AUDI A8 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi refreshed the fourth generation of the A8 in 2021, and there were more than just a few exterior and interior details in it.

In 1994, Audi decided to attack its main competitors BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in the upper premium segment and introduced the A8.

The constant evolution of the German limousine gave it a seat at the table of executive limousines. That trend continued to the fourth generation, which Audi introduced in 2017. Despite the world pandemic that shattered the world in 2020, the carmaker kept its promise and refreshed its flagship four years after the initial launch.

One of the most striking features of the 2022 A8 was the front fascia. The big, hexagonal, singleframe grille featured black and piano-black fins and a chromed rim. In addition, a pair of standard Matrix-LED headlights with an option for digital-LED ensured an optimum driving light. From the sides, the 2022 A8 showed new side sills, carried over from the S8, which emphasized the car's dynamic character. Another premiere for the 2022 model year was the introduction of the S-Line package, which became available. It replaced the shiny chromed grille with a darker one and added a few other exterior details.

Inside, the A8 was as comfortable as a German limousine could be. Seats with up to 18 cushions provided various massage functions. A set of 10.1 HD TVs could provide entertainment for the rear seat passengers while the discreet Matrix-LED ensured a discreet or brighter illumination. At the front, the carmaker removed any gauges with displays. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the analog dials in the dashboard, while on the center stack, the infotainment display and an additional control panel with a haptic touchscreen provided further controls for the MMI, climate controls, or driving options.

Audi introduced the fourth generation of its flagship model A8 in 2017, creating an even more luxurious and more comfortable vehicle for its customers.

Based on the same MLB Evo platform as the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus, to name just a few, the 2017 A8 was aimed at those who carved for luxury and performance vehicles. In addition, it was packed with the most up-to-date modern technologies available at the time of launch.

When the German automaker started to create a new design language that featured the single-frame front fascia, most of their products started to look alike. Even the A8 looked similar to its smaller sibling, the A6, which, in turn, resembled the A4. But the A8 had something special in its lines and flaunted more satin-chromed trims on the grille, bumper, and lower apron. From its profile, the long greenhouse featured a raked-forward rear windscreen followed by a short, slightly sloped-down trunk.

Inside, even the entry-level versions featured enough amenities to make the A8 a luxury vehicle. Yet, Audi offered even more high-end options, which put its flagship on par with any beefed-up limousines. The leather-wrapped interior, garnished with Alcantara and adorned by aluminum trims, complemented the high-tech amenities such as the screens for the instrument panel, the infotainment system, and the HVAC control center.

Under the hood, the A8 offered a small engine range: a gasoline unit, a turbo-diesel, and a hybrid. All of them sent their power in all corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Built for those who wanted to sit in the back, the 2017 A8L was the road-version of a First-Class airliner, made to compete in the same segment with other luxobarges, such as the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in their extended versions.

Audi introduced the fourth generation of the A8 in 2017 in both wheelbase versions: standard and long. But it wasn't just about the legroom for the rear passengers; it was also about a luxurious experience that could rival the best in the business. The high comfort level could be rivaled only by the advanced technologies that the A8L incorporated. In addition to these factors, the four-ring badged automaker tried to lower the car's emissions and offered it with cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines for those who craved that. Audi also added punchier engines for those who wanted a higher-performance version of this limo.

At the front, the A8L didn't differ from the standard-wheelbase version of this model. It featured the same broad singleframe grille that spawned from side to side and from the hood's edge to the apron. Besides the Matrix LED headlights, Audi offered the car with Laser lighting, which provided a better night-driving experience. Customers could also get the car with optional chromed accents on the bodywork's lower side, covering the front splitter, side sills, and the lower part of the rear bumper.

From its profile, the A8L boasted a 13 cm (5.1-inch) longer wheelbase, which was mostly used for rear-seated passengers. As a result, the rear doors were longer than on the regular-sized A8. Still, the elongated shape of the bodywork and the extended greenhouse compared to its shorter sibling created a more gracious shape for the vehicle. Finally, at the back, the A8L sported OLED taillights that stretched from the quarter panels to the trunk's lid in a seamless stripe of red elements.

Inside, the automaker threw everything it had in its basket so the owner of such a vehicle could say that the cabin was better than what a VIP lounge from an aircraft could offer. There were tons of options and features that could transform the A8L into a serene environment while being driven. The two individual seats in the back were separated by a wide console, where Audi installed a removable touchscreen tablet that controlled the seating positions, the climate control unit, and the sound system signed by Bang & Olufsen. At the front, the driver could enjoy the wood veneers and the Alcantara trims that surrounded them. In addition, Audi installed an LCD for the instrument cluster and a touchscreen for the infotainment system on the center stack. A second touch-sensitive display controlled the HVAC system.

Under the hood, Audi installed a choice of turbo diesel and gasoline engines in V6 and V8 configurations. Furthermore, it added a hybrid version that allowed the vehicle to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. All engine versions were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions that sent the power in all corners. Last but not least, the adaptive air suspension made customers feel like they were hovering over the road.

The third generation of Audi's flagship, the A8, was launched in November 2009 at Miami and in 2013 it received a facelift that added more stance on the road and more grunt under the hood.

The Audi A8 was already famous due to its appearance in various movies. The first generation starred in the Ronin while new generations appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Avengers: Age of Ultron. But even hero's cars need an update from time to time. And in 2013 it was about time.

The facelift featured new headlights, named Matrix-Led. The headlamp was built by Hella and the LEDs were made by Osram. With their power combined, the final result was a spectacular flow of light in front of the car, but without side-effects for the oncoming drivers. The grille was redesigned as well. In the rear, the most noticeable detail was the exhaust tips, which was trapezoidal and not round as the pre-facelifted version. Moreover, the navigation system and the headlights computer communicated and the car could lit a curve before the driver even turn the steering wheel.

Inside, there was a new MMI (multi media interface) system for the 2014 A8. It featured an LTE WiFi modem that could offer instant access to up to eight devices. The genuine leather upholstery was standard, but for those who wished, there was a vegetable-tanned unicum leather.

The A8 facelift was fitted with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines. While all of the diesel versions were single or bi-turbo, for the gasoline units some were naturally aspirated.

The third generation of Audi's flagship, the A8, was launched in November 2009 at Miami and in 2013 it received a facelift that added more stance on the road and more power under the hood.

The Audi A8 was already famous due to its appearance in various movies such as Spider-Man and Avengers.

The facelift featured Audi’s new headlights, the Matrix-Led. The headlamp was built by Hella and the LEDs were made by Osram. With their power combined, the final result was a spectacular flow of light in front of the car, but without side-effects for the oncoming drivers. The grille was redesigned as well. In the rear, the most noticeable detail was the exhaust tips, which was trapezoidal and not round as the pre-facelifted version. Moreover, the navigation system and the headlights computer communicated and the car could lit a curve before the driver even turn the steering wheel.

The cabin was gorgeous, with double-stitched leather, wood trims, brushed aluminum, and the highest quality materials. One of the best-isolated cabins, even at high speeds, the A8 L was incredibly silent.

The Audi A8 L was longer and wider than the A8, gaining 13 cm in both length and wheelbase. The main beneficiaries of the longer wheelbase were the rear seat occupants, with the A8 L offering a limousine-like space.

Audi showed the third generation of the A8 and A8L in Miami, followed by a full disclosure at the 2010 North American International Motor Show.

Ever since its first generation, the A8 stunned its customers with its high-tech features, light construction, and all-wheel-drive system. BMW and Mercedes-Benz were mainly rear-wheel-drive, with a few options for traction in all corners, while only one version of the A8 was available with an option for front-wheel-drive. But that was not the only difference.

The car's exterior showed more similarities with its smaller brother, the A4. Audi said that it did it that way to create a corporate image, but from the profile, the L was different. Unlike the regular model, which had similar-length doors, the A8L had the rear ones longer. That was due to the extended wheelbase by 13 cm (5.12").

But all that length was added for an impressive interior, especially for the rear passengers. While those at the front had the same toys and gimmicks from the regular model, it was a luxurious, five-star spa in the back. Above the seats, the carmaker offered an option for a sunroof. Instead of a bench, Audi installed two individual armchairs with a reclining option. On the front's seats seatback, the carmaker placed folding footrests. A console separated the rear occupants, and there the customer could have chosen a refrigerator.

Under the hood, Audi installed a wide engine choice ranged between 250 hp and 500 hp. All versions featured all-wheel-drive, Quattro systems, and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Audi's flagship car was the Audi A8 and, in 2010, its features were designed to improve the ride quality and ensure comfortable journeys on any distances.

Even if it looked like it was an expanded A4 or A6, the A8 had few details that could show the difference. But according to some Audi studies, their owners were looking for a limousine that looked like a lower model, just to go under the radar.

The exterior look started with the single-frame grille that made Audi fans go crazy around the world. They loved it. The A8's headlights were with xenon and LED, to enhance the visibility at corners and the foglights were incorporated into the main lamp. In the bumper, where the foglights used to be, there were radars and sensors. The A8 was built on the Audi Space Frame concept with aluminum body structure just to be lighter.

Inside, the luxurious A8 featured an innovative infotainment unit with pop-up tweeters on the dashboard that was open for a better sound experience. The infotainment screen was also retractable into the dashboard, to not ruin the clean lines of the design. On the center console, a touch-pad was installed to control the infotainment system. Special detail was given to the shape of the gear-selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission, that looked like a throttle for an airplane.

The A8 had engines and transmissions for all the purposes. It had a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with front-wheel-drive to be used for, let's say, VIP shuttle, or a mighty 6.3-liter W12 engine. To enhance comfort, the A8 was fitted with air-suspension.

A 4-door luxury sedan that won the hearts of many customers, the Audi A8 was redesigned for 2005.

A new,single-frame grille inspired by the Nuvolari quattro concept, a revised interior for greater comfort and safety and new, more powerful engines with lower CO2 emissions - all were part of the new A8.

Both a short and a long wheelbase were offered, with the latter offering great comfort for the passengers in the rear seats.

The long wheelbase version was with 5.1 inches longer and heavier than the other, and wasn’t as easy to drive around town.

The A8 had an elegant look that didn’t shout any of the power given by the impressive engines.

The A8 came with several engine options: a 3.0-liter TDI that was the most recommended for its durability and power, a 3.2-liter V6, a 4.2-lite V8 with stronger performances and two powerful and refined 4.2-liter V8 and 6.0-liter V12 powerplants, the latter developing 450 hp.

A 4-wheel-drive system was offered and the power was transmitted to the wheels through a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The sedan came with air suspension that contributed to the comfortable rides the A8 offered.

The cabin of the A8 was refined, with great quality materials used all across. Leather upholstery was standard.

The car’s functions could be accessed by using the rotary switch between the seats.

Great trunk size was also part of the expensive deal.

Audi unveiled the second generation of its flagship model, the A8, in 2002 and introduced it to the market later that year.

The car went through a long and costly development process due to its aluminum bodywork. The car's design was ready in 2000, and the prototype was shown in 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the "Avantissimo" concept car. But, when it came on the market, it was the lightest car in its segment.

Miklós Kovács and Imre Hasanic were the main contributing designers for the car's exterior. They chose one of four full-size prototype models. The rounded shapes and clear-cut headlights design resembled those installed on the A4 but wider. Its main grille was complemented by an additional one placed on the lower side of the bumper, under the license plate area. A set of slim and wide scoops flanked it and sported the fog lights. With a long and curved greenhouse, the A8 featured a low drag coefficient, thanks also to the sloped rear window that ended on the flat, horizontal trunk lid. Like its predecessor, the A8 featured a third window behind the rear doors.

Inside, there were four design models made before one was chosen to represent the company's flagship. Despite being an executive vehicle, the carmaker focused on the driver's area and installed all the controls close to the driver's seat. In the back, the A8 offered a choice for a profiled for two or two individual seats, depending on the options. One of the most important features of the car was the MMI (Multi Media Interface), which matched the BMW iDrive system from the 7-Series. It was also the first Audi with DVD-based maps.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a wide engine range which started with a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter turbo-diesel and went up to the fierce 6.0-liter W12 gasoline engine.

The first generation Audi A8 was introduced in 1994 at the Geneva Motor Show, and was the first Audi strong rival to the full-size luxurious sedans produced by BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes.

Replacing the Audi V8, the new A8 was built on a new Volkswagen Group D2 platform and was the first series car with an aluminum body and chassis, known as the Audi Space Frame.

Besides the regular Audi A8, an extended wheelbase version was also available, the Audi A8 L. The model added 127mm (5 inches) of rear legroom, offering passengers a more comfortable ride.

Aesthetically, the Audi A8 did not have the upmarket image of its rivals, but underneath the rather dull skin, a comfortable and luxurious vehicle was hidden.

Inside, the cabin was fitted with premium quality materials, and while the design was not overly flashy, everything was superbly built and easy to use. Besides the standard leather upholstery, the wood trims added to the luxurious limousine feel.

With highly supportive seats and plenty of head room and leg room for all occupants, the Audi A8 couldn’t disappoint when it came to long trips.

Offering only large gasoline units, the Audi A8 was a pretty thirsty lady. Even in the entry-level, the car was fitted with a 2.8-liter unit that developed 193 hp. The other two engine options included a 3.7-liter and a 4.2-liter V8 powerplant.

Just as Mercedes offered the AMG version, such did Audi with the launch of the sportier Audi S8. The powerful S8 had 360 hp under the hood.