Audi S8 Model Years and History

The Audi A8 and S8 continue into 2026 with minimal changes and retain their positions as the top luxury sedans for the brand.

The Audi A8 and S8 continue into 2025 with minimal changes, preserving its position as a flagship luxury sedan.

The Audi A8 and S8 roll into 2024 with minimal changes.

The Audi A8 and S8 roll into 2023 with minimal changes.

The Audi A8 and S8 roll into 2022 with a refreshed exterior, while the A8 Plug-in Hybrid model is no longer available.

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 and S8 lineup with a new 4.0L turbocharged unit, offering additional power and smoothness for the big sedan. Also new for 2020, is a hybrid option that offers nearly as much power as the V8 while offering significant gains in fuel economy. Both engines should allow the big Audi to get down the road with an extra helping of speed and refinement.

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.

For 2016, Audi has discontinued the short-wheelbase version of the A8 in both 3.0 and 4.0 versions, leaving only the long-wheelbase car to carry on as the brand's flagship. And to that model, Audi has added a new Sport trim, which features a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 and more athletic-looking, S8-like exterior features, including front and rear fascias.

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.

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.