2021 Audi A8
The 2021 Audi A8, a full-size luxury sedan that deftly combines tradition with technology, is a subtle moonshot. Though its styling is as subdued as anything else in the Audi lineup, the A8 is brimming with the sort of lavish features that distinguish the flag-bearers from the best-sellers. Having been redesigned just two years ago, the A8 largely stands pat for 2021. The big news this year is the newly standard 22-way seats, surround-view camera system, and the Audi phone box, that last bit referring to a wireless phone charger and signal booster. The sporty S8 gains a few features itself: 21-inch wheels, heated armrests, and Valcona leather now come standard. Other changes are limited to small shake-ups within the various available packages.
The entry-level A8 is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbo-6 that generates 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A 48-volt electrical system juices the mild-hybrid system and all the power accessories. An 8-speed automatic swaps gears and directs the engine's power to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system. The EPA anticipates fuel economy of 17 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined.
The most efficient A8 is the plug-in hybrid, known as the 60 TFSI e. These models add a battery and electric motor to the 3.0-liter V-6 to come up with a combined 443 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed auto, 48-volt electrical system, and all-wheel drive are all part of the package. Buyers can expect about 17 miles of all-electric range and 54 MPGe combined.
Most shoppers will want what Audi calls the 60 TFSI-the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes a full 453 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is just 15/26/21 mpg but 0-60 mph happens in a quick 4.5 seconds.
If that isn't fast enough, the S8 is also available. This high-performance model turns up the wick on the V-8 models to the tune of 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Gas mileage is an abysmal 13/22/16 mpg, but it compensates by being the fastest one here thanks to a 3.8-second 0-60 mph time.
Befitting the A8's place in the lineup, the list of standard safety equipment is long and comprehensive. Besides the newly standard surround-view camera system, there's also automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and front and rear parking sensors.
Optional safety equipment includes blind-spot monitors, a head-up display, and night vision. The optional adaptive cruise control has stop-and-go functionality and can maintain a set following distance while keeping itself positioned in its lane. It also can automatically adjust the speed depending on upcoming road conditions; if, for example, the GPS data suggests a sharp corner is approaching, the cruise control system will slow the car accordingly without any input from the driver.
Due to low sales volume, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested an A8.
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Having been redesigned just two years ago, the A8 largely stands pat for 2021. The big news this year is the newly standard 22-way seats, surround-view camera system, and the Audi phone box, that last bit referring to a wireless phone charger and signal booster. The sporty S8 gains a few features itself: 21-inch wheels, heated armrests, and Valcona leather now come standard. Other changes are limited to small shake-ups within the various available packages.
The entry-level A8 is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbo-6 that generates 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A 48-volt electrical system juices the mild-hybrid system and all the power accessories. An 8-speed automatic swaps gears and directs the engine's power to all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive system. The EPA anticipates fuel economy of 17 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined.
The most efficient A8 is the plug-in hybrid, known as the 60 TFSI e. These models add a battery and electric motor to the 3.0-liter V-6 to come up with a combined 443 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed auto, 48-volt electrical system, and all-wheel drive are all part of the package. Buyers can expect about 17 miles of all-electric range and 54 MPGe combined.
Most shoppers will want what Audi calls the 60 TFSI-the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes a full 453 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is just 15/26/21 mpg but 0-60 mph happens in a quick 4.5 seconds.
If that isn't fast enough, the S8 is also available. This high-performance model turns up the wick on the V-8 models to the tune of 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Gas mileage is an abysmal 13/22/16 mpg, but it compensates by being the fastest one here thanks to a 3.8-second 0-60 mph time.
Befitting the A8's place in the lineup, the list of standard safety equipment is long and comprehensive. Besides the newly standard surround-view camera system, there's also automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and front and rear parking sensors.
Optional safety equipment includes blind-spot monitors, a head-up display, and night vision. The optional adaptive cruise control has stop-and-go functionality and can maintain a set following distance while keeping itself positioned in its lane. It also can automatically adjust the speed depending on upcoming road conditions; if, for example, the GPS data suggests a sharp corner is approaching, the cruise control system will slow the car accordingly without any input from the driver.
Due to low sales volume, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested an A8.
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| Engine | V-6 |
| MPG | Up to 17 city / 26 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 8-spd auto w/OD |
| Power | 335 - 453 hp |
| Drivetrain | quattro all wheel |
| Curb Weight | 4,773 - 4,905 lbs |
