While the Audi A8 has always seemed to wear an understated tuxedo with its sleek looks and undeniable style, the third-generation model has been in circulation for the last seven years. It’s one of the last few models to still sport Audi’s tall, square grille and it’s time for a serious revamp. So, it was no surprise when we started seeing prototypes hitting the streets and the Nürburgring, and now – after a quick peak at the Spider-Man: Homecoming premiere, Audi has laid it all out on the table. As is the usual case with Audi, overall design changes are somewhat minimal, but it does get the new, wide grille, a pair of sexy headlight units, and repositioned body lines that make it even more appealing than ever before. Inside, there’s a completely redesigned dashboard with new technology, updated user interface controls, and it finally gets Audi’s new piloted driving system which allows remote parking and semi-autonomous driving in highway traffic. To go along with this, the A8 gets a revises suspension system that includes all-wheel steering and active suspension. Topping off the new generation is a pair of reengineered, turbocharged V-6 engines that will eventually be joined by a pair of V-8 powerplants and a 6.0-liter W-12 for the range-topping model.

So, with all that in mind, one can’t help but wonder how the new A8 will stand up against the new Mercedes S-Class and the new BMW 7 Series. It’s obviously going to be a tough call as to which is better, but Audi is coming to the party prepared to throw down. So, let’s dive on in and take a better look at the new Audi A8 – there are lots of details to cover.

2018 Audi A8

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2018 Audi A8
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Pros

Cons

Official video

Exterior

What we have here is a deceptively fresh look that makes it easy to forget that the last A8 was as attractive as it was. Now, when it comes to the side profile, there isn’t a lot of change. In fact, it looks like a genetic engineer simply played with some DNA to make some minor mutations as opposed to an engineer coming up with a fresh design. From the beltline up, the new A8 looks nearly identical, with the only noticeable difference being the slightly taller mirrors with smaller corner mounts. Otherwise, the rear stationary window, shape of the window cutouts and the roofline have practically carried over. The window trim along the top is now a bit thicker, so it does stand out more, but that’s about it. Check it out:

What has change along the side profile is the way the lower body lines are executed. In the previous model, the contour of the front fender fed into the body line that ran below the belt line. Well, some genius over at Audi (and I’m not being sarcastic) decided to base the uppermost body line on the hood line to provide a fresh look. The contour of the front fender still leads into its own body line, but it slowly fades away and blends into the doors just below the mirrors – it’s really a nice touch! Down below, the lower body line has been enhanced in size and angled just slightly upward in the rear, giving the car a commanding look from the side without sacrificing a level ride height.

Up front is where Audi executed the most changes, and I think I speak for just about everybody when I say that it’s about damn time. The biggest problem with the look of the outgoing generation is just how boxy the front looked, but the new-gen model makes that all something of the past, bringing an end to the visual nightmare that was Audi’s old grille design. With a shorter but wider approach to the grille, the hood now has a smooth edge from corner to corner. The sharp points of the grille allow for top outer edges that run parallel with the new headlights in a sleek fashion while the rounded lower corners follow the contour of the fascia. The wrap around chrome trim that runs along the lower fascia and wraps around the corner vents has been enlarged and now sits higher in the corners with an extra pair of louvers above the fog lights. To be honest, there’s almost too much going on down here in the corners, but it’s not bad, and those new chrome louvers go really well with the central LED strips in the new headlights.

The redesign of the rear end was executed just as well as the front, with a whole new take on not only the rear fascia but the design of the taillights as well. Where the outgoing model had taller, thicker units that were split between the rear quarters and the rear decklid, the new model uses a thicker chrome strip to go with a long LED strip to visually connect the corners together. The taillights come to a perfect point in the corners and feature an attractive matrix layout that should look sexy at night. Down below, the large chrome strip has been removed and in its place sits a recessed area that’s filled in the ends with long reflector units. The lip at the bottom is all new and completely unique in this segment with the exhaust outlets integrated so well, you’re not sure if they are exhaust outlets or trim elements. Very nice.

