8 large luxury sedan is all-new for 2011, with new engines, a slightly longer cabin for more interior space, more options for traditional luxury-car comfort, and of course various technological advances--including a stiffer, lightweight body; reduced fuel consumption; a reconfigured, more performance-oriented version of quattro all-wheel drive. Several new driver-safety systems such as night vision and automatic emergency braking have been included for 2011.

For 2010, Audi's flagship A8 sedan receives few changes, though the W12 engine option has been dropped, as has the sporty S8 variant, leaving only the A8 and A8 L models, both powered by a 4.2-liter V8. A new 100 Years of Audi Package celebrates the marquee's century of innovation and is exclusive to the A8 L.

The A8 has few changes for 2009, but receives Audi's advanced parking system with a rearview camera, a keyless entry and start system as well as power door closers.

New for the 2008 Audi A8 and A8 L are bigger tires, a revised wheel design, standard Sirius satellite radio, and standard heated front and rear seats. The Exclusive Package now has a new color scheme, the S8 can order door close assist and a heated steering wheel. A new Driver Assistance Package is available on the A8, A8 L, and S8 models. It monitors the areas on both sides of the vehicle as well as behind the car in order to alert the driver when traffic is present in the car's blind spots. This feature also vibrates the steering wheel to warn the driver when the car drifts outside of traffic lanes.

The V8-powered A8 and A8 L get a more powerful and more economical direct-injection engine for 2007. Also, a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and adaptive air suspension are now standard. A 20-inch wheel upgrade is also new for 2007. The 20-inch alloys, which follow the same seven-spoke design as those used in the RS4, are optional with the Sport package. Another new option is the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, a 1000-watt, 14-speaker, fully digital system. Of particular interest is the launch of Audi's S8, which uses a slightly less powerful version of the same 5.2L V10 engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo.