The History and Evolution of the Audi A8

When the Audi A8 first entered into production it was the new sedan that would succeed the Audi V8 which made its first appearance on the scene in 1994. It took its predecessor’s place as the new flagship sedan. It was offered in a front wheel drive with luxury amenities such as dual zone climate control along with leather upholstery and a power sunroof. The full-sized luxury sedan was built to seat five and provide a sporty driving experience. The only engine size offered at this time was the 4.2-liter V 8 that ranked out 310 horsepower. The car would remain unchanged until 2000.

2000 Audi A8

In 2000, the Audi A8 was offered in a 4.2-liter Quattro and a second choice in the 4.2-liter Quattro extended wheelbase models. For the 2000 production year, some new enhancements were added including a 5-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission, navigation and cruise control.

2004 Audi A8 Redesign

The new A8 received a redesign in its platform to include a L model with a long wheelbase and the shorter wheelbase which would make its arrival in 2005. The 2005 model was available in a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that generated 330 horsepower and was mated to a sex-speed automatic transmission. A new Audi MMI system was made available for the first time in the A8 sedan.

2008 Audi A8 Refresh and updates

The next significant changes for the Audi A8 would come in the 2008 model. The car received a total refresh of the grill design along with some impressive new electronic safety monitors. The Audi Lane Assist and the Audi Side Assist were introduced. These both enhanced the safety ratings for the A8.

2011 Audi A8

Audi was clearly evolving the A8 lineup with the 2011 model sporting a restyling and definite refresh in the exterior aesthetics. It also received a boost in the horsepower that bumped the number up to 372. This was applied throughout the all wheel drive system for the vehicle and new owners could also opt for LED headlights in 2011 as they were offered as an option for the first time.

2013 Audi A8

The 4.2-liter V-8 engine which had been a staple in the US versions of the Audi A8 was replaced in 2013 and the new power plant was a supercharged TFSI 3.0-liter V-6 engine granting 333 horsepower along with the choice of a 4.0-liter V-8 engine that brought forth 420 horsepower. The latter was a twin turbocharged engine.

2015 Audi A8

The 2015 model of the A8 featured a responsive all-wheel drive system and an aluminum frame. The torque it had to offer was in the neighborhood of 328 lb ft with a 4.2-liter direct injected V-8 engine that brought home 372 horsepower and if that wasn’t enough for you, it was upgrade-able to a W-12 with 500 horses.

2019 Audi A8

The legacy continues with the 2019 edition of the Audi A8. The most recent edition of the line doesn’t disappoint when it comes to luxury features. It’s offered in 19 inch alloy wheels for the base model along with LED headlamps, air suspension, remote entry and start, a power trunk lid, heated folding powered side mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a camera for parking, quad-zone climate control, a collision mitigation system, heated power front seats, premium leather upholstery, a new Bose audio system, GPS, Bluetooth a touchscreen, smartphone and USB integration, rolling WiFi and a lot more. The new model is powered with a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that cranks 333 horsepower and offers 325 lb ft of torque for sporty excellence in acceleration and a sporty feel.