New Audi A8 Vs. Old Audi A8

New A8 vs Our Rendering

Spy-shot-based rendering	Official 2018 Audi A8

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

For Audi, the redesign of the A8 is pretty extensive when you consider that Audi usually doesn’t change much. Sure, you don’t mess with success, but sometimes a new look is exactly what is needed. The exterior of the new A8 proves this without a doubt, but the interior, that’s a whole new world as well, and talk about impressive. Let’s take a look at it compared to the outgoing model:

2018 Audi A8 Interior	2017 Audi A8 Interior

Obviously, the new A8 has an evolutionary cabin in comparison. The massive button panels from the old A8 have been replaced by a new touchscreen display that matches the new 10.1-inch infotainment display that is mounted inside the center stack – a first for an Audi that I can recall in recent years. The center console is just as wide but features sharper trim on the edges while the shifter has been moved forward a bit. The storage bin to the right of the shifter and the rear-sitting cup holders remain as part of the new cabin. Naturally, the seats get a new design and are fairly supportive for a sedan this size, while the door trim panels got a makeover, too. They are still quite similar, but the armrest is curved a little more in the middle, providing better access to the cubby below.

Ahead of the driver sits an all-new steering wheel that features a completely unique design with just two spokes – one on each side – that curve around and connect to the bottom of the center hub. The new hub is smaller and provides for much better visibility toward the instrument cluster. And then, there’s that dash. Flatter than ever before and now featuring a long, thin air vent, with shutters that are electronically controlled based on user input to the HVAC control display on the center console. This provides for one of the cleanest looks every, and the long trim that runs along the face sits flush with the infotainment display for an elegant look.

The seats are perforated to provide heating and ventilation, while the A8 L can be optioned with a “relaxation seat” that allows for four different adjustment options and a footrest – you know, for those who like to be chauffeured around in ultimate comfort. Rear seat passengers get their own remote mounted to the rear center console that is removable. It allows them to control things like ambient lighting, reading lights, and the seat massage functions. They are also able to make private phone calls via a separate operating unit. As far as user input, the onboard infotainment systems allow for input via a touchpad up front as well as voice control. Navigation works seamlessly and pulls information from the LTE internet connection. European models offer up 3D renderings of most major European cities, much like the infotainment systems found in new BMW models.

Finally, drivers will get a little bit of relief in high-level stop-and-go traffic thanks to Audi’s new AI traffic jam pilot. It works basically like every other semi-autonomous system in which it can handle the legwork in difficult and slow-moving traffic up to a reported speed of about 37 mph. However, keep in mind that this feature is only available below that speed threshold and only when there is a barrier between your road and the traffic moving in the opposite direction. This system includes an AI remote parking system that can imitate Tesla’s automatic garage parking feature. Its operation doesn’t require the driver to be inside the vehicle and via a smartphone app can be monitored thanks to the 360 camera cleverly hidden on the body.

All told, I have to say that the new A8 is the sedan of sedans, and that’s saying a lot as I’m usually pretty critical of Audi. This time around, however, I’m thoroughly impressed, and I tip my hat to the engineers. I can’t wait to take a seat inside one of these bad boys for the first time.

Drivetrain

For this generation, Audi went all out in the drivetrain department. You’ll ultimately have the choice between a pair of six-cylinders, a pair of eight-cylinders, and a W-12. There will be one diesel and one gasoline engine for both main engine sizes, with the 3.0-liter V-6 being the only options available when the A8 first rolls into showrooms. In gasoline form, the 3.0-liter offers up 340 horsepower while the diesel promises 286 ponies. There’s no work on torque at this point, but logic dictates that the diesel will be superior in this department. Both of these engines have been reworked, so it’s not the same 3.0-liter offerings that you can get from Audi at this point in time.

At some point after the A8 hits showrooms, Audi will begin offering a 4.0-liter V-8, in diesel and gasoline form, as well. In gasoline form, you’ll get a fair 460 horsepower while the oil burner will get you just a bit less at 435 horsepower. Finally, the range-topper is the 6.0-liter W-12. Audi has yet to provide any specs for this engine, but it should match pretty well with anything of the W-12s offered by Bentley, which could mean as much as 600+ horsepower and nearly 600 pound-feet of torque – obviously a monster and a gas hog, but it maxed out form, it can get the 2017 Flying Spur and its 5,400 pounds up to 199 mph, hitting 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, so chances are anyone willing to outrun you will see nothing but those sexy taillights.

What’s more important than the specs here is that all of these engine options will make use of Audi’s mild hybrid technology (also known as MHEV) in which a 48-volt system is used to provide power to electronics and allows for the use of a belt alternator starter (also known as BAS). These are important because they solve the issue of the minor waiting period between engine shut off and start up when stopping or coasting. If you’ve ever used early systems, you used it once then probably disabled it if you don’t have some serious patience. There’s nothing worse than trying to go and having to wait for a split second before you get moving. All told, the system provides a recovery output of about 12 kW, which in combination with engine-off coasting, manages to save 0.2 gallons per 62 miles according to Audi.

Finally, Audi is also working on an A8 L e-tron Quattro that will naturally be a plug-in hybrid model. Audi says that it will combine a 3.0-liter gasoline mill with an electric motor to produce a system output of 449 ponies and 516.3 pound-feet of torque. All-electric operation on this model won’t be much, though. With the sheer size and weight of the A8 L, the battery will only offer 31.1 miles of electric range. Audi hasn’t mentioned the actual size of the lithium-ion battery, but it has to be fairly large to get a model this size to go more than 30 miles on battery power alone.

A look at the A8’s active suspension:

Of course, Audi’s video is computer generated, so there’s no footage of the suspension working in the real world, but it certainly looks promising. And, since Bose was able to do it 10 years ago, it’s quite likely that Audi could have managed to put together something even better. It runs on the A8’s 48-volt electrical system and uses a camera to detect obstacles in the road ahead. The suspension controller will then adjust each shock automatically at just the right time to prevent the effects of the obstacle from being transferred into the passenger cabin.

It can also compensate for body roll during spirited driving and prevent the car from taking a nose dive when braking hard. It can even detect an imminent collision and adjust the car’s ride height so that in the event of a collision, the offending car actually makes contact with the strongest part of the A8. According to Audi, the suspension can raise either side by as much as 3.1 inches, which is said to reduce the load on occupants by as much as 50 percent. The collision protection feature only works at speeds up to 15.5 mph, to prevent the possibility of the control loss at higher speeds. That certainly raises the bar for passive safety, doesn’t it?

To put things into perspective, each wheel gets an electric motor that, paired with a rotary tube, torsion bar, and a lever, can exert up to 811.3 pound-feet of torque in the name of a smooth ride. Sounds pretty wild, huh? Audi says it’s able to react precisely to prevent any vibrations or jolts from the road. In addition to this, the A8 also gets dynamic and rear-wheel steering, which helps keep things sporty while offering up a high level of handling for a car this size. The A8 is said to have a turning circle smaller than that of the mid-size Audi A4. That’s certainly a bold statement, but we’ll hold judgement until we actually see this thing in action. It sounds like you can work in the back while your chauffeur bends corners or you can drive your large sedan like it’s a Porsche 911. We’ll find out more soon when the car makes its official debut on July 11 at the Audi Summit in Barcelona. What do you think about this new suspension system for the A8? Let us know in the comments section below.

Pricing

The new A8 is set to hit showrooms in a few months as we roll into fall of 2017. It will start out at €90,600 for the standard-length model, and €94,100 for the A8 L. Those figures compute to $103,968 and $107,984, respectively. As a reference, That represents an increase on the German market of €6,600 for the A8 and €4,200 for the A8L. the current Audi A8L here in the U.S. starts out at $82,500, so expect a pricing increase here in the U.S. of around $5,000 or so to around $87,000.

Competition

Mercedes S-Class

This wouldn’t be an Audi review without comparing it to something else from Germany, and the Mercedes S-Class fits the bill pretty well. It’s a bit more expensive, starting out at $95,650 for the S550, but that gets you a 4.7-liter Biturbo V-8 that delivers 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque – enough to push the S550 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. As you move up the range, there is the S550e plug-in hybrid that runs a 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor. The hybrid package delivers 436 horsepower and 479 pound-feet for the same $95,650 – as it turns out, you don’t have to pay Mercedes more to be green. Next in line is the S550 4Matic at $98,650, the S600 with a whopping increase to $189,050, and finally the AMG S63 and S65 sedans that command $143,250 and $224,650, respectively.

Read our full review on the Mercedes S-Class here.

BMW 7 Series

Since we’re sticking with a German theme here, we might as well look to the other big German manufacturer. At the time of this writing, BMW’s biggest sedan offering is the 7 Series. While it starts out cheaper at just $81,300 for the 740i trim level with 320 horsepower from a 3.0-liter, turbocharged, V-6, the 750i at $94,400 actually hits the nail right on the head with a 4.4-liter V-8 that delivers 445 horsepower and a 60-mph sprint in just 4.7 seconds. Opting for the 750i xDrive gets you the same horsepower with all-wheel drive and a 60-mph sprint that takes just 4.3 seconds. As you can see, the 750 is the real competitor for the A8 as far as power and price goes, but you can’t beat an entry level model that is at least $10,000 cheaper than what Audi offers with the A8.

Read our full review on the BMW 7 Series here.

Conclusion

So, the new A8 is finally here, and man and I’m impressed. Usually, it drives me crazy how little Audi can change with its facelifts and generational shifts, but not this time. This is one gorgeous looking sedan, and now that the big bulky grille is gone, it’s really sporty and attractive up front. And, you really can’t beat the rear end either. Then you’ve got that fresh interior that just makes the outgoing model look even more dated than ever. Needless to say, it’s not a bad way to spend $90,000 to $100,000 if you’re in the market for a high-end sedan. However, I would probably wait for the W-12, or at the very least the V-8 models. I like to have lots of "getup and go."

What do you think of the new A8? Let us know in the comments section below.

Rendering

Since we’ve gotten a good look at spy shots of the 2017 Audi A8, we decided we would tap into our resident artist and ask him to create a rendering of what the next A8 will look like. As in typical Audi fashion, the A8 isn’t likely to change a whole lot, and our artist has reflected on that perfectly. As you can see, the biggest change come for 2017 is probably the reshaped grille up front. It will now feature longer slants on the upper corners that run parallel with the inner edge of the headlights. This gives the car a much sleeker appearance, and finally it won’t look as much like a Chrysler 300 up front.

As part of the front end’s restyling, the headlights will now take on a more slanted appearance and, thanks to the shorter, reshaped grille, the hood will now bend over a bit in the front – giving the car the proper nose it has always deserved. Speaking of the hood, we also expect it to take on a more muscular design, featuring sleeker body lines on the outside and a more muscular tone to the center.

We expect the side profile to remain about the same. The lower body line will probably be more dominant than before to go with the muscular hood, and the body line that runs from the headlight to the rear, between the waistline and the door handles, will be sharper than ever. Around back, changes will likely be limited to a slightly revised rear fascia and redesigned taillight units. Even with just these minor changes, the 2017 A8 will be the best-looking A8 to date, and that is something we can all be happy about.

Spy Shots

April 11, 2017 - Next Audi A8 starts dropping camouflage

December 27, 2016 - Next Audi A8 caught testing in snowy Sweden

June 14, 2016 - Audi A8 testing at Nurburgring

Update History

Updated 04/11/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Audi A8 out for a new testing session and wearing less camouflage than previous times. The new A8 will be making its official debut in July.

Updated 12/27/2016: The next generation Audi A8 was caught testing once again, this time during cold weather conditions in snowy Sweden.

Update 7/25/2016: We’ve composed a rendering of what the 2017 Audi A8 might look like based on the most recent spy shots. Check out the Rendering section below to read all about it.

Updated 06/14/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Audi A8 out for a new testing session around Nurburgring.